Photo credit: dirtonmyshirt.com
River Valley Plants: Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
The Common Yarrow, or Achillea millefolium, is far more than just a ubiquitous roadside weed; it is a fragrant, deeply historic herb found throughout Alberta, including the open spaces and disturbed areas of the River Valley. Identified by its height (ranging from 30 cm to 70 cm) and its aromatic, feathery, fern-like leaves, its species name millefolium translates to "a thousand leaves," referencing its finely dissected foliage. In late June, this hardy perennial bursts into bloom, displaying dense, flat-topped clusters of many small, typically white flowers that can continue colouring the landscape until September.
The yarrow boasts a fascinating history rooted in both military myth and Indigenous medicine. Its genus name, Achillea, refers to the Greek hero Achilles, who legend says used the plant to heal his soldiers’ wounds. This military association is echoed in its old folk names like “soldier’s woundwort” and “staunchweed,” reflecting its historical use as a styptic to stop bleeding in battle—an effective property that was also widely utilized by First Nations Peoples across the Rocky Mountains to treat cuts, burns, and aches.
Common Yarrow is a native, incredibly resilient plant that thrives in dry conditions and poor soils, making it common along riverbanks, roadsides, and open meadows. It is highly valued for its extensive, deep root system and its ability to spread, which makes it an excellent choice for ground cover and soil erosion control. Ecologically, its clustered flower heads provide a rich and abundant source of nectar for various insect larvae and certain butterflies, like the Blue Copper. Despite its slightly bitter taste, the Yarrow is a persistent and beautiful component of the River Valley ecosystem.
Photo credit: Alberta.ca
The Storyteller's Green Space: Tony Cashman Park
The history of Edmonton is preserved not just in museums and archives, but in the names woven into the city’s landscape. Tony Cashman Park, located at 103A Street and 16 Avenue SW, is one such tribute—a quiet piece of green space honouring one of Alberta's most passionate and popular local historians. The park serves as a lasting memorial to a man whose life’s work was dedicated to ensuring that the stories of Edmonton's past were not just remembered but vibrantly brought to life for everyone.
Born in Edmonton in 1923, Tony Cashman was a celebrated author, radio broadcaster, and playwright who possessed an "uncanny ability to bring the people in his stories to life." During the 1950s and 60s, he became a household name through his weekly radio segment, “The Edmonton Story,” which ran for a decade and featured over 700 local tales. Cashman believed history should be told through the eyes of the common person who lived it, rather than just through dates and elite decisions. This distinctive, humorous, and deeply human style made history accessible and engaging, earning him accolades like the Edmontonian of the Century in 2004 and an induction into the Alberta Order of Excellence in 2014.
The City of Edmonton recognized Cashman’s profound impact by naming a park in his honour in 2011. In 2021, a new plaque was installed at the park, further cementing his place in the city's narrative. As his son, Paul Cashman, noted at the plaque dedication, "After 98 years of writing Edmonton's history, now he is part of Edmonton's history.” It was Tony Cashman’s hope that visitors to the park would take a moment to learn about him and, perhaps, become inspired to explore the rich history of their own city, continuing the storytelling tradition he championed for a lifetime.
Photo credit: Northern Photo Services Ltd.
High Level Bridge: History and Heritage
The High Level Bridge is a massive steel truss, multi-function bridge constructed between 1910 and 1913. As one of four great steel truss bridges built by the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) in Canada before WWI, it is a significant historic place. The design is notable for employing two distinct truss types—the Pratt Truss and the Warren Truss—for its steel substructure, which is set on a combination of concrete piers and steel legs. The structure is 2,550 feet long and features two decks positioned twenty feet apart, with the rail deck base sitting 156 feet above the North Saskatchewan River.
The bridge holds unique historical importance for its role in uniting the separate communities on the river's north and south banks. It was a major factor in the amalgamation of the City of Strathcona and the City of Edmonton on February 1, 1912. The High Level Bridge linked 109 Street in downtown Edmonton with 109 Street on Edmonton's south side. The construction costs, exceeding $2 million, were shared by the CPR, the cities of Edmonton and Strathcona, and the provincial and dominion governments, demonstrating the railway's immense historical importance.
Significantly, the High Level Bridge held unique standing in Western Canada for originally combining four modes of transportation: train, streetcar, automobile, and pedestrian traffic. While streetcar traffic ceased in 1951 and CPR trains stopped in 1989, the lower deck still carries vehicular traffic and a pedestrian walkway, and a tourist streetcar operates seasonally on the upper deck. The structure remains a massive landmark and an icon for the city of Edmonton
https://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/documents/InfraPlan/HighLevelBridge.pdf
Operation Total Recall: The Citizen-Led Effort to Recall UCP MLAs
What has this article got to do with the river valley? Nothing!!! This just reflects the left leaning bias of your staff which is offensive.
Your history and stories about our river valley have always been interesting and enjoyable but please refrain from political opinion.
Bruce
Operation Total Recall: The Citizen-Led Effort to Recall UCP MLAs
Is the River Valley News becoming political? I hope not. Please stick to history, facts.
Victoria
Operation Total Recall: The Citizen-Led Effort to Recall UCP MLAs
“Please note that 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.”
I am attaching your note from your newsletter. While I have found your newsletters interesting and engaging, articles like the recall campaigns are increasingly creeping into your publication. These articles are political and totally out of place in the newsletter. Your lack of oversight is ruining your publication.
Regards,
Brenda
Touchstone / Bruno Canadien / 2025 / Bronze / NAIT LRT Station
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