Little cat’s eye an endangered species in Alberta
Silas Fischer photo
Tiny Cryptanthe is an annual vascular plant with small white flowers and long hairy leaves. To many, Tiny Cryptanthe are also known as Little Cat’s eye because their small white flowers have a yellow “eye” in the centre. The plant is very small, only growing up to 15 cm at most. During their one-year life span, they spend most of their time as a seed.
In Alberta, this small plant grows in dry, sandy areas such as the grasslands and the prairies. Tiny Cryptanthe are also often found in river valleys, specifically in the sandy banks far above the water level. In Canada, the plant’s status is “threatened”, while in Alberta, it is classified as “endangered”.
Tiny Cryptanthe and its habitat are mainly impacted by climate change. This plant is adapted to deal with some degree of variability, but if there is too much disturbance in areas where it would naturally grow, this has a significant effect on the population. To learn more about the Tiny Cryptanthe and other endangered species in Alberta, visit this think: https://www.ealt.ca/identification-guides
EPS starts the final stages of dismantling Fulton Creek encampment
Edmonton Police Service photo
Last week, the Edmonton Police Service and City of Edmonton park rangers began the final stages of dismantling an elaborate encampment near Fulton Creek in southeast Edmonton. This encampment was discovered in October of 2024 and included amenities like solar panels, portable generators, running water from makeshift dams, a laundry machine, a coffeemaker and a working refrigerator.
Police said five people had been living in the camp that was disguised with leaves, branches, and black-coloured tarp. Police video footage of the encampment showed shotgun shells, knives, machetes, and what appeared to be an automatic firearm as well as about $8,000 worth of stolen goods. Twenty violation tickets were written, and 10 warrants were executed when the encampment was closed down, police say.
“When we begin the process of dismantling encampments, it’s important to note that these are active construction zones,” said police Sgt. Chris McFarlane, who asked the public to stay away from the site. “In addition to trespassing, there are serious risks associated with visiting these sites, regardless of their status, and we are asking members of the public to please stay away from them.” https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/edmonton-police-fulton-creek-encampment
Edmontonians can now donate trees to the city
The Tree Donation program is a City of Edmonton initiative which works to preserve and expand the urban forest through partnerships with community groups and individual residents. Urban Forestry prioritizes the preservation of trees and will aim to transplant trees that citizens wish to donate.
Edmontonians interested in donating a privately-owned tree for transplant onto public property are invited to submit a tree donation proposal for review by an Urban Forester. Final approval and transplant will be given based on a specific set of guidelines and requirements.
The first step to donating a privately-owned tree for planting on public property is the submission of a proposal. Once the tree request is made, an Urban Forester will assess the feasibility of the privately-owned tree and site. If the proposal is approved, the Urban Forester will find a suitable park space nearby that could accommodate the donated tree. Once the tree is relocated, it will be entered into City inventory. https://www.edmonton.ca/residential_neighbourhoods/gardens_lawns_trees/trees_urban_forestry/tree-donation-program
Cross-country skiing for all levels at Goldbar Park on Sunday January 26
On Sunday January 26, 2025, embrace the winter season and join the River Valley Alliance for an afternoon of cross-country skiing! From 2:00pm to 4:00pm, folks can enjoy Goldbar Park’s diverse terrain, including flats, gentle ups and downs, and well-maintained tracks for both classic and skate skiing.
Here are a few things participants can expect. Firstly, everyone will meet at the north end of the Goldbar Park parking lot. To add, this event is perfect for newbies as there will be an instructor ready to teach the basics of cross-country skiing. That being said, experienced skiers are also welcome to join the event and enjoy the trails.
Important details include that participants must bring their own skis or rent them in advance. No rentals are available on-site. Some suggested rental shops are Sundance Ski & Board Shop, Out of Bounds, and Totem Outdoor Outfitters. Second, walking on the ski trails is not permitted. Finally, the event will be cancelled if the weather is either too cold or too warm for safe skiing conditions. Please check for updates closer to the event date.
Don’t miss a chance to hit the trails and enjoy the beaty of winter in Edmonton. Register at this link: https://rivervalley.ab.ca/events/january-cross-country-skiing-with-the-rva/
Hotel Selkirk
Ron wrote “The Selkirk was at the southwest corner of 101 Street and Jasper Avenue”
Steve says “Great story about the hotel. I love the toughest bouncers note where he uses the boxers! And thanks for the link about the bird voting.”
Contractor hired by the city responsible for killing 25 coyotes in 2024
Ivan (coyote lover) shares “It never ceases to amaze me how nasty humans (or their organizations) can be. Take the coyote cull. We encroach on coyote land (farmland, wetland) with our houses, apartment/condos, and strip malls, and then become irate when they seek out new homes that just happen, of all things, to be where we live. The audacity of the beasts. But why should we be surprised? Historically, a country has encroached (invaded) another country, and then complained when the original people have wanted a place to live and call their own. Wonder what the city plans to do when waterfowl starts looking for water within the city when the wetlands are gone?”
Bill voices “The coyotes referred to in your article were removed because they were investigated and flagged as habitual predators stalking and killing pets on private property; or because they were a direct threat to public safety. The majority of incidents are resolved by hazing the coyotes to condition them to be more respectful of people. There are breeding populations of coyotes in every residential community in the greater Edmonton area. There are plenty of information and educational sources for residents regarding urban coyotes. The reality is that most urban residents have no knowledge or capacity to deal with coyotes in any meaningful way. Coyotes are predators and at the top of the food chain in an urban setting. With no push back from larger predators like bears, wolves or cougars they will seek to dominate their environment in order to better exploit its resources. To maintain coexistence with a dominant predator means there must be diligent monitoring, investigation and push back on unacceptable behavior for the benefit of both people and coyotes. Most coyotes keep to themselves and are a benefit not a threat, and they will have no issue with municipal wildlife managers.”
Counterpoise by Carl Taçon, EPS Southwest https://www.edmontonarts.ca/public-art/counterpoise
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