NSRVCS News - December 9, 2021

City’s outdoor rinks opening
The City of Edmonton has opened outdoor rinks in Victoria Park, The Meadows Community Recreation Centre, and near Shelter 2 in William Hawrelak Park, with more to open in the coming weeks.

Government of Alberta public health measures will be in place inside pavilions and washrooms. Their capacities are limited to 30 per cent of fire code with masking and physical distancing required. While there are no capacity restrictions on ice surfaces, the provincial public health measures still require everyone to maintain two-metre physical distancing.

More rinks will open in the coming weeks depending on weather conditions:
Victoria Park Iceway: December 4
Jackie Parker Park rink: December 20
Castle Downs Park rink: December 20
Rundle Park outdoor rinks/Iceway: Mid-December
City Hall Plaza skating rink: Mid-December
William Hawrelak Park Lake: Late December-early January

More information on when outdoor rinks and skating surfaces will open is at https://www.edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation/outdoor-ice-rinks

Margaret Chappelle - the artist who saved MacKinnon Ravine
Margaret Chappelle’s passions were art and nature. When she was 32, Margaret decided to study fine art at the University of Alberta. She developed a career as an accomplished artist, both in Alberta and internationally.

When the beauty of the natural landscape met the relentless grind of urban progress, she began an 18-year-long battle to protect MacKinnon Ravine, and Edmonton’s river valley. A plan approved by city council in 1964, proposed a six-lane highway running directly behind Margaret’s Grovenor backyard.

Margaret Chappelle’s legacy extends far beyond the long battle to save the ravine. Her fight was for beauty, for life, for all of Edmonton’s natural spaces, which are threatened over and over again. Her words ring as true today as they did in that first full-throated declaration, urging us to defend the river valley and its ravines, Edmonton’s crown jewels.

“To keep our parkland will require a watchdog attitude and a crusading spirit of all Edmontonians,” she said. “No amount of money is large enough to buy back any ravine… What are we building, a city to accommodate more and faster machines? Or to accommodate more and better people? Let us take the firm stand—our parklands are inviolate.”

Today, MacKinnon Ravine is a haven for hikers, bikers, joggers, and skiers – but not drivers. Learn more at https://citymuseumedmonton.ca/2021/11/02/margaret-chappelle-the-artist-who-saved-the-mackinnon-ravine/

Canada wild rye a versatile native plant, but dangerous to dogs
The erect or arching stems of this perennial grow 2-4 ft. tall. Spike-shaped seed heads of oat-like seeds with long, bristly awns, cause the stems to bend and droop. Canada wild rye establishes easily, providing quick initial cover. It is a versatile, cool-season plant, requiring little to no maintenance. It displays heavy, whiskery, nodding seed heads in early fall.

It will mature in the first or second year while other prairie grasses and flowers are still developing. The beautiful curving seed heads resemble cultivated rye. Canada wild rye grows on practically any soil, including bare sand, gravel, and raw clay subsoil. This is a good bunchgrass for partly shady prairie plantings.

Its wildlife uses includes nesting material and seeds for birds and small mammals. Cut seed stalks are used in dried arrangements. Do not use this grass in areas frequented by dogs. The barbed seed husks of this species pose a threat of severe eye injuries to dogs. More info at https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=elca4

Help create a lasting river valley legacy
Sandra writes “The green of the trails circling Edmonton are fantastic. How can I make certain that the ponds in Rundle Park are maintained and filled next year? I called relentlessly this past season. Many did and we were successful! If you have any suggestions, I will follow through for next year! The Waxwing photo is exquisite in today’s email news!”

Red Panda at the Edmonton Zoo

Comment or contribution
If you have a comment, concern, or question, contact us at nsrivervalley@gmail.com Please also email us river valley photos or event information. Your friends, neighbours and colleagues can sign up for this newsletter on our web site https://www.edmontonrivervalley.org/

Sincerely yours,
Harvey Voogd
North Saskatchewan River Valley Conservation Society
780.691.1712

NSRVCS News - December 2, 2021

River valley park named after Jan Reimer
A river valley park in west Edmonton is being named in honour of Jan Reimer, the first woman elected mayor of Alberta's capital city. The park will be part of existing river valley parkland close to the Oleskiw neighbourhood, located near the Terwillegar Park footbridge.

"A lifelong Edmontonian, during her public-service career she dedicated herself to advancing important civic initiatives," said Erin McDonald, chair of the city's naming committee. "Through the lens of history, it is clear that Jan Reimer had a significant impact on Edmonton."

During her time on council, Reimer advocated for changing the title of alderman to councillor. She worked for improvements to the city's waste management system, such as eco stations and the collection of recyclable materials.

Jan Reimer worked on initiatives to improve the water quality of the North Saskatchewan River, to preserve the river valley and extend the trail system. She helped establish the Edmonton Arts Council and the Aboriginal Advisory Committee. Read more at https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/jan-reimer-mayor-park-edmonton-1.6262733

AB Wildlife Act protects hibernaculum due to importance to snakes
Lack of food and warm weather affects many species in Alberta. The garter snake is another example of an animal facing these issues. As they are incapable of long migrations, they are forced to find other survival techniques.

A hibernacula does just the trick for these species of snakes. This is an underground cavity where garter snakes will be protected from the cold and frost line. A hibernacula could take the form of a rocky outcrop, an old well, or any other underground hollow. In Alberta, these areas are rare, especially since they prefer them to be near water sources such as stream.

This means that hundreds of garter snakes in an area are likely to congregate in one place. As they huddle together during their hibernation, they help each other to conserve heat. Having large numbers of males and females together also allows for springtime mating near the hibernacula. An individual garter snake is likely to return to the same site year after year.

Since these species prefer to be near water, you will find them in river valleys or near wetlands. These areas are crucial to the survival of these species, so it is important to not destroy or disturb a hibernacula site, even if it is not currently being used. These sites or hibernaculum are so important, due to the high density of vulnerable snakes, that they are protected by the Alberta Wildlife Act. More at https://www.ealt.ca/blog/huddled-hibernators

Edmonton Christmas Bird Count is December 19
The Edmonton Nature Club sponsors the Edmonton count. This traditional citizen science project contributes data to an immense database managed and analyzed by Bird Studies Canada and the National Audubon Society. Edmonton has been participating since 1955 and holds the world record for number of participants!

You have two participation options. Feeder watchers tally birds in their yard. You can stay home and keep a list of species and number of birds that visit your feeder(s) for a couple of hours on Sunday, December 19.

Teams of counters, referred to as bush beaters, scour the city, including our river valley and ravine system, to gather information on bird numbers. Every zone has teams of bush beaters to cover designated areas on foot or by vehicle, keeping a list of species and numbers of birds seen.

If you are a beginning birder, you will join a group that includes at least one experienced birdwatcher. Want to participate? Sign up at https://www.edmontonchristmasbirdcount.ca/participate.html

Help create a lasting river valley legacy
Calgary promotes its proximity to the Rocky Mountains to attract and retain talent. It is time Edmonton did the same thing regarding our Ribbon of Green. Edmonton’s North Saskatchewan River valley is our equivalent to the Rockies, our strongest differentiating feature.

The North Saskatchewan River Valley Conservation Society Capital Fund at the Edmonton Community Foundation was created to support conservation of natural lands in the City of Edmonton. The intent and purpose of the Fund is to support land acquisition and other activities that conserve the natural ecosystems in the river valley, giving priority to maintaining the biodiversity and ecological integrity of those lands for the public benefit.

Due to Edmontonians’ support last Christmas, the Fund was officially inaugurated with a balance of $13,051. Our goal this year is to increase the Fund to $25,000. The net income of the Fund is disbursed annually to the Edmonton and Area Land Trust. Your can give your charitable donation online at https://www.ecfoundation.org/funds/north-saskatchewan-river-valley-conservation-society-capital-fund/

Loveliness of ladybugs part of winter’s huddled hibernators
Liz writes “Great job. I have forwarded this to a friend. The Loveliness of ladybugs is a wonderful reason for keeping leaf litter in one’s yard. Then they are there in the spring to keep the nasty bugs away.”

Comment or contribution
If you have a comment, concern, or question, contact us at nsrivervalley@gmail.com Please also email us river valley photos or event information. Your friends, neighbours and colleagues can sign up for this newsletter on our web site.

Sincerely yours,
Harvey Voogd
North Saskatchewan River Valley Conservation Society
780.691.1712

NSRVCS News - November 25, 2021

Loveliness of ladybugs part of winter’s huddled hibernators
Ladybugs do not migrate or move to warmer locations when the cool fall air approaches. Being an ectotherm, or cold-blooded organism which draws warmth from their environment, means that the winter cold will render these species inactive. So nearly all 450 native North American species hibernate.

When searching for hibernation locations, ladybugs will search for prime locations that are free from predators, are shielded from the wind, and unlikely to be disturbed. In their native habitat, hibernation locations could be under tree bark or in nooks of trees. But in the human developed landscape, there are other options. Cracks in buildings such as sheds and garages or in leaf litter under a deck can also fit the bill.

These prime locations are in high demand, so ladybugs are bound to bump into each other here. But they go beyond this, knowing that many ladybugs will provide better protection against the elements. To attract more towards these prime locations, they will emit an attractant pheromone similar to that used to deter predators and attract mates.

This results in ladybugs hibernating in the hundreds and even thousands. A group of ladybugs is called a loveliness, so a hibernating group can be referred to as a Loveliness of Ladybugs. More at https://www.ealt.ca/blog/huddled-hibernators

Luminaria winter festival at UofA Botanic Garden
This festival runs Nov 27-Jan 9 and includes a variety of activities. Wander candle-lit pathways in the serene Kurimoto Japanese Garden. Sip hot apple cider, while the sounds of a capella singers fill the air. Send a message to the world on a Wish Tree. Light a candle for a loved one in Memory Lane.

Immerse yourself in a joyful animated light display set to music in the dramatic Aga Khan Garden. Celebrate Indigenous experience, including a new sculpture by noted artist Jason Carter. Say hello to the illuminated Snow Sprites and bow to a beautiful Snow Queen. Eat, drink and be merry!

Special activities include the Northern Light Dining Experience, a gourmet three-course fondue dinner in a private dining dome nestled in the snow. Join Mackenzie Brown for Indigenous Dark Sky Storytelling, a unique and personal experience through drumming, singing and interactive star creation storytelling. Info and tickets at https://luminaria.ualberta.ca/

Solar project awaits judicial review decision
A judicial review brought forward by the Edmonton River Valley Conservation Coalition was heard Nov 19 in Alberta’s Court of Queen’s Bench, calling for the project’s approval to be deemed invalid and returned to city council for additional consultation. A decision by Justice Fraser is expected to be released in a written decision after reviewing the arguments made by both parties.

ERVCC legal counsel Alexander Yiu focused on how city council made the decision, arguing they were required to outright vote on if the river valley was an essential location for the solar farm as per a city bylaw. A vote on that specific question did not take place, but the bylaw amendments to allow for rezoning were approved.

On behalf of EPCOR, Michael Marion countered that they do not believe a specific vote on deeming the location essential was required. Even still, he argued that would not change the outcome of the seven councillors who voted in favour.

“Council had made a legislative decision to amend the area redevelopment plan to specifically contemplate this solar project,” he said. “We submit there’s no requirement to deem it essential.”
Marion also argued that the coalition does not have legal standing in bringing the judicial review forward in the first place because the solar farm is being constructed on property already occupied by EPCOR and would not be considered a public utility.

Despite the review, construction began on the project this summer with completion scheduled by next summer, as some solar panels have already been shipped with installation set to begin next month. Read more at https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/battle-over-council-approved-solar-farm-in-edmonton-river-valley-heads-to-the-courtroom-through-judicial-review

Epcor solar power plant
Melanie writes “Thanks for the newsletters! I’m so gutted to see the solar panels going up. Will you share an update on what the heck happened with the court injunction or whatever legalese was trying to hold this up?

Photo by Darren Markland.

Comment or contribution
If you have a comment, concern, or question, contact us at nsrivervalley@gmail.com Please also email us river valley photos or event information. Your friends, neighbours and colleagues can sign up for this newsletter on our web site.

Sincerely yours,
Harvey Voogd
North Saskatchewan River Valley Conservation Society
780.691.1712