Gerald Romanchuk photo
Participate in YEG’s Christmas bird count on December 18
Our city’s annual bird count, sponsored by the Edmonton Nature Club, is Sunday, December 18. This traditional citizen-science project contributes to an immense database managed and analyzed by Birds Canada and the National Audubon Society.
Edmonton has been continuously participating since 1955 and holds the world record for number of participants. Prior to the turn of the 20th century, hunters engaged in a holiday tradition known as the Christmas "Side Hunt." They would choose sides and go afield with their guns and whoever brought in the biggest pile of feathered and furred quarry won.
Conservation was in its beginning stages in that era, and many observers and scientists were becoming concerned about declining bird populations. Beginning on Christmas Day 1900, ornithologist Frank M. Chapman, an early officer in the nascent Audubon Society, proposed a new holiday tradition, a Christmas Bird Census that would count birds during the holidays rather than hunt them.
Hundreds of people participate in Edmonton. Feeder watchers tally birds in their yard and teams of counters, referred to as bush beaters, scour the city, to gather information on bird numbers. If you would like to join the count, get details at https://www.edmontonchristmasbirdcount.ca/participate.html
Slightly untidy gardens are best for overwintering native bees
Almost all of Alberta’s bees lead a solitary life, and most survive the winter as larvae. The adult female, after laying her eggs in a burrow or other cavity, will not live to see her young emerge in the spring and summer. Many species seek out cavities provided by material such as loose bark or dead leaves. For bumble bees, a perfect spot is an abandoned rodent nest or within a piece of wood or compost pile.
Andrenid bees hibernate in underground tunnels and emerge in the spring before most plants get started. A patch of bare soil on a dirt path or south facing incline, could be a location for ground nesting bees. Whatever their life cycles, all bees need sheltered places to survive the winter either as pre-pupae or hibernating adults.
If you choose to tidy up debris or dig up spots of packed bare ground, be aware that you may be removing next season’s generation of bee pollinators. Tilling the soil can destroy ground nesting bees’ burrows and clearing away too much dead material in the fall removes critical shelter from winter elements. Learn more at https://cdn.sanity.io/files/d59screl/production/7e6541479a0e55b527b137e1b37224cbb0aa30dd.pdf
Want to join NSRVCS board of directors, contact us
In preparation for our Annual General Meeting in March 2023, the North Saskatchewan River Valley Conservation Society invites you to be involved with a dynamic organization seeking to preserve Edmonton’s river valley for future generations. If you are interested in being nominated to the Board of Directors, please contact us.
Our mission is to engage people and influence the planning and future direction of Edmonton’s river valley by taking a leadership role in educating and connecting people and ensuring decisions are made based on conservation values. We work in partnership with residents and communities, government, Indigenous peoples as well as all those who are interested in preserving our natural heritage.
The Board’s current priorities are advocating for Big Island-Woodbend provincial park in Edmonton’s southwest river valley, establishment of a National Urban Park that would connect ecological systems and regional landscapes along the North Saskatchewan River in Edmonton and the Metro region, and ongoing conservation and preservation of Edmonton’s river valley by being vigilant about development that impacts Bylaw 7188, the North Saskatchewan River Valley Area Redevelopment Plan. Learn more about us at https://www.edmontonrivervalley.org/
River Valley Trail Strategy & Natural Area Reserve Fund our budget priorities
Patsy emailed “Just wanted to congratulate you on your River Valley News issues which come to me by email and which I also see circulated in the community newsletter. Many thanks to NSRVCS for doing that presentation to Council. Thanks for your sustained good communications work.”
Dr. Lila Fahlman the first Muslim woman awarded the Order of Canada
Lise writes “My sister-in-law turned me on to your newsletter, and I have to let you know, I love it! The articles are very informative and I believe should have a wide distribution, such as the one about Dr. Lila Fahlman. What a fascinating, ground-breaking woman. Thank you for bringing her story to public attention. As a former principal in Calgary, I worked with many Muslim families whom I greatly admired for their generosity and public service.”
Photo by Maureen Elhatton, who wrote “Just back from walking in a wooded area near 127 St & 144 Ave. Saw this beautiful pileated woodpecker, largest one in North America.”
Comment or contribution
Please note that articles may not reflect the position of NSRVCS. River Valley News is meant to be a clearinghouse for the wide variety of opinions and ideas about Edmonton’s River Valley. Email river valley photos, event information, comments, or questions to nsrivervalley@gmail.com
Sincerely yours,
Harvey Voogd
North Saskatchewan River Valley Conservation Society
780.691.1712