River valley park named after Jan Reimer
A river valley park in west Edmonton is being named in honour of Jan Reimer, the first woman elected mayor of Alberta's capital city. The park will be part of existing river valley parkland close to the Oleskiw neighbourhood, located near the Terwillegar Park footbridge.
"A lifelong Edmontonian, during her public-service career she dedicated herself to advancing important civic initiatives," said Erin McDonald, chair of the city's naming committee. "Through the lens of history, it is clear that Jan Reimer had a significant impact on Edmonton."
During her time on council, Reimer advocated for changing the title of alderman to councillor. She worked for improvements to the city's waste management system, such as eco stations and the collection of recyclable materials.
Jan Reimer worked on initiatives to improve the water quality of the North Saskatchewan River, to preserve the river valley and extend the trail system. She helped establish the Edmonton Arts Council and the Aboriginal Advisory Committee. Read more at https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/jan-reimer-mayor-park-edmonton-1.6262733
AB Wildlife Act protects hibernaculum due to importance to snakes
Lack of food and warm weather affects many species in Alberta. The garter snake is another example of an animal facing these issues. As they are incapable of long migrations, they are forced to find other survival techniques.
A hibernacula does just the trick for these species of snakes. This is an underground cavity where garter snakes will be protected from the cold and frost line. A hibernacula could take the form of a rocky outcrop, an old well, or any other underground hollow. In Alberta, these areas are rare, especially since they prefer them to be near water sources such as stream.
This means that hundreds of garter snakes in an area are likely to congregate in one place. As they huddle together during their hibernation, they help each other to conserve heat. Having large numbers of males and females together also allows for springtime mating near the hibernacula. An individual garter snake is likely to return to the same site year after year.
Since these species prefer to be near water, you will find them in river valleys or near wetlands. These areas are crucial to the survival of these species, so it is important to not destroy or disturb a hibernacula site, even if it is not currently being used. These sites or hibernaculum are so important, due to the high density of vulnerable snakes, that they are protected by the Alberta Wildlife Act. More at https://www.ealt.ca/blog/huddled-hibernators
Edmonton Christmas Bird Count is December 19
The Edmonton Nature Club sponsors the Edmonton count. This traditional citizen science project contributes data to an immense database managed and analyzed by Bird Studies Canada and the National Audubon Society. Edmonton has been participating since 1955 and holds the world record for number of participants!
You have two participation options. Feeder watchers tally birds in their yard. You can stay home and keep a list of species and number of birds that visit your feeder(s) for a couple of hours on Sunday, December 19.
Teams of counters, referred to as bush beaters, scour the city, including our river valley and ravine system, to gather information on bird numbers. Every zone has teams of bush beaters to cover designated areas on foot or by vehicle, keeping a list of species and numbers of birds seen.
If you are a beginning birder, you will join a group that includes at least one experienced birdwatcher. Want to participate? Sign up at https://www.edmontonchristmasbirdcount.ca/participate.html
Help create a lasting river valley legacy
Calgary promotes its proximity to the Rocky Mountains to attract and retain talent. It is time Edmonton did the same thing regarding our Ribbon of Green. Edmonton’s North Saskatchewan River valley is our equivalent to the Rockies, our strongest differentiating feature.
The North Saskatchewan River Valley Conservation Society Capital Fund at the Edmonton Community Foundation was created to support conservation of natural lands in the City of Edmonton. The intent and purpose of the Fund is to support land acquisition and other activities that conserve the natural ecosystems in the river valley, giving priority to maintaining the biodiversity and ecological integrity of those lands for the public benefit.
Due to Edmontonians’ support last Christmas, the Fund was officially inaugurated with a balance of $13,051. Our goal this year is to increase the Fund to $25,000. The net income of the Fund is disbursed annually to the Edmonton and Area Land Trust. Your can give your charitable donation online at https://www.ecfoundation.org/funds/north-saskatchewan-river-valley-conservation-society-capital-fund/
Loveliness of ladybugs part of winter’s huddled hibernators
Liz writes “Great job. I have forwarded this to a friend. The Loveliness of ladybugs is a wonderful reason for keeping leaf litter in one’s yard. Then they are there in the spring to keep the nasty bugs away.”
Comment or contribution
If you have a comment, concern, or question, contact us at nsrivervalley@gmail.com Please also email us river valley photos or event information. Your friends, neighbours and colleagues can sign up for this newsletter on our web site.
Sincerely yours,
Harvey Voogd
North Saskatchewan River Valley Conservation Society
780.691.1712