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Ecology & the city



Healthy riparian zones have valuable roles in urban areas. Yes, they perform a number of ecological services but they also expose the public to biodiversity. This gives city-folk an opportunity to connect with nature on a daily basis, which is important for fostering a strong conservation ethic, but also improves health and mental well-being.

This article reminds us about all of the reasons why we need to take care of these areas. I believe this article is featured in news publication from Bangalore in India, but aside from a few species names, it would apply most urban areas around the globe.

Read the full article here: Ecology & the city.

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Just 5% of Calgary riparian zones deemed ‘healthy’ | Metro



Calgary riparian zone

Riparian zone in Calgary – Prince’s Island Park.

It sounds like the City of Calgary has compiled a report for the health of riparian zones along waterways in that city. They found only 5% of riparian zones were in a healthy condition – which means that they are expected to be performing nearly the full range of ecological functions.

The categories they have used are “healthy”, “healthy with problems” and “unhealthy” so they have likely used a version of riparian health field assessment for streams and small rivers developed by Cows and Fish in Alberta.

What is possibly more alarming is that a full 44% of the areas are considered “unhealthy”. Many riparian zones in developed regions of the prairies show signs of degradation, but to be categorized as “unhealthy” (as opposed to “healthy with problems”), this means that there is considerable impairment of function. It also means that significant changes in management, and perhaps considerable restoration efforts, must occur for the rehabilitation of these areas and to begin to restore their ecological functioning capacity.

The City of Calgary is to be commended for recognizing the value of riparian zones and taking the initiative to assess their function. Performing a riparian health assessment is required in order to focus management in these areas that will restore and protect their ecological function while maintaining their recreational value.

Read the full article here: Just 5% of Calgary riparian zones deemed ‘healthy’ | Metro.

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The good beaver do | The Salt Lake Tribune



As the effects of climate change and other human and non-human factors have lead to some pretty disastrous drought conditions and serious water management concerns all over North America, but particularly in the U.S.

In Utah, the Utah Division of Wildlife has proposed to the commissioners of Garfield County changes to beaver management to allow for beavers to restore their historical habitat in certain regions of the state. However, the commissioners seem resistant even to consider discussing the idea.

This article clearly outlines some of the ecological benefits to the landscape the beavers have provided and why looking to beavers and their industrious ways may be an ecologically sound, sustainable and cost-effective solution for many of the water woes that we are facing, and most certainly will continue to face in the future.

Read the full article here: The good beaver do | The Salt Lake Tribune.

Thanks, beavers!

Beaver

Photo credit: Steve Hersey

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USDA Releases Agroforestry Guide For Farmers, Woodland Owners | USDA Newsroom



Agroforestry Guide for FarmersThe United Stated Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released a “practical agroforestry handbook that contains information to help establish, manage and market agroforestry projects that are profitable and sustainable over time”.

The information is targeted to growers in the southeastern U.S.A., but landowners in other regions may be able to adapt the practices and species used to suit local conditions. This guide may also spark some creative ideas about how to seek multiple benefits from agroforestry BMPs. For example, shrubs planted to function as riparian buffers could also serve for berry production. What potential exists in your operation that you had not considered?

A link to the document can be found in the article, which can be viewed here: USDA Releases Agroforestry Guide For Farmers, Woodland Owners | USDA Newsroom.

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Sturgeon Creeks riverside rumble – Winnipeg Free Press



Her is a little local interest article about the challenges of balancing interests when it comes to maintaining riparian zones in parks. Riparian areas that are in good condition ecologically can appear a little bit messy compared to a manicured park landscape, and some patrons don’t like it. As one commentator suggests, there are lots of areas with tidy paths and gardens for those who prefer them. Keep the riparian areas in nature – it is best for everyone!

Sturgeon Creeks riverside rumble – Winnipeg Free Press.

RBC donates $225,000 to keep Lake Winnipeg healthy – Winnipeg Free Press



Presentation

Lynette Gillen – RBC Regional Vice President, Gord Mackintosh – Minister of Conservation and Water Stewardship, and Tim Sopuck – MHHC CEO on the banks of Netley Creek

The board and staff of the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation, joined by program partners and the Minister of Conservation and Water Stewardship, gathered on the banks of Netley Creek where the RBC Royal Bank announced funding for the Green Bank: Clear Waters project. This project was awarded funding as part of RBC’s $50 million Blue Water Project funding initiative. The event took place on June 22, 2012.

Read the article here: RBC donates $225,000 to keep Lake Winnipeg healthy – Winnipeg Free Press.

View the Manitoba Government news release. For more information on the Green Banks: Clear Waters project, visit the project page.

Browse photographs take at the event in the photo gallery below. All photos by M. Neumann, MHHC. For more information about a photo, click on the “ i ” button located on the top right corner of the gallery.  On the bottom right, click on “ FS “ for a full screen view or “ SL “ for a slide show.

GBCW June 22, 2012

The MHHC board and staff were joined by program partners and the Minister of Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship as RBC presented funding for the the GBCW project as part of the RBC Blue Water Project funding initiative.

[img src=http://www.riparianhealth.ca/wp-content/flagallery/gbcw-june-22-2012/thumbs/thumbs_1tim_welcome.jpg]2740CEO - opening remarks
Tim Sopuck, CEO of MHHC, welcomes guests. Pictured on left is Harold Foster (Board Member - EICD), Gord Mackintosh (Minister - Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship), Lynette Gillen (RBC - Regional Vice President), and John Whitaker (Chair - MHHC Board). [img src=http://www.riparianhealth.ca/wp-content/flagallery/gbcw-june-22-2012/thumbs/thumbs_2rbc.jpg]160RBC - remarks
Lynette Gillen, Regional Vice President RBC Royal Bank discusses RBC's commitment to water protection by funding project like GBCW through the RBC Blue Water Project funding initiative. [img src=http://www.riparianhealth.ca/wp-content/flagallery/gbcw-june-22-2012/thumbs/thumbs_3minister.jpg]100Minister - Conservation & Water Stewardship remarks
Minister Gord Mackintosh congratulates MHHC and program partners on the recipient for the RBC Blue Water Project funding and suggests that RBC has set an excellent example of corporate environmental responsibility. [img src=http://www.riparianhealth.ca/wp-content/flagallery/gbcw-june-22-2012/thumbs/thumbs_4harold.jpg]100EICD - Remarks
Harold Foster is a board member of the East Interlake Conservation District (EICD). The EICD is a GBCW program partner, and the event was held along Netley Creek, which is situated in the EICD. [img src=http://www.riparianhealth.ca/wp-content/flagallery/gbcw-june-22-2012/thumbs/thumbs_5presentation.jpg]110Presentation
RBC's Lynette Gillen, Minister Gord Mackintosh and MHHC CEO Tim Sopuck pose with the cheque for $225,000 awarded to the GBCW project as part of the RBC Blue Water Project funding initiative. [img src=http://www.riparianhealth.ca/wp-content/flagallery/gbcw-june-22-2012/thumbs/thumbs_6riparian_minister.jpg]170Explaining riparian value
MHHC's Riparian Program Coordinator, Marilena Kowalchuk, explains riparian ecological functions and values to Minister Gord Mackintosh and his wife on the bank of Netley Creek. [img src=http://www.riparianhealth.ca/wp-content/flagallery/gbcw-june-22-2012/thumbs/thumbs_7riparian_grp1.jpg]180Riparian tour 1
Event participants learn about riparian health on the banks of Netley Creek. [img src=http://www.riparianhealth.ca/wp-content/flagallery/gbcw-june-22-2012/thumbs/thumbs_8riparian_grp2.jpg]100Riparian tour 2
Event participants learn about riparian health on the banks of Netley Creek. [img src=http://www.riparianhealth.ca/wp-content/flagallery/gbcw-june-22-2012/thumbs/thumbs_9riparian_grp3.jpg]100Riparian tour 3
Event participants learn about riparian health on the banks of Netley Creek. [img src=http://www.riparianhealth.ca/wp-content/flagallery/gbcw-june-22-2012/thumbs/thumbs_10riparian_grp4.jpg]150Riparian tour 4
Event participants learn about riparian vegetation along Netley Creek. [img src=http://www.riparianhealth.ca/wp-content/flagallery/gbcw-june-22-2012/thumbs/thumbs_11riparian_plants.jpg]100Riparian Plants
Ferns, violets, trilliums and columbines are just a few of the riparian plants found growing along Netley Creek.

 

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The Horse | Environmental Best Practices for Horse Owners



The Horse | Environmental Best Practices for Horse Owners

We talk about riparian areas and cattle grazing a lot…but what about other domestic grazing animals? Here is some great horse focused advice for environmental BMPs from the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture. They provide some great information for riparian and water quality protection, improving grazing distribution and improvements in other areas as well. As the authors mention…these BMPs are the most effective, practical and economical means of reducing and preventing pollution; they also tend to result in a cost savings, increase animal welfare and facilitate proper farm management.

Read the full article here: The Horse | Environmental Best Practices for Horse Owners.

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Students in Calgary ask…Are you drinking McLean Creek mud?



Calgary MLA Rick Fraser listens to a group of Grade 7 students from Rundle College at Ralph Klein Park on Tuesday, as the students make presentations to him on the effect of improper ATV use on the quality of water in McLean Creek.
Photograph by: Dean Bicknell, Calgary Herald

This is an article in the Calgary Herald about a group of seventh graders who recognized that their own use off-road vehicles affects riparian vegetation and soils.

These young people are making the connection between their activities and the health of the landscape and community. They are also realizing that awareness and simple modifications to how we use the land (e.g. sticking to the trail), can allow us to enjoy recreational activities in the riparian zone while allowing the vegetation to thrive and perform the multitude of ecological functions that keep our land and waters healthy.

Read the full article here: Are you drinking McLean Creek mud?.

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Students to learn hands-on with Agro-Ecology day – Carman Valley Leader – Manitoba, CA



On June 1, Marilena Kowalchuk (MHHC) and Justin Reid (LSRBCD) will lead a stream bank assessment session on the Boyne River at the third annual Agro-Ecology Discovery Day in Carman, Manitoba. They will teach grade 10 students from Carman, Elm Creek and Dufferin Christian School about the important role that riparian areas play in maintaining water quality and watershed health. New this year, Marilena visited the Carman students prior to the field day for a more in-depth background on riparian area health and management. This is sure to enhance this field session for them.

Students to learn hands-on with Agro-Ecology day – Carman Valley Leader – Manitoba, CA.

Agroecology Discovery Day 2010

Marilena discusses riparian vegetation at the Agroecology Discovery Day in Carman in 2010

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Dissecting Riparian areas – The Daily Graphic/Central Plains Herald-Leader



This is an article about the benefits of a healthy riparian zone with an emphasis on the Portage la Prairie region. It is written by a colleague and Managing the Water’s Edge Workshop Facilitator, Shawn Cabak, from Manitoba Agriculture, Food & Rural Initiatives (MAFRI). Shawn works out of the Portage la Prairie office.

Dissecting Riparian areas – The Daily Graphic/Central Plains Herald-Leader – Manitoba, CA.

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