Gibbons Cactus Prairie a piece of badlands near Edmonton
The Gibbons Cactus Prairie is a desert-like area located in Gibbons. The cactus patches are along the dry south facing slopes of the Sturgeon River Valley on town parkland. This is the only known place on public land where cacti grow wild in the Edmonton Metropolitan Region.
The Sturgeon River has cut deep into the bedrock in this area, exposing sediments laid down 60 to 130 million years ago. This has created a unique badlands zone along about 750m of the Sturgeon’s west bank that is similar to what you’d encounter near Drumheller.
Some 155 plant species are here, including the brittle prickly pear cactus, native grasses, as well as butterflies, birds, and other animals. It has features of both forest and riparian zone habitats, and has been mostly undisturbed by farming, making it a sort of living museum of the pre-settlement prairie.
There is concern regarding damage caused by snowmobiles and off-road vehicles. Learn more at https://www.stalberttoday.ca/local-news/gibbons-badlands-under-threat-kathleen-mpulubusi-patsy-cotterill-2149162
Coyote awareness and perception survey
The City of Edmonton would like to know how you perceive urban coyotes and their behaviours, how you would react when you see a coyote in various scenarios, and when you would call 311 or expect assistance from the City. Participate in the survey until May 15 at https://bit.ly/38v2iEs
Buffalo Bean flower an indicator bison bull hunt can begin
This native plant’s bright yellow flowers bloom in mid to late May or early June and its range extends from southern Alberta to Edmonton. The name buffalo bean comes from First Nations people who used its flowering time to indicate that bison bulls were now ready for the spring hunt.
Indigenous people made a dye from the flowers to colour skin bags and arrows. Petals were dried and smoked, and the flowers were also used as a cure for stomach disease. The brew was drunk, causing the person to pass what was bad. Roots were used for a horse medicine.
Buffalo bean provides both nectar and pollen for bees, unlike flowers of other species which provide only one or the other. More at https://plantwatch.naturealberta.ca/choose-your-plants/golden-bean/index.html
Edmonton naturalization and tree planting survey
The City would like to understand perspectives on naturalization and tree planting, identify opportunities for education and awareness, understand at a high level how Edmontonians use naturalized and open spaces in the City and where they would be supportive of naturalization and tree planting.
This feedback will be used to inform the greening initiatives and help prioritize and sequence naturalization and tree planting citywide. Survey is open until May 16 at https://bit.ly/3vV4PQf
Where is City leadership on eco-system degradation
Myron writes “My home backs onto a ravine, as do the homes of thirty other Grandview residents. Since the first trails were cut in 2016, we have seen a steady erosion of our ravine eco-system. We too have observed the improper and excessive cutting of trees to make way for new mountain bike trails.
I have tried to work with City officials, seeking to implement change. Over time, I have discovered that there is no there there. In other words, responsibility for our river valley is diffused over several departments; individual employees are empathetic to preserving our river valley, but they can’t seem to -in aggregate- implement changes that discernibly improve this diminishing resource. Who will provide leadership?”
River Valley Patrol needed
Ivan emailed “Found the letter last week about a patrol, especially for destruction of trees for the sake of mountain biking, really interesting. I live near Ravine Drive. Mountain bikers have been cutting trails in the valley for years.
I met with Parks Enforcement on one occasion and was told that without solid proof of cutting down trees and cutting trails, there was not much they could do. Unfortunately, there are mountain bikers in the City who feel very entitled. They are the few who make the vast majority of cyclists look bad.”
Proposed Edmonton-Strathcona County footbridge connecting 167 Avenue to Township Road 540.
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.
If you have a comment, concern, or question, contact us at nsrivervalley@gmail.com Please email us river valley photos or event information. Your friends, neighbours and colleagues can sign up for this newsletter on our web site https://www.edmontonrivervalley.org/
Sincerely yours,
Harvey Voogd
North Saskatchewan River Valley Conservation Society
780.691.1712