River Valley News - Sept 18/25

Picture credit: Picture on the left was taken by Justin and it reminded him of the squirrel comic on the right - credit to Jimmy Craig 

The River Valley News has a new author!

Please join the North Saskatchewan River Valley Conservation Society in welcoming our new communications coordinator, Justin!

Justin's roots trace back to Calgary, though he now proudly calls Edmonton home. With a deep appreciation for the natural world, he enjoys spending time in the beautiful landscapes in and around Edmonton, from the lush river valley to the trembling aspen parklands.

When he's not busy with his family, Justin is a nature enthusiast who channels his passion into photography, kayaking, and searching for rocks and fossils. He also enjoys simply taking long walks, appreciating the diverse ecosystems of his adopted home.

Justin will now be taking over as the author of the River Valley News. He will also oversee the organization’s social media accounts. As Justin settles into his new role, we encourage you to send in your feedback. Your insights are our most important resource, and they will help him get to know you, the readers of the River Valley News. 

Brook, our previous communications coordinator, stepped away from the role to pursue a Master's degree in environmental governance. We wish her all the best in her new academic pursuits and will miss her!

Brook treasures her time with the NSRVCS and feels very lucky to have heard the thoughts, queries and stories of all our readers. She is grateful to every single person who took the time out of their Thursday mornings to read the newsletter and grow their appreciation for the river valley. https://www.edmontonrivervalley.org/newsletter 

Embrace Winter: Registration Now Open for the Canadian Birkie Ski Festival

The Canadian Birkie Ski Festival is gearing up for the 2026 season and registration for this exciting event is now open! The event has brought back heated change trailers and restored the original award age categories based on participant feedback. A new 12 km skate ski event has been added for Sunday, February 15th, with a cap of 100 participants. Additionally, there is a new pricing structure for 2026, where GST will now be applied at checkout for transparency.

The Canadian Birkebeiner takes place at Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area which boasts a legendary cross-country ski trail system. The Ski Festival offers a weekend packed with recreational and competitive cross-country ski events for the whole family. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or just starting out, the Birkie has a ski event for everyone.

Skiers taking part in the 55km event recreate the legend of the original Birkebeiner skiers which dates back to the year 1206, when a civil war raged in Norway. The infant prince and direct heir to the throne, Haakon Haakonsson, was in danger and in hiding near Lillehammer. Two brave Birkebeiner warriors rescued the prince and carried him by skis in the dead of winter to safety.

For a full list of events and registration visit Ski - ​Canadian Birkebeiner Society ​ 

Beyond the Bike Lane: Finding Common Ground on Edmonton Roads

With the highly divisive issue of bike lanes being a hot topic in the news as of late, one Reddit user put together a tongue-in-cheek look at if Edmonton cyclists should be required to pay a road tax. And with the Alberta government already floating the idea of a watercraft tax (albeit as a way to help keep invasive mussels out of the province) why shouldn’t those cyclists also pay their fair share? Here’s a look at the concept Reddit user Particular_Buyer_894 came up with.

This humorous thought experiment proposes a new "road tax" for Edmonton, suggesting an annual vehicle registration fee to replace existing taxes that fund road construction. According to the author’s calculations there is a surprisingly stark difference in costs: a mere $2.03 per year for a bicycle, compared to a much heftier $941.69 for a car or truck. By factoring in road space and a playful "wear and tear" ratio, the author highlights that the average car does 17,000 times as much damage to the road as one heavy man on a pedal bike.

They conclude that if the tax burden of road maintenance and construction is shifted to the road users, then cyclists could more than pay their "fair share" at a bargain price, while motorists are left with the bulk of the bill. While the comment section of the post contains lots of colorful language, it has sparked an interesting exchange of ideas. Some users say that taxing vehicles by weight could be a fair solution to Alberta’s love of oversized vehicles. Another pointed out that the calculations don’t account for the damage the sun does on our road infrastructure, to which it was quipped that the sun should pay its fair share of tax also.

Regardless of the numbers, the exercise highlights a shared responsibility for a more environmentally friendly approach to commuting. Instead of an 'us versus them' mentality, maybe we can find common ground, or road, and explore better ways to get around, from personal choices like a smaller vehicle to broader conversations about our community's infrastructure.

Starry Nights and Solar Sights: A Guide to the U of A Observatory

Did you know the U of A Department of Physics has an astronomical observatory that is free to visit that includes daytime solar viewing and evening Moon, planet, and star viewing? Their mission is to make education about space accessible to everyone and they are located in CCIS 5-240 on the West end of the 5th floor of the Centennial Centre for Interdisciplinary Science on the main campus of the University of Alberta.

Normally open their telescopes to the public on Thursdays, from 12pm to 1pm for solar viewing and 8pm to 9pm for evening viewing during the months of September and October. Visitors may drop in anytime during the hour, as no tickets are required. Just be sure to dress for the outdoor weather, and note the observatory will be closed if the temperature is -20°C or colder. Check their website for up to date hours and event listings at the Department of Physics Astronomical Observatory.

Additionally, school and other youth groups can arrange a free private visit guided by an astrophysics graduate student. The goal of this hands-on programming is to capture the imagination of children and serve as a gateway to help a child develop interests in all areas of science.The field trip is designed to help educators meet specific learning requirements outlined in the Alberta curriculum, including Unit C Sky Science in Science 6 and Unit E Space Exploration in Science 9. For further details head to Field Trips | Physics.

Sometimes, Always, Even / April Dean / 2017 / 

Sandblasted Granite at Paul Kane Park

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 - Sept 11/25

Bridging the Gap: Edmonton's Next Major River Valley Project

The Wellington Bridge was originally constructed in 1932 and serves as an arterial roadway with four lanes of traffic (2 lanes in each direction), and a sidewalk on each side of the bridge. It is a major link between Edmonton’s city centre and communities to the west. The bridge crosses Ramsey Ravine which features a shared pathway connecting the community of Glenora to the river valley. The bridge is also part of West Central Bike Routes’ 102 Avenue shared-use pathway (SUP).

Replacement of the aging Wellington Bridge is yet another major infrastructure project that is getting underway in Edmonton. Construction is anticipated to begin in mid-September 2025 and will include a new clear-span girder structure with dedicated pathways for pedestrians and cyclists. The project is strategically timed to align with the Valley Line West LRT construction to minimize disruption and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

Some trees in the project area will be removed to enable construction. A comprehensive vegetation restoration plan is being developed to restore the area post-construction. To protect the local bat population, bat boxes have been installed at two locations south of the bridge, offering alternative roosting sites for bats currently residing in the bridge structure.

Bat and Garter Snake Advisories Hit Edmonton as Seasons Change

For Edmontonians, the end of summer has brought two unique wildlife news stories, focusing on two very different species: bats and garter snakes. Experts say these events are a normal part of the seasonal cycle, and could have to do with how each is migrating to their winter hibernation habitats. 

In Alberta, there are at least nine bat species, two of which are endangered due to white-nose syndrome. These bats are a crucial part of our ecosystem, acting as natural pest control by eating insects like mosquitoes, flies, and agricultural pests. In fact, a single little brown bat can eat up to 600 mosquitoes in one hour! 

Over the past few weeks, there has been a significant increase in bat sightings across the city. This is primarily due to young bat pups, born in the spring, leaving their roosts to find new territories. These inexperienced fliers are often spotted in unusual places, such as on patios, in garages, or near doorways. 

If you encounter a bat, never attempt to handle bats without heavy leather gloves. Like any animal, bats will bite to defend themselves. If a person is bitten by a bat, contact Alberta Health Link at 811 as soon as possible. For additional information on what to do when you see a bat, see Bats in Alberta: What to do if you find a bat.

Alberta Parks has issued a warning to outdoor enthusiasts to watch for migrating garter snakes near the Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area and Miquelon Lake Provincial Park. As the snakes make their way to communal hibernation sites, or hibernacula, drivers should be aware of the increased presence of these common Alberta reptiles. 

The province is home to three species of garter snake—red-sided, wandering, and Plains—all of which are now journeying to traditional dens to survive the winter. These hibernacula are often used for many years by hundreds or even thousands of snakes.

The Alberta Capital Airshed, Helping Us Understand Our Air 

An airshed is a geographical area where local topography and meteorology limit the dispersion of pollutants away from the area. Alberta Capital Airshed is responsible for monitoring, evaluating, and reporting the outdoor air quality, including the Air Quality Health Index. They also actively engage with communities to raise awareness, share data through knowledge translation, and provide education to individuals and organizations about outdoor air quality, empowering informed decision-making. ACA welcomes members from industry, municipalities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), educational institutions, and the public to join them in working together for cleaner air.

The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is a scale that shows the health risks associated with outdoor air quality. It provides a number and related health risk categories to help you understand the potential impacts of air pollution on your health. The AQHI health risk categories range from low (1-3) to very high (10+). Each category represents the level of health risk associated with the current air quality. To see the live air data map for Edmonton and surrounding areas visit Live Air Data Map - Alberta Capital Airshed (ACA).


Additionally, the ACA "Teacher's Corner" provides free, Alberta curriculum-aligned air quality educational resources for educators. The materials are categorized by grade level, offering full resource sets for Grade 5, Grade 9, and Science 30, which include presentations, teacher's guides, and classroom activities. The site offers a variety of printable resources like posters and activity cards, as well as classroom videos.

A Tale of Two Caterpillars

Mark writes:

“I'm sure you'll hear from Botanists saying that Fall Webworm and Forest Tent Caterpillar only do cosmetic damage and the tree will recover, from Entomologists saying that insects are misunderstood, and from Ecologists listing the many species that consider these "pests" to be an important part of the food web, but as a Soil Specialist I'd like to offer another point of view.

A growing number of researchers (AB Andersen, H Atthowe, T Dykstra, H Mella) are demonstrating that only stressed plants succumb to insect invasion. Plants that lack specific nutrients are unable to make corresponding defenses and insects take advantage of that deficiency. The sickest plants are the most vulnerable, but the solution is never to just address the insect, it is also to provide the missing nutrient (V Fernandez, J Kempf), or improve soil with compost and mulch (E Ingham, J White).

When we recognize insects as symptoms of poor plant health our landscapes become much easier and less expensive to maintain. Better advice for people noticing these caterpillar species is to ensure the soil is mostly covered with high-carbon mulch, provide compost in spring and summer, and only use products with the Certified Organic logo.”

Biota - Glass artwork by Keith Walker

Muttart Conservatory main centre court area

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 - Sept 4/25

Late Summer Serenity: Community Minded Events Around the River Valley

Here are a few upcoming events that highlight the beauty of our surroundings and help support our fellow friends and river valley appreciators:

Kaleido Family Arts Festival / September 5–7, 2025 various times

The Kaleido Family Arts Festival, presented by Arts on the Ave, will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a vibrant showcase of music, theatre, and art throughout Edmonton's Alberta Avenue Arts District. Kaleido is a wildly joyful, wonderfully wacky, radically open celebration of the arts in the heart of the Alberta Avenue Arts District. The streets will be lit up with music, theatre, dance, zany street performances, mouthwatering eats, vibrant artisans, pop-up galleries, and magical moments.

Strathearn Art Walk & Music Festival / September 5–7, 2025 various times

Strathearn Art Walk is a free, family-friendly art market and music festival in Edmonton. This celebration of the arts strives to bring the community together and celebrate emerging and professional artists and musicians. Join them this September as they feature local creativity along the beautiful river valley and scenic city skyline, bringing together a breathtaking view of all our city has to offer.

Alberta Bike Swap Edmonton / September 7th various times

Would you be interested in buying a quality used bike in Edmonton, without the guesswork or marketplace stress? Alberta Bike Swap Edmonton returns on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at the Alberta Aviation Museum, providing a safe and streamlined way to buy, sell, or donate bikes in your community. For full details visit https://albertabikeswap.ca/events/edmonton/

Beaverhill Bird Observatory Casino Fundraiser / September 8th - 9th various times

The Beaverhills Bird Observatory, established in 1984, is the second oldest migration monitoring observatory in Canada. Their extensive long-term datasets enable the BBO to track changes in bird populations, migratory routes, breeding success, and survivorship. The BBO will also be holding a Casino event, which is a crucial source of funding for the organization. So if you'd like to help support their fantastic work, this is a great way to do so! As with other AGLC Casinos, training is provided. Sign up for shifts at https://volunteersignup.org/DEEYB

Lady Flower Gardens Music Festival / September 14 from 1-7 pm

Lady Flower Gardens is a non-profit organization that empowers disadvantaged citizens struggling with mental health and addictions by providing hands-on agricultural training and fresh produce for both participants and Edmonton's Food Bank. Every year they host a Fall Festival where all festival proceeds go directly back to LFG operations. The festival features live performances from talented local artists, a silent auction, food and drink freshly prepared with ingredients from our garden, bouquets for purchase, a wide variety of kids activities with Edmonton Forest School, guided forest tours, and more!

Kids Learn to Protect Watershed  Health with Education Kits

The NSWA Youth Water Council created the Watershed Keepers Education kits to help introduce young people to the importance of protecting watershed health. It is a hands-on watershed kit for young explorers (Grades 4-6) that shows different factors that can impact the well-being of our watershed and what they can do to help.

These kits are a great way to explore the rivers and lakes in your community and become a steward of your local environment. They also offer a hands-on approach to watershed science, allowing you to observe and record real environmental data. Each kit includes tools like a rain gauge and water quality testing kit so you can learn about pollution and understand how everyday actions impact your watershed. You can also explore the local flora by identifying plant species and bringing them to life with an origami kit.

By taking the Watershed Keeper pledge, you commit to protecting the health of your local watershed for future generations. It's a fun and engaging way to learn about the environment and make a real difference. Contact youthwatercouncil@nswa.ab.ca if you are an educator interested in getting a kit for your students.

A Tale of Two Caterpillars

The fall webworm and Forest tent caterpillar are often confused with one another because both create prominent webs on fruit, shade, and woodland trees. Forest tent caterpillars occur in spring and early summer whereas the fall webworm appears in mid-August. Forest tent caterpillars are also much larger in size compared to the fall webworm, and seem to prefer trembling aspen and poplar trees whereas fall webworms prefer apple, poplar, ash, choke cherry, pin cherry, elm, maple, willow and white birch trees. However both the fall webworm and the forest tent caterpillar can be found on a variety of deciduous trees.

The fall webworm is native to North America. Infestations were more prevalent in eastern Canada in the past but with warmer temperatures, infestations on the Prairies have become more common. Initial signs of fall webworm include numerous webs on the outer branches of a tree. As the larvae develop, more and more webs will be spun to protect and hide the larvae. As the larvae grow, they feed on the leaves of the tree: first skeletonizing the leaf and then consuming the entire leaf.

The larvae appear in August-September and are approximately 25mm and have pale yellowish-brown bodies with broad, dark bands down their backs. Long whitish hairs protrude from black and orange impressions along their body. In September, the larvae drop to the ground and burrow into the tree litter and soil, where they form cocoons in which they pupate. Fall webworms will not kill a healthy tree however, their damage can be unsightly.  Reduce damage by removing the nests and webbing, or the entire infected branch can be pruned off and burned if the infestation is large enough.

For a useful website to aid in the identification of tree damaging insects, animals, and other diseases head to Tree Damage Identification | Wetaskiwin County, AB - Official Website

A Simple DIY Solution for Better Air

With the return of air quality advisors and thick wildfire smoke, building your own air purifier is a great way to take control of your indoor air quality and get a breath of fresh air during smoky days. The Corsi-Rosenthal Cube is an affordable, do-it-yourself air purifier that can significantly improve indoor air quality. Constructed from just a box fan and four MERV-13 furnace filters, this simple device provides whole-room air cleaning comparable to much more expensive commercial HEPA filters. It's a highly effective way to protect your health by clearing the air of airborne virus particles, pollen, dust, and especially the hazardous microscopic particles found in wildfire smoke.

Wildfire smoke is composed of tiny particulate matter, a dangerous mix of acids, chemicals, and metals that are small enough to be inhaled deep into the lungs and bloodstream. Research shows this type of pollution is significantly more hazardous than other forms of air pollution. By using a Corsi-Rosenthal Cube, you can help mitigate these risks, reducing the immediate health effects of smoke such as coughing, shortness of breath, and an increased heart rate.

Building a Corsi-Rosenthal Cube is a straightforward project that requires just a few items: a 20-inch box fan, four 20-inch MERV-13 filters, duct tape, and a piece of cardboard. First, tape the four filters together to form an incomplete cube, making sure the airflow arrows on each filter point inward. Next, seal the bottom of the cube with the cardboard and duct tape. Finally, place the box fan on the top of the cube, ensuring it is positioned to blow air out of the cube. This simple setup creates a powerful and efficient air filter.

For complete instructions, including pictures and diagrams, visit DIY box fan filters – Corsi-Rosenthal box - Clean Air Crew

WISH 24’ x 56’ Vignettes Flower Mural by Leigh Wright and Vinny Le

Location: Triovest ATB Place, downtown Edmonton

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