“Hello, I spotted purple loosestrife in a stormwater pond.”

Thanks to two separate reports from concerned residents, we are now aware of purple loosestrife that was previously undetected in two stormwater management facilities. EPCOR has been notified and will work on the physical removal of this super invader. Established infestations of purple loosestrife are extremely difficult to get rid of; therefore, prevention and control of isolated new populations is important. A huge thank you to our residents for being the front line guardians against invasive plants.

Did you know that control efforts of aquatic invasive plants have been going on for many years? With hand pulling and cutting, there are successful cases where isolated populations were eliminated.

Goldfish and Prussian carp are aquatic invasive species that have been found in Alberta. They got to our rivers and lakes because of illegal dumping of these fish, and have quickly grown out of control. These aquatic invaders have no natural predator in the wild and are taking up food and resources from our native fish. Despite popular belief, goldfish will actually survive our harsh winters.

Currently, there are more than 50 populations of goldfish found in Alberta. Please be a responsible pet owner and never dump unwanted fish or aquarium water into any water body. If you are an angler, you could also help by reporting sightings of these fish here.

Seasonal migration of birds is happening. While you are enjoying watching birds fly across the sky, think about how keeping your cat(s) inside can help protect the bird populations. Research shows that between 100 and 350 million birds are killed every year by cats in Canada. Unfortunately, well-fed cats and cats with collar-bells still kill birds. 

At the same time, coyotes have coexisted with humans for many years and serve as scavengers in urban environments. They hunt for rodents and small mammals, and have adapted to backyard food sources such as garbage, fruit and pet food. By permitting your cats to roam free outside of your property, you provide the opportunity for a potentially serious encounter between your cat and a coyote.

To learn more, please check out this Edmonton initiative led by Nature Alberta. 

“I bought it in a greenhouse years ago.”

This is a common response City staff get when having conversations with residents about invasive plants on private property. So, what is safe to buy? Is there a way to ensure we don't fall victim to invasive plants? The National Voluntary Code of Conduct for the Ornamental Horticulture Industry could be the solution! The Code of Conduct consists of 11 best practices for industry related to growing, selling and specifying non-invasive species as well as to label plant material correctly using both common and scientific names, just to name a few. It’s meant to improve best practices across all sectors of the industry, from growers, suppliers, retailers, to landscape contractors.

To learn more about the Code of Conduct or to pledge, please click here.

Urban wildlife is great, but not all wildlife is welcome. Unwanted critters in your compost pile are a symptom that something is out of balance. Take a pause and look for what can be fixed. Here are some tips. 

1. Rodents: They eat smaller predators and insects, so bury kitchen scraps in the pile. They also want a dry winter home, so keep the pile moist, especially in the fall. 
2. Wasps or ants: They like a sheltered place to reproduce, so fluff your pile every week.
3. Flies: They love sweet fruit scraps, so again, bury scraps and cover with Browns.
4. Coyotes: They hunt rodents and scavenge, so please keep your pile active and reduce food waste.
5. Kids (?): They love yuck and want to learn about nature. Just hand them a shovel and don’t fret about the mess. 

Phragmites is a tall reed-like plant that grows in shallow water near wetlands, and is regulated under the Alberta Fisheries Act. It's a large plant and can grow up to 5 meters with 200 stems per square meter. Phragmites grows fast and chokes out native species by releasing toxins from its roots. Additionally, it spreads quickly because it reproduces through seeds that are easily dispersed by wind, and through roots and shoot fragments. In the fall when the stalks die they dry out and can impact communities as they are a fire hazard. 

Thankfully we do not have confirmed sightings of phragmites in Edmonton. If you see this plant please call 1-855-336-2628 for reporting.

Drop off yard waste for free at one of four Edmonton Eco Stations.

But don't forget, weeds that have flowered should be placed in sealed black garbage bags for collection.