More than 700 trees at risk in Hawrelak Park reconstruction
More than 700 trees are at risk of being damaged or cut down during construction at Edmonton’s William Hawrelak Park, a new report shows. The arborist’s report shows 741 trees at risk, hundreds higher than the approximately 220 trees thought to be impacted in some manner during construction.
Members of the Edmonton River Valley Conservation Coalition have been outspoken about the city’s plans to remove or damage potentially hundreds of trees for fear of environmental damage. The city, Raquel Feroe said, is looking at the park through the lens of renovating infrastructure rather than an opportunity to protect nature and to make progress on climate change goals.
“We could be helping to design a park that is more financially sustainable which could be used to enhance biodiversity, to lower our carbon budget, instead we’re doing the opposite. More cement, less permeable surfaces, just overall the direction is the wrong way.”
Jesse Banford, director of facility infrastructure delivery, said trees will be cut down for three reasons; to access and repair utilities, refurbish surfaces such as paving rough pathways, and fix facilities. https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/more-than-700-trees-at-risk-in-edmontons-hawrelak-park-renewal-report
Possible cougar sighting at Terwillegar Park
A dog owner, who wishes to remain anonymous says she was walking through the trails by the river valley with her mom and dog, when they spotted the large cat.
“I was like ‘oh no, oh no, that’s a cougar, we need to get out of here’,” she says. “We’re about halfway through the trail, kind of where it gets quiet by the river, and we stopped at a bench there, by a hill. We were just sitting there talking, and I just noticed it about 50 feet away from us, down the hill in the bush.”
While cougar sightings in Edmonton are rare, they are not unheard of. A professor of biological sciences at the University of Alberta, Colleen Cassady St. Clair says the river makes a good corridor for wildlife to travel through.
“The river valley is a wonderful corridor, we are very lucky to have it, but it does bring potential predators, like cougars, into closer proximity to people than would otherwise occur, and Terwilliger is quite well connected to the edge of the city,” she says. “This is a time of year where cougars are quite stressed in terms of food access, and they might be moving around a little bit more than usual.” https://edmonton.citynews.ca/2023/04/21/possible-cougar-sighting-edmonton-park/
Métis Nation of Alberta traditional plant walks
The Métis Nation of Alberta’s Environment and Climate Change Department is pleased to again offer its Traditional Plant Walks. Embark on a guided walk with Métis cultural educator Natalie Pepin to learn about traditionally utilized plants. Gain a deeper understanding of the plants around us, their cultural significance, and how they can help us.
Each event is a 2.5-hour leisurely nature walk introduction to the plants around us. While on this walk, Knowledge Holder Natalie shares stories and discusses the cultural and ecological significance of the plants and how they can be used.
Space is limited and offered on a first come, first-serve basis. The Traditional Plant Walks are a family-friendly event, and any children attending under 12 years old do not require registration or tickets to join https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/environment-and-climate-change-traditional-plant-walks-with-natalie-pepin-tickets-615821567887
Another fantastic newsletter
Andrew writes "Always a gem in the inbox. Thank you from a Highlands resident!”
Tree planting as climate action is no solution without animals
Raquel emailed “Great edition. The article on trophic landscapes and carbon is a keeper. The article on Leilani Muir L Muir was also a well written eye opener.”
EPCOR YEG river valley solar power plant
Kyle Schole photo taken July 12, 2022
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