Vote for Edmonton's official city bird
Gerald Romanchuk photo
Bird Friendly Edmonton has launched an online vote to designate Edmonton's city bird. It consulted hundreds of local naturalists and members of the public to narrow the list of candidates down to six birds found in many Edmonton neighbourhoods and natural areas throughout the year.
The six birds on the election ballot are Blue Jay, Downy Woodpecker, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Black-billed Magpie, Boreal Chickadee, and Northern Saw-whet Owl.
Vote to choose a bird to represent our city, raise awareness about how important urban wildlife and biodiversity is, and to celebrate Edmonton's birds. More than 300 bird species have been recorded in Edmonton. Some live here year-round, while others visit while migrating to and from their breeding territory.
Everyone in the Edmonton area, of any age, is invited to cast one vote, in each of the voting rounds, to help choose Edmonton's City Bird. The vote is anonymous. The first round of votes between the top 6 birds will conclude on December 31. The top 3 birds, as determined in the first round of voting, will then be opened for a second round of voting until March 31. Information on each bird and Click Here to Vote at https://www.birdfriendlyedmonton.org/city-bird--vote.html
Battery Creek trail walk in Devon on Oct 26
River Valley Alliance is hosting a trail walk in Devon with a fall colours and Halloween fun theme on October 26, 2024 from 10 am to12 pm. Feel free to come dressed up in your favourite Halloween costume, anything goes. Halloween treats will be provided at the end of the walk. Registration is required.
Turn north off Highway 19 onto Devonian Trail, new traffic lights and a new entrance into Devon. Follow Devonian Trail and take the first right north onto RR 262. The Battery Creek trailhead is at the end of the road. There is ample parking available.
The walk will last about 90 minutes at a leisurely pace, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature and take breaks as needed. The trail is mostly flat, making it accessible for many participants. The only exception is a staircase at the end for those who wish to walk down.
Enjoy a beautiful fall walk along the top of the riverbank with majestic views of the North Saskatchewan River and the vibrant fall colours. Register at https://rivervalley.ab.ca/events/october-community-walk-in-devon/
Prairie Smoke’s medicinal properties heals sore throats and canker sores
In Canada, Geumtriflorum is common from British Columbia to Manitoba. Due to its wide distribution in North America, it has many common names, most are allusions to the appearance of its distinctive seeds with their feathery plumes. It is often known as prairie smoke for the resemblance of the seed heads to wisps of smoke. It is also called old man's whiskers, due to the seed plumes being like gray, fuzzy hairs.
The flowers produce both nectar and pollen. They are frequently visited by bumblebees, which can force their way into the mostly closed flowers and reach the nectar. They also buzz-pollinate to dislodge pollen from the stamens and gather it to feed their young. As it blooms early in the season and in large amounts in suitable habitats, it is one of the plants that is critical to the success of queen bumblebees in establishing their first brood.
People of the Blackfeet Nation made an infusion of the roots to treat sore throats, canker sores in the mouth, and application to wounds and the infusion was also mixed with grease to create a salve used for the treatment of rashes, blisters, sores, and wounds. Infusions of the whole plant were used to treat severe coughs. The roots were scraped and mixed with tobacco and then smoked by the Blackfeet to clear the head. They also drank a tea made of the whole plant to promote general health. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geum_triflorum
Chief Ketchamoot part of the heritage of the Beaver Hills
Julie writes “Thank you for the link to the video of Chief Ketchamoot. Such an interesting and engaging story and a beautiful production.”
Milled Wood by Destiny Swiderski, Mill Woods Seniors & Multicultural Centre
https://www.edmontonarts.ca/public-art/milled-wood
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