Stormwater Management Facilities and Nature-Based Solutions

Nadine, the local steward of a wetland near Terwillegar Drive, reached out to ERVCC wanting help. She wants to ensure this wetland – which began as a constructed stormwater pond – receives proper stewardship. Here is the backstory, with photos supplied by Nadine.

In Edmonton, just off Terwillegar Drive South Bound and Anthony Henday West Bound (close to the North Saskatchewan River Valley) is a stormwater facility. There are 3 ponds that were constructed when the nearby section of the Anthony Henday was built (around 2006). Prior to the Anthony Henday, this area was all farm land with some natural wetlands areas.

The ponds were designed to have bullrushes, willow trees and a variety of other native wetland plants as a natural barrier around the ponds. Over the years, these ponds have grown into a beautiful wetland ecosystem that not only serves as drainage but enhances the beauty and ecological functioning of the area.

When the Transmountain Pipeline went through (roughly 2016 to 2019) an environmental study was done. The study found a number of wetland species that call this area home. Signage was put up to protect the area from construction damage.

The Horned Grebe and an endangered prairie bird (we are trying to retrieve the exact species), along with numerous ducks, geese, blackbirds, hawks, muskrat, crows, magpies, coyotes, hares, deer and the occassional a lynx, call these ponds home.

When the pipeline was under construction, very little mowing by the province happened around the ponds, and the wetlands flourished. However, since the pipeline work was completed, excessive grass mowing has occurred. In the last 3 years the wetlands area has decreased by about 50%. The contractors mowing this area have not only cut the grass, but the wetlands as well, which include: bullrushes, bushes, willow trees, and lots of other trees and plants that were planted as a border for the ponds (wetlands).

I asked the province for help. I asked if they could reduce the excessive mowing and perhaps plant a tree barrier around the perimeter of the ponds. The response I received was "no" and that the mowing will continue. We have the contact for the provincial officer involved. Part of the officers reasoning is that “access” for maintenance is needed.

Since the Canadian Government is giving millions of dollars to plant trees to re-naturalize areas, we could apply for funds and make a tree barrier around these 3 ponds. These ponds would be a lovely area for restorative stewardship work to help address the dual crisis of climate change and biodiversity loss.

-Nadine

It is only one small area in Edmonton, but to the critters that call these ponds home, it's an important area. Please help ERVCC and Nadine protect this area.

So now what? ERVCC has a call in to the Provincial employee whose justification for the mowing is concerning. If you would like to help, please contact ERVCC. Let’s work together to restore this area.

The area in question is very close to the North Saskatchewan River Valley.