River Valley News - Oct 16/25

Photo credit: City of Edmonton Archives

A Look Back at the Beginnings of Borden Park 

The city established East End Park in 1906, carving out 140 acres of swampy land on the edge of the city’s limits. The park got its current name in 1914 after a visit to the city from then Prime Minister Robert Borden. Shortly after the outbreak of the First World War, New Yorker Lynn Welcher, a builder of roller coasters in Canada and the United States, arrived in Edmonton to construct the big wooden roller coaster The Green Rattler. The Old Mill, another popular attraction built by the Lynn Welcher Construction Co., was a wet dark ride. Six-passenger boats were drawn through various tunnels by magnets, earning it the nickname "the Tunnel of Love."

By the 1920s, Borden Park had become a popular recreation spot for Edmontonians, boasting a midway with rides and games. On May 15, 1920, 5 days before the exhibition was opened for the season, the admission charge for children was proposed to be increased from 10 cents to 15 cents, matching the existing 15 cent charge for adults. Borden Park was the site of one of Edmonton’s first outdoor pools and, eventually, the city’s first zoo. On a sunny Sunday in the summer, the park could draw up to 7,000 people. 

By the 1930s, visits to Borden Park started to decline. The Old Mill had burnt down years before, and the Great Depression meant families had less money for outings. The Green Rattler closed down in 1935. The Edmonton Zoo fared better, surviving for a couple more decades before being torn down in the late 1950s to make way for an expansion of Northlands, with the current Valley Zoo built as a replacement.


Photo credit: takemeoutside.ca

Take Me Outside Day: A Celebration of Outdoor Learning

Take Me Outside is a non-profit, charitable organization committed to raising awareness and facilitating action on nature connection and outdoor learning in schools across Turtle Island / North America. They believe in a future in which spending time outside playing, exploring and learning is a regular and significant part of every learner’s day.

Take Me Outside Day helps to raise awareness about outdoor learning by encouraging educators to take their learners outside. This free virtual event, running from October 20th to 24th, is an entire week full of activities, speakers, and prizes to encourage folks to head beyond the four walls of a classroom!

With the help of the 100+ outdoor learning partners, there is something for all ages, grades, and subjects under the three central themes of Indigenous Perspectives & Knowledge, Environmental Education & Climate Change, and Health & Wellbeing. For more information, go to Take Me Outside Day: A Celebration of Outdoor Learning.


Photo credit: Global News

The Climate Imperative for Edmonton's Mayor and Council

A recent CBC news article reports that climate change is a top priority for many Edmontonians ahead of the municipal election. Experts stress that it is a "clear and present danger," not just a future threat, citing rising temperatures and worsening air quality. Professors Neal LaMontagne and Sandeep Agrawal identify two key responses for the city council: mitigation (reducing energy impact) and adaptation (managing climate shocks).

City councils can address mitigation primarily through transportation and building design. LaMontagne suggests reducing driving distances via active mobility and better transit, and utilizing large public facilities (like libraries and rec centers) as catalysts to push the local design community toward energy efficiency and green building solutions. Agrawal suggests exploring green options like green roofs and swapping out concrete and asphalt for greener materials.

While the city's existing climate policy is considered fairly robust, experts argue there are still improvements to be made, such as making sure new buildings are "solar ready." Although a city's power is limited by provincial building codes and the private sector, experts encourage the city to use its projects as "catalysts" for more sustainable development to create compelling, positive, and ecologically designed spaces for the community.


Photo credit: Emmanuel Pocsidio

The Herald of Winter (The Dark-eyed Junco)

Dark-eyed Juncos are often called “Snowbirds,” possibly due to the fact that many people believe their return from their northern breeding grounds foretells the return of cold and snowy weather. Another possible source of the nickname may be the white belly plumage and slate-colored back of the junco, which has been described as “leaden skies above, snow below.”

The Dark-eyed Junco is one of North America's most common birds, with an estimated population of over 260 million, and is sighted at more bird feeders than any other species. This small bird is divided into six distinct populations (including Oregon, Slate-colored, and Gray-headed) with 12 additional subspecies. Juncos overwinter in flocks of 6 to 30+ birds, often returning to the same 10-acre area annually. Within the flock, a strict dominance hierarchy exists, with adult males at the top, and females tending to migrate earlier and farther south than males to avoid competition.

Juncos migrate at night at low altitudes and can burrow through snow to find seeds, which make up about three-quarters of their annual diet (including weed seeds like ragweed and chickweed), supplementing heavily with insects during the nesting period. Males return annually to reclaim the same breeding territory, where females build ground nests for 3 to 5 eggs, typically producing two broods per year. Juncos roost repeatedly in evergreens or brush piles but do not huddle, and the longevity record for the species reaches over 11 years.


St Albert Public Art Bus / Linda M. Wright

Travelling on a road near you!


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 - Oct 9/25

Photo credit: Dick Dekker at Cooking Lake
Drying Shores, Concerned Communities: Alberta's Vanishing Lakes

If you have frequented some of your go-to nature spots this summer and fall, you may have noticed some stark changes in your favourite shorelines. Recently, the alarm has been raised about popular lakes drying up around Edmonton. While some water loss is natural and to be expected, it can’t be denied that climate change is significantly affecting lake water levels, particularly through rising temperatures that increase evaporation rates.

The lakeside community of Pelican Point, Alberta, experienced an unusual summer due to historically low water levels in Buffalo Lake, forcing the closure of the community marina. This severe drop caused a decrease in summer tourist traffic for Pelican Point and nearby communities like Bashaw. Neighbouring Gull Lake, approximately 90 km west of Pelican Point, faced similar low water level concerns. Pumping from the Blindman River was suspended in 2018 due to the threat of introducing Prussian carp.

Miquelon Lake's decline has been steady as well, with huge sections turning into dry land. The Ministry of Environment notes that water levels have dropped 2.5 meters over the last 20 years. University of Alberta wetland science professor David Olefeldt states that many lakes, like Miquelon, are "prairie potholes" in a "poorly connected landscape," making them vulnerable to drought because they rely solely on small local watersheds. He concludes this is a natural cycle, suggesting there is little to be done but wait for years of wet conditions for the lakes to bounce back.

Once a favourite recreational spot and home to Canada's oldest public airport, Cooking Lake has nearly vanished, shrinking to less than 5% of its former surface area by 2024 due primarily to low precipitation. To restore the lake and the entire watershed, the idea of running a pipeline from the North Saskatchewan River has been floated more than a few times.

In a recent article by Dick Dekker, he writes, “Because of their shallowness, practically all water bodies in south and central Alberta are vulnerable to our cyclic climate during periods of low water. Even if the mean annual precipitation is little more than half a metre below average, the diminishing effect on these lakes can be major, leaving mud flats several hundred metres wide along former shorelines. No more sandy shores and inviting shallows for recreation!

To restore this drying watershed, is it time to reconsider an old idea of bringing in water from the North Saskatchewan River?”


Photo credit: Ian Kucerak /Postmedia
Why "Leaving the Leaves" Matters

Instead of viewing fallen foliage as a nuisance, recognize that leaves, brush piles, logs, and plant stems are vital natural habitats and insulation for wildlife. Particularly, pollinators and invertebrates, which need shelter to survive the winter. Many butterflies, moths, and native bees overwinter within or beneath leaf litter, stems, or wood, meaning that removing all debris likely results in tossing out the very animals you worked hard to attract during the summer.

You can support biodiversity without sacrificing your yard's appearance through simple, thoughtful cleanup practices. Leave the leaves scattered on the lawn (where a thin layer is healthy) or rake them into garden beds, where they suppress weeds, retain moisture, and insulate perennials. Avoid shredding leaves, which destroys hidden eggs and cocoons, and instead let insects break them down naturally. Furthermore, turn fallen branches into brush piles to provide hibernation spots, and limit disturbing the soil to protect the nests of ground-dwelling bees until spring.

Additionally, avoid piling leaves around trees; give trees some space at the base. Leaves can be a great addition to the soil, but it should be done in a way that is healthy for the trees. Piling leaves around tree trunks may harm them as it can suffocate roots, depriving the tree of essential oxygen, which can lead to root/basal rot.


Photo credit: Jesse Rorabaugh/inaturalist.ca
Understanding the Box Elder Bug's Harmless Hibernation Habits

With the return of cooler temperatures, most creatures, big and small, are looking for a warm, safe place to shelter from the bitter Alberta winters. Among those creatures trying to sneak inside your home is the persistent Boxelder bug. They tend to congregate on sunny, south- or west-facing surfaces, such as fences and exterior walls. As temperatures drop, the adults seek shelter and warmth to survive the winter. They do not cause damage to homes, but when crushed, they may release an unpleasant odour.

Adult boxelder bugs are approximately 12mm long, with black bodies and red eyes. Their wings have reddish-orange outlines and veins. Nymphs (juveniles) have bright red abdomens and are wingless. Nymphs and adults feed primarily on sap from leaves, flowers and the seed pods of female Manitoba maples (aka boxelders). Damage from feeding is usually insignificant and has no impact on tree health.

To manage boxelder bugs, focus on prevention and physical removal. Seal up entry points, such as cracks and screens, to keep them out of your home. Also, remove nearby hiding spots, including piles of rocks, boards, and leaves, that are close to houses. You can reduce their numbers by vacuuming them up or dislodging them with a strong stream of water. Note that insecticides are rarely effective and can harm other species.


Feedback on Linden & Rabbits General Inquiry (continued)

I'd like to reply to Mark's question first: is the NSRVCS or indeed anybody controlling the non-native, invasive grass, smooth brome?The answer is no, nobody is. It is a recognized forage grass and no control measures are regulated for it, even though it is an ubiquitous weed which, as Mark says, does huge ecological harm by replacing native species which also have more value for wildlife. Most people do not identify it or recognize it as non-native species, and the consensus among biologists seems to be that it is so pervasive it is now impossible to control, except perhaps in certain restricted areas. 

However, I am not at all certain that brome is chiefly responsible for the hunger of hares. I assume the hares that are eating the lindens are white-tailed jackrabbits as these are the hares in our city. All hares tend to eat tree bark in the winter when grasses of any kind or other food are unavailable or inaccessible. If you go into the bush in winter you will see many prostrated branches which look white because the bark has been completely stripped off, the snowshoe hares of the woodlands using the nutrient-rich cambium below the bark as a source of food. 

If your objective is to protect lindens and other planted trees rather than feed an urban fauna then you should protect the trees to a suitable height with mesh. By restricting their food supply you will restrict the population of hares. On the other hand, you could plant more unprotected saplings, resign yourself to losing some, and enjoy our urban hares!

Patsy


Giant Baseball Bat / Aluminum / GT Metal Products / 2003
Located at the intersection of 97 Street and 118 Avenue

Special note: The Alberta Avenue Business Association is considering removing the iconic 50-foot, 2,500lb aluminum baseball bat and other "Avenue of Champions" fixtures from 97 Street and 118 Avenue as part of a neighbourhood rebrand, believing the old slogan is no longer relevant. While the plan is still under review pending community feedback and clarity on the bat's ownership, the Edmonton Riverhawks baseball team is expressing interest in relocating the massive sculpture to RE/MAX Field.
 

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 - Oct. 2/25

Photo credit: Global News
Remembering Dr. Darren Markland

A respected Edmonton intensive-care physician, Dr. Darren Markland, 54, has died after a mountain biking accident on the Black Mountain trail network near Nordegg, Alta. Dr. Markland, who worked at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, is being remembered for his significant contributions as a health-care professional and community advocate, particularly for his public insights on the challenges facing the health-care system during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On the morning of September 26th he was remembered at a community coffee memorial by hundreds of friends for his extraordinary energy and vibrancy despite his demanding job. He was a beloved figure in the Edmonton biking community, known for advocating for active transportation and hosting "Coffee Outside" gatherings from his cargo bike at Constable Ezio Faraone Park. Markland was celebrated as a great friend, doctor, and creative spirit, known for memorable moments like riding bikes in T. Rex costumes and entertaining riders with music.

He had even created a unique, two-hour canoe and bike commute down the North Saskatchewan River to avoid traffic and take advantage of Edmonton's natural resources. You may have seen him portaging his canoe behind his bike down a city street, piquing the interest of curious drivers on his way to work. He would state his commute was the "best part of my day," contrasting it with a typical stressful drive. He even biked in −30∘C winter weather, demonstrating that "beauty and adventure" could be found in one's own backyard.


Film, Fossils, and the Future: Upcoming Edmonton Events

On Friday, October 3rd, the Climate Change & Health Hub invites you to join them for Climate Health Action Talks: Film Screening of THE MAGNITUDE OF ALL THINGS. The film weaves together personal, environmental, and collective stories of ecological grief. Drawing parallels between the film maker’s personal experience grappling with her sister’s cancer diagnosis, and accelerating environmental loss, the film explores how facing grief can also reveal love, courage, and the drive to act. For more information visit The Magnitude of All Things - Metro Cinema 

On Saturday, October 4, it is the 32nd APEGA Rock & Fossil Clinic. The clinic serves as an introduction to geoscience and what a career in geoscience could be like. It is an engaging event for families and communities to explore the wonders of geoscience, unearth history, and learn from professional geoscientists and individuals with a geoscience background. For more information visit APEGA Rock & Fossil Clinic

On Thursday, October 9th, the Edmonton Public Library and Taproot Edmonton are hosting an engaging and nonpartisan forum featuring candidates for the 2025 Edmonton mayoral race. The panel discussion will be moderated by journalist Stacey Brotzel, giving citizens a chance to hear the candidates' visions for the city's future and participate in a meaningful civic conversation, either in person or online.For more information visit Edmonton Mayoral Candidates Forum.


Photo credit: Taproot website
Find Your Candidate: Take the Taproot 2025 Edmonton Election Survey

The 2025 Edmonton municipal election will be held on October 20, 2025, to elect a mayor, twelve councillors to the Edmonton City Council, nine trustees to the Edmonton Public Schools board of trustees, and seven trustees to the Edmonton Catholic Schools. Each of these are to be elected using the first-past-the-post voting election system.

Taproot Edmonton has developed a survey to help you match with candidates based on your views!

Taproot invited Edmontonians to share what issues they care about most heading into the 2025 municipal election. From the hundreds of responses they received, as well as further insights gathered at listening sessions, input from dozens of community partners, and their own observations of what the next city council will face, they distilled 30 multiple-choice questions and asked each candidate to answer them.

Now you have the opportunity to answer the same questions to find out which candidates you are most aligned with. You can answer all 30 questions or just the ones that interest you. The entire survey should only take about 10 minutes to complete and can be found at Take the Taproot Survey - 2025 Edmonton Municipal Election


Photo credit: RETROactive website
The Beaver's Tale: A History of Human and Castor canadensis in Alberta

There are few animals in the north whose history is so intricately interwoven with people than the beaver. From the early fur trade to modern environmentalism, the beaver has chewed its way into numerous facets of life in Alberta. Paleontology, archaeology, history, and modern politics combine to tell an amazing story of human-beaver relationships in the province.

The earliest beavers lumbered into the province over five million years ago. By two million years ago, the modern beaver (Castor canadensis) was living alongside a colossal cousin that was five to six times larger. The giant beaver (C. ohioensis) weighed up to 160 kilograms and was just under 3 metres long! It went extinct around 10 000 years ago.

First Nations’ stories tell of the beaver’s role in creating the world by molding the primordial mud into an island fit for humans. To Alberta’s first people, beavers also furnished important materials for tools, clothing, and food. Archaeology sites across the province have yielded beaver bones where very few other animal remains were found. This indicates that beavers were crucial to human diet, particularly during winter. Beavers were captured with willow bark nets, stone-tipped spears, and sinew snares set along beaver trails and canals.


Feedback on General Inquiry (Linden tree & rabbits)

I was sad to hear that hares have been left so hungry that they are eating linden trees. According to biologist Myrna Pearman (who recommends a deterrent of Cayenne Pepper and Garlic Powder) hares prefer soft food, like berries and grasses. Many of our native berries and grasses are being lost to the spread of Smooth Brome. This horrible forage crop chokes out smaller berries and, because it is highly allelopathic, prevents germination of our woody berry producing species.

Is the NSRVCS working to limit the spread of this invasive, foreign species, and what can I do to prompt the City and Province to eliminate it from our natural areas so the hares have plenty to eat and leave our ornamental and fruit trees alone?

https://naturealberta.ca/rabbits-and-hares/

Thanks,

Mark Stumpf-Allen


The Art of Caring / Mural by Lewis Lavoie / Royal Alexandra Hospital front entrance
 

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