Calgary River Valleys (CRV), a not-for-profit organization led by volunteers dedicated to building a strong and effective voice for river valleys protection and water quality in Calgary, is working hard on Phase 2 of our Riverbank Makeover Project. Restoration of a section the riverbank on the Elbow River was completed in September, and you are invited to join us on October 8 for the “reveal” of the newly replanted riparian site and see the transformation of this site to a more fully functioning and healthy riparian zone. Drop in anytime between 5:30 pm and 7:00 pm to see what we have planted in this river-adjacent area, and learn more about the project. Because it is a private home, we are not publishing the address, but you can either look for the Calgary River Valleys sign in front of the house in the 800 block of Rideau Rd SW, or you can contact us by phone at 403-268-4632 or email us at [email protected] for more details.
This project, funded by the City of Calgary Water Resources and S2G+ (Stanley Park to Glenmore and Beyond), also includes a research and educational component to measure the change in knowledge of the general public regarding riparian zones and their functions. Please help us with this research component! By completing our short survey, you will be entered into a draw to win a $150 prepaid Visa or Mastercard gift card! The secure survey link is here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5VPHW78
Why Do Riparian Restoration?
The riparian zone is the strip of land that is adjacent to a river, creek, or wetland. The soil in this zone is usually moist and can support different types of vegetation than land further from the water. A healthy well-vegetated riparian zone will perform important ecological functions such as removing sediment from the water, preventing erosion of the riverbank, absorbing water during high water events and releasing it during droughts, reducing the energy of floodwater, and providing habitat for wildlife. As a result, it is important to protect our existing riparian zones, and to restore these zones to a higher function whenever we can.
Interested in Learning How to Do Your Own Riparian Restoration Project?
CRV is currently developing a summary document for community groups and landowners interested in doing their own riparian restoration project to help protect our rivers. This informative, user-friendly guide will direct you through the steps required to implement your own riparian restoration project. Contact us for more details.
Other River Stewardship – CRV Citizen Science Redd Count Opportunity
We have a few openings for volunteers to join us for our annual citizen science research project to count the “redds” (spawning nests) of Brown Trout in the Elbow River. We will again do two Redd Counts this year. The first will take place on Friday, November 8 for the Lower Elbow and the second will be on Saturday, November 9 for the Upper Elbow. This redd data tells us about the health of the river ecosystem over time. The location of redds can also be used to ensure land use decisions do not negatively impact Calgary’s blue-ribbon trout fishery. Volunteer biologists will lead the counts, which will involve walking and rafting in the river, identifying, geo-locating, and counting the redds. Everything will be provided for volunteers, including chest waders, PFDs (lifejackets), and a hot lunch on shore. If you are interested, contact us by phone or email (see above). This project is also funded by the City of Calgary Water Resources.
