UofA study finds fungal networks benefit tree growth
A University of Alberta study, published in the Journal of Ecology, showed that trees well connected to underground fungal networks had more growth than trees that only had a few. While prior studies had yielded similar results by focusing on seedlings, the study was the first to examine whether mature trees also benefit from this network.
Joseph Birch, the researcher who led the study for his PhD thesis, said the result demonstrated that a certain diversity across species is of great benefit to the trees. “It’s interesting, because in academia we think a lot about differences between species,” he said.
“We don’t think as much about individuals within a species being that different. This would suggest that trees get an advantage by spreading out their roots among multiple individuals so they get some benefits from one individual that another can’t provide.”
According to Birch, the study suggests that these adult trees are highly likely sharing “growth enhancing resources” with each other below ground through the fungal network. Read more https://thegatewayonline.ca/2020/12/u-of-a-study-finds-fungal-neworks-benefit-tree-growth/
Edmonton is land of the Thunderbird
The Thunderbird is a widespread figure in Indigenous mythology in the United States and Canada. Described as a supernatural being, the enormous bird was a symbol of power and strength that protected humans from evil spirits.
It was called the Thunderbird because the flapping of its powerful wings sounded like thunder, and lightning would shoot out of its eyes. The Thunderbirds brought rain and storms, which could be good or bad. Good when the rain was needed or bad when the rain came with destructive strong winds, floods, and fires caused by lightning.
The bird was said to be so large, that several legends tell it picking up a whale in its talons. They were said to have bright and colorful feathers, with sharp teeth and claws. They were said to live in the clouds high above the tallest mountains.
Various nations have different oral traditions about the magical Thunderbird, which they both highly respected and feared. Edmonton City Ward 9 has been named pihêsiwin (pee-EH’-soh-wihn), Cree for “land of the thunderbirds.” It was given to the ward because, from an aerial view, it is shaped like the bird. Learn more https://mysteriesofcanada.com/newfoundland/thunderbird-a-canadian-legend/
Canada to plant two billion trees over the next decade
The Government of Canada has launched its plan to plant two billion trees over 10 years, with an investment of $3.16 billion, which will create up to 4,300 jobs. Meeting this commitment will help Canada address climate change by reducing carbon pollution as the trees are projected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 12 megatonnes by 2050.
Planting trees is a natural climate solution that reduces emissions while providing other benefits such as improved air and water quality, particularly in urban settings, decreased risk of wildland fire to rural communities and support for biodiversity. It also provides spaces for recreational opportunities that improve quality of life and form part of our Canadian identity.
The plan will get trees in the ground starting this spring in urban areas across Canada. The Government has begun building long-term partnerships so that Canada has the infrastructure, especially nurseries, to carry out the full tree-planting plan. The plan includes work to ensure it can monitor the trees planted for survival and report on the carbon they sequester.
Investing in nature is among the most affordable climate actions governments can take. Canada is fortunate to have a vast range of healthy and resilient ecosystems, including forests and urban parks, which support our well-being. These ecosystems help absorb and store enormous amounts of carbon, which can mitigate the impacts of climate change and keep our air clean.
This approach, which represents a 40 percent annual increase in the number of trees planted in Canada, will include both urban and rural areas across the country. In 10 years, the additional two billion trees will cover over 1.1 million hectares, an area twice the size of Prince Edward Island. Read more https://www.canada.ca/en/natural-resources-canada/news/2020/12/minister-oregan-launches-canadas-plan-to-plant-two-billion-trees.html
Cameron Heights from Haddow trail
This challenging hike starting in the southwest Edmonton neighbourhood of Haddow gives the walker a close-up view of the Anthony Henday Bridge across the North Saskatchewan River. It is a 7.2 km round trip with a moderate, hilly paved trail to Cameron Heights from the trailhead at the Solicitor General Staff College.
It is 1.4 km from the trailhead to the start of the 0.3 km walkway for walkers and cyclists that goes under the bridge. Enjoy the spectacular view as you walk to the west end of the walkway
For a longer round trip walk of 10 km round trip from the trailhead, you can continue a route that will take you down to Wedgewood Ravine. Follow the old road, originally 184 Street, down to Wedgewood Creek in Wedgewood Ravine. Wedgewood Creek empties into the North Saskatchewan River across from Terwillegar Park. Detailed PDF and map at https://encf.org/walks/cameron-heights-from-the-haddow-neighbourhood/
River Valley a sacred trust gifted to us, help protect it
The river valley is close to the hearts of Edmontonians, who value its natural beauty and the opportunity to enjoy. If you think of our river valley as a Ribbon of Green and as a sacred trust, gifted to us to respect, honour, and protect for ourselves and future generations then we should protect it forever.
The North Saskatchewan River Valley Conservation Society Capital Fund at the Edmonton Community Foundation has been 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.
Once the fund reaches $10,000, the net income of the Fund will be disbursed annually to the Edmonton and Area Land Trust. The Fund currently has $6,818. Help us reach $10,000+. You can give your charitable donation online at https://www.ecfoundation.org/funds/north-saskatchewan-river-valley-conservation-society-capital-fund/
Ann Vriend and chickadee, photo credit: Louisa Bruinsma
River valley contributions or question
If you have a river valley concern or question, contact us at nsrivervalley@gmail.com
Your friends and neighbours can sign up for this newsletter at https://www.edmontonrivervalley.org/
If you have a photo, information, news or event about Edmonton’s river valley and think it should be in this newsletter, email it to nsrivervalley@gmail.com
Sincerely yours,
Harvey Voogd
North Saskatchewan River Valley Conservation Society
nsrivervalley@gmail.com
https://www.edmontonrivervalley.org/
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