Northeast River Valley Park opens September 24
Edmonton’s newest river valley park opens to the public on Sunday, September 24 at 11 a.m. Northeast River Valley Park, previously known as Our Lady Queen of Peace Ranch North, is located at 903-153 Avenue NE. It provides opportunities for quality outdoor recreation experiences and expands the Ribbon of Green network for biodiversity and ecological integrity.
The park connects with popular River Valley trails and includes unique features, such as charming barn bridges, an ornamental lake for non-motorized paddling activities, a large events centre for gatherings and weddings, trail connections, children’s playground and public washrooms.
On opening day there will be many activities for the public including an Event Center open house, Edmonton Public Library story walk, nature and recreation activities, neighbourhood showcase, and a City tradeshow with displays and giveaways. Food trucks will also be on-site.
Residents and stakeholders will have an opportunity to provide input on the long term plan for the park, including its name, as part of a strategic concept-planning process expected to begin Fall 2023. https://www.edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation/parks_rivervalley/northeast-river-valley-park
Edmonton must protect its river valley and drinking water
In an opinion piece, Kristine Kowalchuk argues against Epcor’s flood mitigation plan, citing five interrelated concerns. The first is the cutting of 577 trees, including 77 mature trees. Replanting young trees will not replace mature trees; the latter offer exponentially greater carbon sequestration, flood and drought mitigation, and habitat.
Our second concern is further impact to the wildlife corridor, in particular on pinch points that are already in desperate need of restoration. This will drive wildlife into residential areas and increase conflict. The third concern regards the questionable wisdom of trying to hold back the river in a flood plain. As Calgary and High River learned 10 years ago, water will do what it wants.
Our fourth concern is Epcor’s lack of a long-term plan to decentralize water treatment. How resilient is a water system in which over 90 communities rely on just two water treatment plants (located in flood plains)?
That brings us to the final main concern. How does one even put a price tag on protecting the river valley and land that has the same archaeological designation as UNESCO World Heritage sites? Read complete piece at
Invasive earthworms changing the soil in Canada's boreal forests
University of Alberta research highlights how non-native earthworms are directly altering the soil microbial community in the country's boreal forests. The study showed that earthworms affected fungal and bacterial communities in the first layer of mineral soil, just below the organic-rich layer known as the forest floor.
Researcher Justine Lejoly was particularly surprised to discover a higher diversity of bacteria and fungi in those worm-invaded soils. "It was unexpected, considering that vegetation studies have already shown that earthworms have detrimental effects, including lower plant diversity and higher drought sensitivity."
"In theory, having higher diversity means there are more types of bacteria and fungi present, which potentially makes them more resilient to disturbance and better equipped to maintain soil functions in different scenarios."
The presence of the worms also appeared to increase the abundance of fungi capable of living in symbiosis with trees, the study showed, though consequences for tree growth, whether positive or negative, weren't explored.
https://phys.org/news/2023-09-invasive-earthworms-soil-canada-boreal.html
Edmonton forest school seeks to raise curious, nature loving children
Megan writes “I saw the article about forest school. It is only one of many running in Edmonton. For instance, I sent my 5-year-old to Wild Child Forest School in Mill Creek this past summer for a weeklong summer camp. It's one of the most affordable summer camps in the city, and the kids learn practical forest and survival skills along with having a ton of fun.
There is also a Free Forest School, which is parent run/organized, meets all over the river valley from Devon to Fort Saskatchewan and has weekly get togethers for unstructured forest play. Thanks so much for spreading the word about these important opportunities for kids to interact in the wild in a safe fashion, while learning to appreciate our beautiful river valley!”
Almost Whole by Roydon Mills, Belgravia Art Park
https://www.edmontonarts.ca/public-art/almost-whole
Comment or contribution
Please note that articles may not reflect the position of NSRVCS. River Valley News is meant to be a clearinghouse for the wide variety of opinions and ideas about Edmonton’s River Valley. Email river valley photos, event information, comments, or questions to nsrivervalley@gmail.com