Help preserve YEG river valley and ravine system via phone photos
Most of us who spend time in Edmonton’s river valley and ravines carry cell phones. If you are interested in helping contribute to a comprehensive data set of plants, birds, wildlife, insects and other forms of nature in our city’s river valley and ravines, please participate in the iNaturalist.ca website and app. It is a great way to learn what species are known, and to submit photos that can become useful scientific data.
The link to iNaturalist records in Edmonton, which has nearly 30,000 photo records of almost 2,600 species is
https://inaturalist.ca/observations?place_id=136028&subview=map By helping document what lives in our river valley and ravines, you will be a citizen scientist contributing to a compelling database of why our ribbon of green must be conserved and preserved for us and future generations.
It is also a neat way to check for records of, say, raccoons in Edmonton, which were recently in the news. There are no photos submitted from within the city limits, but there is a photo taken 3 year ago in nearby Sturgeon County https://inaturalist.ca/observations?place_id=164051&subview=map&taxon_id=41663
Big Lake and Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park
Big Lake borders Edmonton, St. Albert, Parkland County and Sturgeon County. The lake sits on the sands and gravels of the Empress Formation, an aquifer 30 meters below its surface that was laid down by retreating glacial meltwaters.
Big Lake is 8 km in length and 3 km at its widest point. At its delta, one of only three bird’s foot deltas found in Alberta, the lake narrows to 100m. The lake is shallow, with depths varying between 0.3 to 4.1m. Banks along the southern shore are steep, directing the lake’s flood waters towards the west, north and east to feed surrounding marshlands during high water years.
On Earth Day 2005, Big Lake became Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park in honour of the former Lieutenant Governor of Alberta. The park is recognized as a globally significant important bird area for its abundant and diverse bird populations, especially waterfowl and shorebirds.
Over 235 bird species have been recorded at Big Lake and some 180+ are recorded annually. At risk species that use the lake include Trumpeter Swans, Sprague's Pipits and Peregrine Falcons. More information at http://bless.ab.ca/
Fort Sask Hwy 15 eastbound bridge includes pedestrian crossing
After several years in the works, the Highway 15 eastbound bridge crossing the North Saskatchewan River is open for transit. The project involved the construction of a second bridge crossing the North Saskatchewan River at the southern entrance to the City of Fort Saskatchewan and twinning the remaining two-lane section of Highway 15 towards Edmonton.
The pedestrian crossing portion of the Highway 15 bridge project is one of 14 initiatives undertaken by the River Valley Alliance. According to Kristine Archibald, RVA Executive Director, its $110-million capital program aims to connect the longest river valley pedestrian trail in North America through the longest river valley park system in North America.
The RVA initiative was launched 20 years ago to support and promote active and healthy lifestyles, anchor the social, environmental and economic fabric of the region, and stimulate regional community building and revitalization initiatives. More information at https://www.fortsaskatchewanrecord.com/news/highway-15-bridge-is-open-for-transit
City of Edmonton river valley trail maps
The city has a selection of comprehensive, seasonal trail maps to help you enjoy our gorgeous, expansive river valley. The maps highlight the parks, trails, boat launches and attractions in the River Valley from the Anthony Henday Drive in southwest Edmonton to Hermitage Park in northeast Edmonton.
There are central, west and east river valley trail maps you can download, a river valley distance guide and links to river valley dog off leash sites and a bicycle map. The city web site also has a Discover YEG Map, an interactive and mobile friendly map you can use to discover the river valley parks and bike routes citywide. Info at https://www.edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation/parks_rivervalley/river-valley-trail-maps
October 13 Issue
Virendra writes “Thank you again for this fascinating information. Because of your efforts, we know more about what is around us.”
Jeanna and Kirsten emailed “We so enjoy your excellent newsletter. Always interesting. Many thanks. Your River Valley neighbours.”
Moth flying like a hummingbird and feeding on my verbena bonsinara in the early evening. Photo by Maureen Elhatton
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