Eco benefits of our urban forest webinar
While you might know that the City of Edmonton keeps track of public trees and their value to Edmonton, did you know that there is also a map that residents can add to? All these trees added together make up Edmonton's urban forest and serve to benefit our city in a variety of ways.
Guest presenters from the City’s Urban Forestry department will present on the YEG Tree Map via a free webinar on October 8 at 6:30pm. You will learn how this tool calculates eco-benefits of trees and how residents can add private trees to this mapping inventory. This webinar will conclude with Q&A time.
As this is an online event, anyone can register even if you do not live in Edmonton. Registration and more info at https://tomorrowfoundation.ca/projects/community-science/october-8-webinar-yeg-tree-map-calculating-eco-benefits-of-our-urban-forest/
Epcor industrial project has no place in the river valley
A contentious solar farm proposed for Edmonton’s river valley remains a topic of division as it returns to city councillors for a vote Tuesday https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/epcors-contentious-river-valley-solar-farm-proposal-back-before-city-council-tuesday
But many environmental advocates remain unconvinced. Jim Rickett, with Save Gold Bar Park Alliance, said the changes proposed are minor and don’t prove the project essential for the river valley. Solar projects are a positive, Rickett argued, but not when in turn they are detrimental to wildlife and the surrounding environment.
Studies determined the project would have negative impacts to wildlife in the area with a reduction in habitat by 19.7 hectares. It is also expected to reduce connectivity for wildlife and increase the risk of death or injury as a result of bird collisions into the solar panels as well as entrapment.
“We’ve only got one river valley. It’s unique and it provides environmental protection and recreation opportunities. I think there’s a huge appetite and belief from citizens that as the city grows we need more publicly-accessible parkland, not less, and that’s why I believe that it continues to be extremely important to Edmontonians to protect the river valley,” Rickett said. “I feel I can say with extreme confidence that the majority of citizens don’t believe industrial projects in our river valley are best for our city or our citizens and we’re all waiting to see if council will vote in that regard.”
Stephen Madsen, president of the North Saskatchewan River Valley Conservation Society, said his main issue is with the rezoning of the land itself from a recreation and environmental protection zone. He argued that industrial projects, such as the solar farm, have no place in that type of area.
“In order to preserve the river valley, you need all aspects of the river valley. It’s not just the river at the boundary, you need the wetlands, you need the parts that approach it and you need to keep that open for your animals and the plant life,” he said. “The question is, is that the best place for the solar panels? We’re a big fan of green energy, but why there?”
If you also are concerned, send your comments to City Council at council@edmonton.ca or 311@edmonton.ca
Why dogs should be kept out of some natural areas
There are 61,912 dogs licenced by the City of Edmonton, of which 12% are not spayed or neutered. While many places welcome dogs, visitors to local conservation area Bunchberry Meadows are being asked to please respect site rules and leave their canine friends at home.
The Bunchberry Meadows Conservation Area is privately owned and managed by the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) and the Edmonton & Area Land Trust. The conservation area protects habitat and provides the public with a place to hike, cross-country ski, snowshoe and connect with nature.
Dogs can help to spread invasive plants into protected areas, and along with frightening the wildlife, they can also chase birds and trampling vegetation. Even something as simple as marking their scent on the trails is enough to deter some wildlife from using the site.
There are plenty of off-leash areas in Edmonton and nearby communities that provide a controlled environment for dogs to exercise, socialize and bond with their owners. More info on Bunchberry Meadows at
https://www.natureconservancy.ca/en/where-we-work/alberta/stories/keep-bunchberry-dog-free.html?utm_campaign=LEAFLET_0820&utm_source=eblast&utm_medium=email&utm_content=AB2
Newsletter sign up and contributions
Know someone who would enjoy receiving this weekly newsletter? You can sign up for this newsletter at https://www.edmontonrivervalley.org/
If you have a photo, news, an event, volunteer or employment opportunity involving Edmonton’s river valley and would like to see it in this newsletter, please email the material to nsrivervalley@gmail.com
Sincerely yours,
Harvey Voogd
North Saskatchewan River Valley Conservation Society
780.691.1712
nsrivervalley@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/NSRVCS/
http://www.edmontonrivervalley.org/