River Valley News - June 27/24

Blackmud Creek photo on a control box in SW Edmonton

Miranda Jimmy’s work is one of 12 winning entries in the City of Edmonton’s Vibrant Streets Art Contest, to add vibrancy, colour and character to local intersections. Edmontonians voted on these designs, and the winners’ artwork was installed in each of Edmonton’s 12 wards. Jimmy’s photo is located at Ellerslie Road & 103A Street.

During the pandemic, Miranda Jimmy started exploring the city’s green spaces. Her winning entry is a photo of Blackmud Creek in southwest Edmonton. “I took full advantage of that time to just be alone in nature and to think more about placemaking and how you make the environment your space,” she says.

“I started taking pictures and connecting with the green spaces in my neighborhood in different ways. You start to see the ebbs and flows of the seasons and how human interaction impacts the natural world.” Jimmy, who is a member of the Thunderbird First Nation, hopes her photo will encourage people to consider their relationship to the city and its naturalized places.

“If this is the place you call home and the place that you live and breathe and play in, how are you connected to it?” https://transforming.edmonton.ca/art-contest-adds-joy-and-colour-to-city-streets/

Collaborative algal bloom monitoring

The Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute is one of 11 organizations collaborating, over the next few years, to better understand where, when, and why algal blooms occur in Alberta.

For the second summer in a row, lake water samples will be collected at six lakes across Alberta at the same time the Sentinel-2 satellite flies directly overhead collecting imagery. The satellite imagery is used to estimate chlorophyll-a concentrations, a green pigment found in algae.

The water samples are analyzed at the University of Alberta to identify types and concentrations of algae or cyanobacteria present, and to test water quality. By combining this data, researchers can develop models of current and historical blooms, and eventually predict future blooms.

In 2025, ABMI plans to launch a free online app allowing anyone to visualize and track blooms on their lakes of interest in near real time, and to look at historical blooms. http://blog.abmi.ca/2023/06/29/monitoring-blue-green-algae-blooms-in-alberta-from-space/?

Saskatoon berry one of our best loved native species

Patsy Cotterill photo

A shrub of variable height in the rose family, Rosaceae, saskatoon is probably one of the best-known and loved native species in the prairie provinces. It can occur as a single, well-formed bush or as thickets. It ranges from 1 to 6 m in height and is often shorter in grassland where it may form low thickets, than in open woods where the surrounding vegetation is taller. 

Saskatoon does not seem to be widely planted in gardens, although it can make a good accent shrub. Its flowers are a sign of spring, albeit ephemeral, and its fruit is more spontaneously edible than chokecherries. It is grown as a commercial crop and is widely planted in restorations; it is available in nurseries, sometimes as cultivars.

A good place to see this plant is along the banks of the creeks and the river in Edmonton’s North Saskatchewan River valley where it often grows with chokecherry.  You will sometimes see ugly clumps of dead, black curled leaves within the bush. This is caused by a fungus disease, blackleaf or witches’ broom, which usually is not lethal unless the crown is infected. https://www.enps.ca/post/plant-profile-saskatoon-amelanchier-alnifolia

Mushroom Walk and Pioneer Cabin Tour

Step back in time at the Pioneer Cabin and immerse yourself in its rich history. After exploring the cabin, embark on a trek along the river valley trail, where you’ll learn about the diverse mushrooms that were essential to both settlers and indigenous peoples. This journey is not just a walk in nature, but a deep dive into the fascinating world of fungi.

Martin Osis’ passion for wild mushrooms is contagious, he loves to explore them with all his senses and shares his extensive knowledge with an infectious enthusiasm. For decades, he has been a beloved educator and entertainer, captivating audiences with his talks, forays, workshops, and identification courses.

Though an amateur mycologist, Martin is recognized as one of Alberta’s leading experts in mushroom field identification. He stays at the forefront of mycological science, constantly studying new research and exploring Alberta’s diverse habitats. His particular interest in medicinal mushrooms is driven by a commitment to natural health, and he is actively involved in several mushroom-related initiatives.

Whether you’re a seasoned mushroom enthusiast or a curious beginner, this event promises to be educational and inspiring. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the best in the field. The event is hosted by River Valley Alliance and will be begin at 6:00pm on Thursday, August 1 at the Pioneer cabin. Tickets are $10. Reserve your spot at https://rivervalley.ab.ca/events/guided-mushroom-walk-and-pioneer-cabin-tour-in-edmonton/

YEG river valley walk, Robert Priebe photo

Comment or Contributions

Please note articles may not reflect the position of NSRVCS. River Valley News is meant to be a clearinghouse for the variety of opinions and ideas about Edmonton’s River Valley.

Email river valley photos, event information, comments, or questions to nsrivervalley@gmail.com

Forward this link to anyone you think may want to sign up for this newsletter https://www.edmontonrivervalley.org/newsletter-signup

River Valley News - June 20/24

City needs your input on plans and regulations for ribbon of green

Phase 4 of the River Valley Planning Modernization project is underway and the public engagement period will run from June 10 through 28. The project has two aims, the first goal is to renew the city’s strategic planning for the river valley by completing the Ribbon of Green Plan. The second goal is to update the processes and tools the city uses to evaluate and regulate development proposed for the River Valley by renewing or replacing the River Valley Area Redevelopment Plan.

The city wants your input to finalize; the draft system-wide policies that will guide planning and management throughout the river valley, the Land Management Classifications to clarify direction for appropriate uses in different parts of the valley, and draft spatial guidance (maps) for the study area, including identifying areas for ecological protection and restoration, access, gathering and enjoyment in the river valley.

The city also wants your input to help it review the renewed River Valley Area Redevelopment Plan and refine its proposed approach to land use planning and decision-making in the river valley.

You can participate in a facilitated online discussion about the project on Thursday, June 27 from 5:30 to 7:30pm, share your input through an online survey, and provide input on the proposed direction for each of the reaches within the study area by reviewing maps and draft planning recommendations to help the city refine its plans for ecological protection and restoration, access, gathering and enjoyment in the river valley.

To register for the online discussion, do the online survey and review maps and draft planning recommendations go to https://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/initiatives_innovation/ribbon-of-green

Field log house designated an historic resource

City Council has designated the Field Log House, one of the few remaining log homes in Edmonton, as an historic resource. In 1934, Alfred and Marguerite Field received a building permit to construct a log house in the Bellevue neighbourhood. The Fields chose to build the house out of logs, sourced in Pigeon Lake, because they had honeymooned in Jasper and loved the look of the log cabins there.

The house was built by Stuart Olson, who went on to found Mill and Olson, later Stuart Olson Ltd., which became one of Edmonton’s largest construction companies. The house was built in four months with a team of four builders. It was owned by the Field family until 2002.

The Fields opened a grocery store on 96 Street in 1933 and purchased an ESSO station and service garage on Fort Road in 1935. After the Second World War, Alfred founded a road construction firm, Field and Davis. Marguerite died in 1989 and Alfred died 1991. 

The house is notable for its horizontal logs joined by a system of slats and grooves which are supported by upright logs at the corner. The siding of the old portion of the house was created with horizontal, rounded logs. A kitchen and dining room were added to the house in 1952, also built by Mill and Olson. Information on City of Edmonton’s historic resources at https://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/edmonton_archives/historic-resources

Safety and vigilance on North Saskatchewan River important

In 2023, Park Rangers conducted a total of 7,162 citizen contacts and safety compliance checks, marking a substantial 59 per cent increase compared to 2022. They also carried out 19 Search and Rescue operations, a 73 per cent increase from the previous year. Additionally, the number of warnings issued under the Canada Shipping Act and Gaming Liquor Act rose by 159 per cent, underscoring the need for heightened awareness and compliance.

"We recognize the North Saskatchewan River as a popular destination, and our primary concern is ensuring the safety of all who venture onto its waters," emphasized Zain Haji of the City of Edmonton's Park Ranger Peace Officer Marine Unit. "By staying informed about regulations and observing proper etiquette, we can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone."

Edmonton Fire Rescue Services responded to 37 water rescue events during the spring and summer months, a 32 per cent increase compared to 2022. "It is critical that precautions are taken before enjoying the North Saskatchewan River," said Brad Tilley, of EFRS. "No matter how confident of a boater or swimmer you are, our river is deceptively powerful and fast-moving. Always wear a life jacket, coordinate safety plans, and monitor weather conditions to avoid putting yourself and others at risk in the case of an emergency."

Constable Jeffrey Eichmann of the EPS Marine Unit echoed this sentiment, underscoring the importance of safety and vigilance on or near the water. “Accidents happen and it doesn’t take long for people to get in over their heads and drown. We urge people to use caution while walking along the riverbank, and absolutely wear lifejackets whenever they’re out on the river.” Boating and canoeing information at https://www.edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation/parks_rivervalley/boating-and-canoeing

Mural, mural on the wall, who is the most Edmontonian bird of all, make Magpie YEG’s official bird

Laura Bachynski photo

Comment or Contributions

Please note articles may not reflect the position of NSRVCS. River Valley News is meant to be a clearinghouse for the variety of opinions and ideas about Edmonton’s River Valley.

Email river valley photos, event information, comments, or questions to nsrivervalley@gmail.com

Forward this link to anyone you think may want to sign up for this newsletter https://www.edmontonrivervalley.org/newsletter-signup

River Valley News - June 13/24

June is Bike Month

In honour of bike month, the City has launched new cycling opportunities to celebrate it. You can join a city guided ride along or download maps of city created cycling routes and loops.

The city’s bike education street team is hosting rides across Edmonton. Rides began June 8 with a leisurely bike ride around Silver Berry and The Meadows. The last ride will be June 29 and is the Castledowns through seven neighborhoods ride. Information on and registration for all six rides at https://www.eventbrite.com/o/city-of-edmonton-bike-education-team-71772745803

The city has created cycling routes and loops from 7 to 40km. There is a route library with family focused, river valley, cultural, and south Edmonton tours. Under collections you will find nine categories of cycling choices, including community amenities, explore the river valley, family focused, historical and cultural, and next to nature. Download route descriptions and maps at https://ridewithgps.com/organizations/12527-city-of-edmonton-cycling

More information on Edmonton’s bike plan, active transportation network, and all things cycling at https://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/cycling

Jan Reimer Park restoration project public engagement underway

The City wants your input on restoration plans for Jan Reimer Park. An online survey to provide your feedback is available from June 4-23. Drop-in to meet the project team on Tuesday, June 18 from 6-9pm at Westridge Wolf Willow Country Club Community League, 505 Wolf Willow Road NW.

Previously known as Oleskiw River Valley Park, Jan Reimer Park is a 193-acre park located in the west end, south of the Fort Edmonton Footbridge and adjacent to the Edmonton Country Club. In its current form, the park includes a formal trail and informal trails, as well as various natural vegetation areas. There is currently no public vehicle entry into the park, which limits its development.

The Terwillegar Park footbridge and West End Trails projects have created a shared pathway through the park which provides users access to and through the park. Public engagement took place in 2016 and 2017 to develop a Master Plan but funding was not available for delivery of that plan. Money was identified in the 2023-2026 Capital Budget to implement the restoration component of the Master Plan.

The Master Plan identified opportunities to create a legacy unique to the surrounding neighbourhoods, while considering the park’s natural and cultural identity. The plan reflects the needs of today, while enhancing and preserving the ecological integrity of the park as part of Edmonton’s river valley park system for generations to come. To learn more about the project and engagement opportunities visit https://www.edmonton.ca/projects_plans/parks_recreation/Jan-Reimer-Park-Restoration

Discover beneficial insects that reduce damaging garden pests

Before you squish, swat, or spray be sure you are not destroying useful insects. Improving your knowledge about beneficial insects can provide the basis for more ecologically sound solutions to insect pest problems on plants.

Adult ladybugs are well known aphid hunters. During development, each ladybug larva can consume hundreds of aphids or similar soft bodied sapsucking garden pests. Aphid-lions use their long, curved mouthparts to catch, puncture and suck dry their prey. Food items include aphids, other small soft bodied insects and mites. Aphid-lions develop into green lacewings that hunt similar prey.

Larger insect predators like some ground beetles prey on quite large caterpillars that are frequently stalked at night-time. During daylight, the same caterpillars may fall prey to yellow jacket wasps that carry them off to feed their young.

Parasitoids are a group of insects with parasite like larvae. Unlike true parasites, the larvae of parasitoids normally kill their host and then become free living insects, no longer dependent on their host. In many species of parasitoid wasps, the mother wasp inserts an egg inside the host with her needle like egg laying organ called the ovipositor. Learn more at https://www.edmonton.ca/sites/default/files/public-files/documents/PDF/backyard_beneficial_insect_guide.pdf

Caribou and Reindeer are the same species

Caribou are technically the same species as reindeer, Rangifer tarandus, but these two animals are quite different. Many of these differences stem from their relationship with humans throughout history. Reindeer in Eurasia were domesticated over 2000 years and although some animals remain in the wild, reindeer is a blanket name that includes both the domesticated and wild populations.

In Canada, we refer to them as caribou, and almost all of them are wild; the ones that are not are referred to as reindeer. Rangifer tarandus is a member of the deer family. The species is circumpolar, meaning it lives in the northern boreal and arctic regions across the world. Because of the climate of this region, they have adapted several evolutionary features to help them survive in the cold.

Both caribou and reindeer have large, wide hooves that provide traction and act as excellent snowshoes in the deep snow. They also help them dig through the snow to access food in the wintertime. Their specialized noses warm up the air they breathe before it enters their lungs. The water that condenses from this process helps to keep their mucous membranes moist.

Their fur is very thick, which traps air to keep them warm in harsh weather and buoyant when swimming. Males and females have huge antlers, the largest of any deer species in proportion to their bodies. They are the only member of the deer family where females have antlers as well. These antlers help them dig in the snow and soil to find food, attract a mate, and regulate their temperature. https://www.ealt.ca/blog/fun-facts-reindeer-vs-caribou

Immense Mode by Dawn Detarando and Brian McArthur, Southgate Transit Centre

https://www.edmontonarts.ca/public-art/immense-mode

Comment or Contributions

Please note articles may not reflect the position of NSRVCS. River Valley News is meant to be a clearinghouse for the variety of opinions and ideas about Edmonton’s River Valley.

Email river valley photos, event information, comments, or questions to nsrivervalley@gmail.com

Forward this link to anyone you think may want to sign up for this newsletter https://www.edmontonrivervalley.org/newsletter-signup