Mow to Grow

MOW TO GROW

Tools + Tactics

An Approach to Naturalization of Mowed Grass recommended for The City of Calgary

The Weaselhead (Calgary, AB)

We acknowledge that Calgary is within the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, the Métis Nation (Region 3), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.

This publication represents the intellectual property of Victoria Bohm, Melissa Bourne, and Farah Elsadek. It was carried out in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the University of Calgary’s MLA LAND620 Studio (Winter 2023). The information contained in this document is solely intended for viewing and educational purposes. Reproduction of any portion of this document or use of the intellectual ideas contained within it for any other purpose without written permission is prohibited.

For their role in helping shape and inform this project, we would like to express our thanks to:

Chris Hardwicke, Principal, Urban Design, O2 Planning + Design

Matt Williams, Principal, Senior Landscape Architect, O2 Planning + Design

Jenna Cross, Parks Ecologist, City of Calgary

Katelyn Dunning, Landscape Architect, O2 Planning + Design

Mathis Natvik, Assistant Professor, SAPL, University of Calgary

Mindi Summers, Associate Professor (Teaching), Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Calgary

Table of Contents

Background

Research Process

2 Billion Trees

Natural Climate Solutions (NCS)

NCS In Calgary

Moving Toward a ‘Greener’ Calgary

Naturalization

Spatial Analysis

Land Use Analysis of Mowed Space

Toolkit

Naturalization Guide

A.Utility Corridors

B.Schoolyards

C.Golfcourses

D.Common Elements: Naturalization of Mowed Non-native Grass

Toolkit Implementation

Site Selection Criteria

Site Context

Lands Interrupted (Site History)

Natural Systems

Flora + Fauna

Plants + Pollinators

Naturalization Plant Lists + Seed Mixes

Site Plan: Lakeview Steppe

Lakeview Steppe Utility Corridor

Lakeview Steppe [Schoolyard]

Lakeview Steppe Community Hub [Golf Course Conversion]

Calculating Potential References

Background Research Process

The cultural + ecological role trees play in an urban environment

How trees fit into NCS, and NCS alternatives to trees

Natural Climate Solutions

• Benefits

Biodiversity- plants + pollinators, Well-being, climate resilience

• Challenges

Cost, social accesptability + education, mointoring, policy changes

Why Trees?

Naturalization

RESEARCH QUESTION

What is the 2 Billion Trees Campain & how does it apply to Calgary?

RESEARCH METHOD

Literature Search

Academic, Grrey/White papers

Interviews

Spatial Analysis

Design Research

Calgary

Climate Strategy

• How can NCS contribute to Calgary’s emissions targets?

• What role can natural infrastructure play in climate resilience?

• Missing links in City strategies (i.e. funding and social support)

Background

This landscape architectural design studio, entitled “2 Billion Trees” began with a problem statement regarding the role of trees in urban greening. How and why are trees recruited to improve urban conditions and could they be employed to achieve similar ends within the City of Calgary? Our research process included review of the scientific literature, analysis of national, provincial, and local policy, and consultation with experts, locally.

The outputs of this process enabled us to evaluate the question and facilitate a decision about the suitability of trees in this city. These findings supported a subsequent design process to develop and implement a strategy for achieving a ‘greener Calgary’ tailored to local ecological, political, and cultural conditions.

Spatial Analysis

• What is the opportunity for urban greening in Calgary?

• Landcover analysis (grassland, agricultural, mowed)

• Landownership analysis

TOOLKIT

Site Typologies

Common Elements

TOOLKIT IMPLEMENTATION

Site Selection Strategy

Mapping Studies

Gap Analysis

Partnership/ Engagement

ProjectProjectObjectiveObjective Project Objective

Project Objective

2 Billion Trees

1977

The Green Belt Movement (Nairobi, Kenya)

2007

One Billion Tree Campain (Global)

2021

Two Billion Tree Campaign (Canada)

2018

One Trillion Tree Campaign (Global)

Why Trees?

Tree campaigns date back to the late 1970’s with Wangari Maathai and the Green Belt movement that she started in Nairobi, Kenya. Since then, and particularly since the turn of the 21st century, other tree campaigns have been initiated to support the environment or address climate change through trees and forests. In 2020, the Canadian Government launched the 2 Billion Trees Campaign as part of its Natural Climate Solutions Fund. 3.2 billion dollars is being administered through Natural Resources Canada to support tree planting projects for climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.

In urban environments, trees have provided utility to humans dating back to ancient civilizations. They have provided food, added beauty, conferred protection from the elements, and allowed city-dwellers to engage with nature without having to visit the countryside.

The relationship between trees and humans is long-standing and complex. At the core of this affinity lie our understanding of the ecological roles that trees play as well as our belief that trees are inherently valuable. The task of this studio is to explore their suitability across scales and within context.

Natural Climate Solutions (NCS)

Restoration of Forest Cover (by 2030)

Restoration of Forest Cover (by 2050)

Avoided Grassland Conversion

Cover Crops

CLIMATE MITIGATION

Examples:

carbon sequestration avoided carbon release

Nutrient Management

Crop Residue- Biochar

Silvopasture

Crop Residue- Bioethanol

Avoided Conversion of FW Mineral Wetlands

Riparian Tree Planting

CLIMATE RESILIENCE

Examples:

urban heat island effect

stormwater capture health / wellness benefits

Riparian Grassland Restoration

Reduced Tillage

Restoration of Freshwater (FW) Mineral Wetlands

Avoided Conversion of Shelterbelts

Potential for NCS in Alberta

Trees are considered part of a suite of strategies being implemented to address climate change called natural climate solutions (NCS). Trees are used for mitigation (removing carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases from the atmosphere) and to promote climate resilience (measures to offset the impacts of climate change). The potential for NCS across Canada was modelled and the results for Alberta are shown here.

8 | Mow to Grow

Estimated Annual Mitigation Potential for Alberta (tons CO2e*/yr)

-1012345678

Potential for Reforestation

Cover in Alberta

In the long term (to 2050), tree-planting, or afforestation, strategies are estimated to have the most significant impact as an NCS. However, in the short-term (to 2030), newly-planted trees are likely to emit more carbon than they sequester. From a spatial perspective, afforestation is best implemented in central and northern regions of the province, where it is forested. There is much less suitability in the southern grassland regions where Calgary is located.

Potential for NCS in Calgary

It is impressive to see how the City has ‘greened’ since its earliest days. With the exception of river vallies, Calgary was an uninterrupted expanse of Foothills Fescue grassland. Now, Calgary’s extensive tree canopy is a highly valued asset throughout the city. Recently, the City’s Net Zero 2050 strategy projected that natural infrastructure will have to play a role in climate mitigation. Namely, while clean energy strategies will accomplish 92% of GHG reductions, we are relying on NCS to contribute to closing the 8% gap.

Calgary Circa 1885 | Primarily Foothills Fescue Grassland, Mixed Parkland, and Riparian Forest along Riverbanks

Calgary Today | A decline in Foothills Fescue replaced by degraded grasslands (largely Kentucky Bluegrass or Blue Fescue) and non-native tree species

City Boundary Hydrology

Forrest Cover Shrubland

Legend

Moving Toward a ‘Greener’ Calgary

Greener Calgary

Calgary’s Climate Strategy, released in June 2021, outlines the steps required to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Within this policy, the City states 92% of emission reductions are achieved through clean energy and energy efficiency across mulitple sectors however, that leaves an 8%, 10 | Mow to Grow

or 1.3 megatons gap. Here the City looks to carbon negative technologies and Natural Climate Solutions for enhancing the natural infrastructure. This document draws on past & future policies & guidelines to achieve net-zero for a greener future.

Naturalization

“A set of activities intended to improve and enhance the natural environment through the deliberate reintroduction of species native to a given area or that are well adapted to the climate circumstance. A naturalized site has lower levels of ecosystem function compared to rehabilitated or restored sites in a similar ecosystem.”

BENEFITS CHALLENGES

COMPLICATEDECOLOGICAL

mistaken for overgrown, and mown! weed management over time requires knowledge and skills beyond conventional mowed landscapes

increased biodiversity increased habitat connectivity supportive of pollinators increased carbon capture

ECONOMICAL

initial investment for implementation investment during establishment phase marketing/communications requirements

reduced costs of mowing reduced GHG emissions from mowing reduced costs of pesticide use increased tourism revenue

CONTENTIOUSEXPERIENTIAL / EDUCATIONAL

public acceptance of “not mowed” potitically infl ammatory neighbourhood values partnership-building

increased enjoyment of outdoor spaces build empathy for the natural world partnership-building community-building through volunteerism

Spatial Analysis

Calgary Potential for Converting Mowed Non-Native Grass to Native Grassland

A city-wide analysis identifies Calgary’s primary land cover are grasslands, mowed grass, and agricultural crops. Mowed non-native grasses represent 28% of Calgary’s footprint or 28,656 hectares, which has a potential of capturing 0.03 to 0.3 megatons of carbon per year if naturalized. The main land uses representing the largest mowed areas are residential, parks+recreation and public education, and roads+utilities.

Carbon Capture Potential for 1 Ha of Native Grassland Per Year 0.9 -11T x

Mowed Non-Native Grass in Calgary 28,656 Ha

Carbon Capture Potential per year 0.03 Mt - 0.3 Mt

City Boundary Hydrology

Grassland Mowed Grass

Legend Bare Ground Agricultural Crop

Agricultural Pasture

Land Use Analysis of Mowed Space

Calgary Mowed Grass by Land Use| The largest percentage of mowed grass by land use is represented by residential, parks+recreation and public education, and roads+utilities (classifes here as the provincial transportation & utility corridor (TUC) and the City’s utility right of way (ROW)).

Toolkit

Naturalization Guide

Who Can Naturalize?

The City Corporations

Homeowners

Scope of Toolkit

Where can you naturalize?

Parks & Recreation

Golf Courses (Parks & Wetlands sim.)

Community Spaces Schools (Community centres, Recreational spaces sim.)

Infrastructure Utility Corridors, (Roadsides sim.)

Common Elements: Naturalization of Mowed Non-native Grass D

Site Selection Strategy

Recommendations for Partnerships + Engagement

Residential yards

Refer to City of Calgary ‘Backyard Naturalization’ guides found at: https://www.calgary.ca/property-owners/yard-naturalization.html

A.Utility Corridors

6-metre wide access road for maintenance vehicles free of any woody material.

15-metre wide buffer zone around transmission towers offset from the tower legs, free of any woody material.

1.0-metre setback from buried utilities restriciting digging and large vehicles access.

7.5-metre setback buffer around powerpoles free of any woody material.

Utilize available space to separate pedestrian and bike pathways implementing the city’s preferred specifications.

Create a 1.2-metre “cue-tocare” buffer along all pathways, sidewalks and adjacent to roads indicating the intentionally zone of maintenance, for lateral clearance & furnitire transitioning to the purposeful naturalization zone. (refer to “D. Common Elements: Naturalization of Lawn”).

3-metre setback around transformer box doors & 1-metre setback around the sides free of any woody material.

Soil testing must be conducted by an accredited labratory to assess the condition of soil (compaction, salinity, nutrients, contaminants) and plan for soil management.

Partnership Opportunities + Collaborators

•Internal Stakeholders (Utility Companies, The City, Landowners)

•External Stakeholders (Community associations, recreational groups, local residents, schools, Indigenous Community, local artists, etc.)

Programming Opportunities

• Formalizing pedestrian and bike trails and connecting to existing pathway networks.

• Enhancing road crossings at major intersections and community nodes and implementating wayfinding signage.

• Providing passive recreation opportunities through seating and lookouts.

• Educational potential using interpretative signage and pollinator nesting structures to increase the public awareness on ecology

Low Voltage Powerpoles Distribution Lines

B. Schoolyards

Safety

Above- or below-ground utilities on school property must be mapped and setback regulations must be observed – see “Utility Corridor Toolkit” (trees, shrubs, etc...);

Planting designs should prioritize native species with consideration given to drought tolerance where possible low maintenance burdens is a guiding principle of existing regulations, typically achieved through expanses of non-native turf grass that can be mowed efficiently; a naturalized landscape, with plant placement informed by site conditions, will require maintenance until established, but can become low maintenance over time

Identify core programmed spaces that should be retained prior to a naturalizion project, setting aside the outdoor spaces and amenities considered essential for the school (i.e., soccer fields, goal posts) highlights which spaces can be naturalized without loss of utility.

Playgrounds should be visible from inside the school

Preserve existing trees trees are essential assets for a schoolyard and naturalization designs should integrate them.

Partnership Opportunities + Collaborators

• Internal Stakeholders

(Teachers, Staff, Students & Parents, Board of Education Administrators)

• External Stakeholders

(The City, community associations, community sport associations, recreational groups, horticultural associations, local residents)

• Academic Stakeholders (local post-secondary institutions.

Programming Opportunities

• Connection and integration between the curriculum and the naturalized landscape. Education in sciences, maths, arts, physical education & wellness can leverage the school’s natural environment.

• Landscape elements designed to heighten student experience of their campus such as activity

• The absence of the school community during summer holidays provides an opportunity to develop programming that connects the student body to community groups who could collaborate as summertime landscape stewards

Shrubs should be planted at least 750mm away from the building

Soil testing must be conducted by a geotechnical engineer to assess the condition of soil (salinity, nutrients, contaminants) and plan for soil management. The use of fertilizers should be avoided. Fertility generally enhances growth of invasives over native prairie vegetation. Remedies are dependent on soil testing.

C. Golf Courses

‘Tees’, Fairways, ‘Greens’, The Rough, and The Fringe: Reduce Overwatering and highmaintenance by maximizing conversion of lawn to native vegetation – see “D. Common Elements: Naturalization of Lawn”.

Avoid stark transitions (i.e., straight lines of vegetation) and establish ecotones (transitions between habitat types).

Maintain as much of existing native plants and remove exotic vegetation unsuitable for climate or requiring high maintenance ( establish a regime- see Prep for “D. Common Elements: Naturalization of Lawn”

Prevent runoff from entering into water systems and prevent soil erosion of banks by restoring woody vegetation and establishing planting buffers around the shoreline. Fall plantings can also protect the riverbanks during spring runoff, and cuttings are able to grow before weeds start to appear.

Restore riparian areas of pond-like environments to diverse wetland habitat.

Partnership Opportunities + Collaborators

• Internal Stakeholders (The City, Landowners)

• External Stakeholders (Community associations, recreational groups, local residents, schools, Indigenous Community, local artists, retail/commercial?, etc.)

Programming Opportunities

• Potential for essential community spaces (Active and passive recreation, event spaces, retail, housing, etc.)

• Open Space: Keep some areas of existing lawn for flexible open space programming (events, concerts, etc.)

• Sandpits/ dunes (golf hazards) may be reused as sandpits for playgrounds.

• Reuse/ adapt existing buildings, infrastructure and circulation.

Soil testing must be conducted by a geotechnical engineer to assess the condition of soil (salinity, nutrients, contaminants) and plan for soil management. The use of fertilizers should be avoided. Fertility generally enhances growth of invasives over native prairie vegetation. Saline soils may be treated using lime/gypsum, or may be leached out of the soil through irrigation of non-saline water. Remedies are dependent on soil testing.

D. Common Elements Naturalization of Mowed Non-Native Grass

Assemble project team

Identity key stakeholders

Identifty partners

Year 1

Develop a vision for the project Assess feasibility & define project scope

Develop a conceptual design

Apply for permits & approvals

Develop budget identify funding opportunities

Conduct site analysis

Finalize site design

Develop detailed implementation plan

Develop monitoring matrix, management plan

Develop communication plan

Process for naturalizing mowed grass:

A no-till approach minimizes disturbance to soil strata and prevents atmostpheric release of sequestered CO2

Step 1:

Existing mowed grass receives glyphosate treatment in late summer / early fall of year prior to seeding. A pre-winter mow should be carried out and clippings left to decompose. Remanent stubble will assist in erosion protection and act as a mulch for seed mixes applied in the spring.

Step 2:

In the spring following the first application of glyphoste, seeds in the upper strata of the soil seed bank will germinate. A second application of glyphosate should be administered to manage the potential for regrowth of unwanted species following seeding.

Step 3:

After approximately 2 weeks, once new shoots are no longer viable, the first application of the naturalization seed mix can be carried out. he upper strata of the seed bank will have been depleted, but valuable root mass from the grasses remains in the soil. Seed mixes must be produced and handled according to established protocols.

Confirm completion of all aspects of project

Track soil, plant and pollinator diversity

Engage researchers, public scientict groups and educators to monitor site Measure landscape performance

Create steward group to oversee the ongoing success Management and maintenacne to ensure long term success

Ongoing Year 2

Step 4:

Year 3

During the first spring and summer of growth, annuals will germinate and bloom; perennial grasses and forbs will begin to grow, but no flowering is expected during this first season. Hand-weeding or spot-treatment with glyphosate will be required to ensure invasive species do not establish.

Step 5:

During the second season of growth, some self-seeding annuals will appear. The prior year’s perennial grasses will grow larger and some perennial forbs will begin to bloom. Additional seeding may be required. Underground root mass develops, year over year.

Step 6:

To ensure the newly naturalized landscape flourishes, hand-weeding or spot-treatment with glyphosate will be required to ensure invasive species do not establish. Prescribed burning or grazing which mimic natural grassland conditions may also be implemented to support the naturalized landscape.

Toolkit Implementation Site Selection Criteria

Mowed

Areas on

Mowed Land Use Total Ha Mowed Ownership Lands Accessible to Public Potential for Naturalization Immersive Opportunity Community Parks & Schools2,348.37PublicYesYesYes Utility ROW 1,550.80PublicYesYesYes Golf Course482.97PublicYesYesYes Recreation & Facilities604.50PublicYesLimitedYes Roadside861.33PublicNoYesNo Waste + Recycling 338.87Public No Yes Limited Future Development 1,131.26Public & Private No Yes Limited Institutional 293.72Public & Private YesYes Yes Residential 11,249.37Private No Yes Limited Golf Course 1,349.38Private No Yes Limited Industrial 841.55Private No Yes Limited Transportation + Utility2,460.88ProvincialNo Yes Limited

Site Selection | The top three mowed grass landuses

Site Selection Criteria

Site Context

Fragmented Habitat

Fragmented Pathways

Site Selection

The area north of the Glenmore Reservoir, featuring the communities of Lakeview and North Glenmore Park, featured all 3 mowed landuses.

This area, although well established, shows fragmented habitat and a disconnected pathway system due to the bisection of Glenmore Trail.

Remanent grasslands of Tsuu T’ina Nation are to Wthe west, North Glenmore Park to the south & public and private golf courses line the east side. The regional pathway system is interrupted by Glenmore Trail which also disrupts the Trans Canada Trail and the Rotary Mattamy Greenway.

The utility corridor provides an opportunity to connect habitats & pathway systems.

Utility ROW

Regional Pathway

Bike Pathway

Pathway Connectors

Commercial & Mixed Use

Medium Density Residential

Schools & Colleges

City Facilities

Recreation Facilities

Community Halls & Religious Buildings

Garrison Green

North Glenmore Park Weaselhead Flats Earl Grey Golf Course

Golf Course

Glenmore Athletic Park Glenmore Reservoir

North Glenmore Park

Landscape Interrupted(Site History)

1884

1933

~1950s

1924-26

City of Calgary Incorporated Traditional Territories

1948

Glenmore Dam & Water Treatment Facility completed & Reservoir flooded

Powerpoles Installed by Royal Canadian Signals linemen

1929 Reservoir Pre-flooding Earl Grey Golf Course open

1883

Sam Livingston’s House Built near the bottom of the now flooded Reservoir

Agricultural lands interrupt native Foothills Fescue Grasslands, Mixed Parklands & Riparian Forest fl ank the untouched Elbow River

Settlement sprawls Calgary’s street grid constructed Earl Grey Golf Course established Glenmore Dam built & the Reservoir flooded

Athelic Park Track & Field Redevelopment Glenmore Dam & Pathway Refurbished

Dug-Out Built in Glenmore Athelic Park

Glenmore causeway built Lakeview & North Glenmore Park communities developed North Glenmore Park established

Tsuu T’ina Nation lands returned Glenmore Dam refurbished Elbow River bank stabilization underway

Natural Systems

Green Space in the City

The project site falls within a region of the city endowed with significant natural spaces. Alongside their high ecological value, they are key infrastructural and recreational assets. The designations assigned to these spaces connect them to policies that determine how they are managed and how the public may, or may not, engage with them.1 There is one naturalized environment already in North Glenmore Park. This map highlights an implication of golf courses in urban areas: they occupy significant tracts of natural space, but in a way that precludes them from contributing its ecological role in the city.

| Mow to Grow

Habitats: the composition of natural spaces

Since the reservoir was established in 1933, there have been significant changes to the vegetation, notably the balance of open water, riparian and upland habitat types. Now, the vegetation in the Glenmore reservoir region reflects the presence of significant open water and wetland environments. Balsam Poplar forest dominates the riparian areas and gives way to Aspen forest further up the banks and bluffs. There are several isolated stands of White Spruce, and Upland and Lowland Tall Shrub. A few patches of grassland persist but exist in areas protected or restriced from urban development.

Occupants of Habitat

Information about flora and fauna in a project region is important. It enables a naturalization project to sensitively address ecologies by aligning planting design decisions to the local wildlife it will support. Using research-grade observations obtained from iNaturalist (www.inaturalist.com), it was possible to develop an inventory of the plants, mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles in the region. There is an impressive richness of species residing in the air, on land, and in the water. However, visualizing the observations spatially illustrates an important point. While the number and diversity of species present here is impressive, it is their spatial distribution that stands out. The density of observations across each category is highest within natural environment areas, not within the surrounding neighbourhoods. There are many reasons that developed areas aren’t habitable for wildlife. In the context of a naturalization project, this highlights the impact urban development has on the non-human inhabitants of a region. It causes habitat fragmentation and the predominance of lawn decreases the availability of key resources that support the life-cycle needs of wildlife.

4.

7.

5.

10. Lynx, 11. Beaver, 12. White-Tailed

13. Common Garter Snake, 14. Painted Turtle,

15. Wandering Garter Snake

16. Boreal Chorus Frog, 17. Wood Frog

Flats, SW Calgary Communities

1. Trembling Aspen, 2. Wolfwillow, 3. Smooth Blue Aster

Canadian. Tiger Swallowtail

Clearwing Hawk Moth, 6. Green Striped Grasshopper

Bank Swallow, 8. Yellow Warbler, 9. Bufflehead Duck

Deer

Plants + Pollinators

Bombus rufocinctus

Bombus perplexus

Bombus centralis

Bombus huntii

Bombus cryptarum

Bombus nevadensis

Bombus insularis

Bombus borealis

Bombus mixtus

Bombus occidentalis

Importance of Plants to Pollinators - ‘bee-spoke’ planting design

Naturalization can be particularly beneficial for pollinating insects who depend on native plants for habitat, nesting material, and food. A research partnership between the University of Calgary’s Dr. Mindi Summers and the City of Calgary has been investigating Calgary’s native bees for several years. Based on this work, it was possible to identify the native bee species found in the project site as well as the floral species each relies on for food. Knowledge of these plant-pollinator relationships can be critical since some insects rely on a few, or sometimes a single, species of plant for forage.

Lupinus sericea

Rosa sp.

Achillea millefolium

Hedysarum sp.

Linum lewisii

Dalea purpurea

Gaillardia aristata

Geranium viscossisum

Erigeron caespitosus

Chaemaneerion

angustifolium

Dasiphora fruticosa

Heterotheca villosa

Ratibida columnifera

Symphoricarpos sp.

Helianthus petiolaris

Astragalus canadensis

Solidago sp.

Monarda fistulosa Symphotricum sp.

Targeted planting of native vegetation is highly supportive of local populations of native bees, especially those with fewer plant associations or that are rare or endangered. Furthermore, information about the plants themselves, such as bloom interval, can be visualized to ensure to maximize the duration within which blossoms are available for forage. Integrating evidence such as this into a naturalization strategy strenghtens the positive ecological impacts it can have.

Naturalization

Plant Lists (PL) + Seed Mixes (SM)

Colourful Mesic Grassland

SM: 9 grasses / 9 forbs

open, sunny, grassland area aggressive (competes with agronomics)

Moist Dense Native Forest

PL: 9 grasses / 33 forbs / 21 shrubs / 5 trees / 1 vine denser canopy with moist conditions suitable for areas in western parts of Calgary

Native Bright

SM: 0 grasses / 6 forbs

mesic grassland or forest edge environment suitable if large quantity of native forbs desired

Open Forest

SM: 9 grasses / 6 forbs open canopy with drier conditions suitable for high-use areas

Salt-Tolerant, Compaction

SM: 4 grasses / 8 forbs

customized specifically for “roadside” conditions tolerates high-salt, compacted, gravelly soil

Selecting Plant Species

The City of Calgary has developed reference documents that are invaluablev to guide the selection of plants for a naturalization project. These include “City of Calgary Seed Mixes” and “City of Calgary Plant Lists” and other, custom-developed protocols. These references are evidence based based on projects carried out by City business units (Parks, Roads). The recommendations synthesize information related to the suitability of plant species to different conditions and practical considerations such as the ease with which seeds, plugs, or potted seedlings can be acquired in the required quantities. ‘Seed Mixes’ specifies the proportions, by

weight, each species should comprise within the mix and takes into account the likelihood of seed availability which can be a considerable barrier for naturalization projects in this region. ‘Plant Lists’ includes trees and shrubs which typically are not installed on-site as a seed and contains guidance regarding which life-form(s) of the plant (seed, plug, pot) can be used. Decisions regarding selection of plant material for this project were informed by these documents as well as through conversations with experts in the field (J. Cross, M. Natvik, K. Dunning).

Puccinellia nuttalliana

Festuca saximontana

Bromus ciliatus

Festuca saximontana Agrostis scabra

Agrostis scabra

Elemys canadensis

Elemys glaucus

Deschampsia cespitosa

Nassella virdula

Erigeron caespitosus

Symphotricum ciliolatum

Erigeron caespitosus

Symphotricum laeve

Linum lewisii

Linum lewisii

Linum lewisii

Solidago gigantea

Linum lewisiiHeterotheca villosaAntennaria parvifolia

Solidago sp.

Viola canadensis

Gaillardia aristataDalea purpurea`Astragalus canadensisMonarda fistulosa

Gaillardia aristata

Deschampsia cespitosa

Deschampsia cespitosa

Site Plan

Lakeview Steppe [Utility Corridor]

Lakeview Steppe [Schoolyard]

Lakeview Steppe [Community Hub]

Scale 1:13,000

Glenmore Reservoir

NewBridge

Lakeview Steppe [Utility Corridor]

The Utility Corridor is re-envisioned as a native Steppe Grassland, planting a combination of Bright Seed Mix and Colourful Mesic Grasslands. Key species include Sechampia, Blue Flax, Galliardia, Wild Beramot and Smooth Aster. New pathways are added to connect to existing ‘pathway connectors’ on the site. Pollinator nesting habitats are located atleast 15m from transmission tower structures.

Land Bridges feature slightly raised topography to allow people to view the entire stretch of the meadow.

Seating nodes offer an immersive experience of being within the meadow.

Pollinator nesting habitats every 100m

Flowering Meadow

Native Bright Seed Mix

Wayfinding Signs

Pathways with 1.5m Compaction Mix along edges (Cue to Care)

Scale 1:3000

Lakeview Steppe [Utility Corridor]

Land Bridges feature slightly raised topography to allow people to view the entire stretch of the

Seating nodes offer an immersive experience of being within the meadow.

meadow.

Land Bridge | Raised View, looking west

Flowering Meadow Native Bright Seed Mix

Bridge connecting to Lakeview Steppe Community Hub

Pathways with 1.5m Compaction Mix along edges (Cue to Care)

Playground with natural tree buffer transitioning from meadow using the ‘Open Forest’ mix.

Shrubby cinquefoil

Golden willow Northern gooseberry

Balsam poplar, Paskapoo poplar, Swedish columnar aspen

Scale 1:3000

Lakeview Steppe [Schoolyard]

The Calgary Girls Charter School

is used as a demonstration site for Schoolyard naturalization. Programming for the site compliments the school’s curriculum and learning methods. Safety, visibility, drainage sun and soil conditions were considered when designing this space.

Open Forest Mix

Transition from existing trees and shrubs to mesic grassland

Playground area

Compaction Mix in shaded areas

Ampitheatre

New Trees

Pollinator Garden

Using the Native Bright Mix

Colourful Mesic Meadow

Turf grass maintained for school sports

Scale 1:1000

Existing Bridge

Existing Parking Lot

Glenmore Pathway

Mesic Colour Seed Mix

Mesic Colour Seed Mix

Amphitheatre Seating

Pollinator Nesting

1.5 m Pathway

1.5 m Pathway Pedestrian Zone Mesic Mix

Pollinator Garden | Native Bright Mix

Section A | Ampitheatre

Lakeview Steppe Community Hub

[Golf Course Conversion]

Glenmore Water Treatment Plant

New Community Pavillion Structure to host farmer’s markets, community events and fairs.

RegionalPathway

Playground Area

Pathway circulation based on existing fairways. Lawn buffer exists to allow the path to operate as a skii trail in the winter.

‘Moist Dense Native Forest’ mix is used to enhance existing tree lines, while the ‘Open Forest’ Mix is used to transition to the ‘Compaction zone along the perimeter of the paths.trees. Mix seating node

Existing Tee used as seating node

Multiuse pathway A B

NewBridge

Transmission Tower

Cafe

Existing non-native grass to remain, to allow for flexible use. Seating is oriented to maximize views to the Dam

Multiuse pathway

Flowering Meadow Native Bright Seed Mix

Enhance existing tree and shrub buffer to capture water runoff using the ‘Open Forest’ mix

Pedestrian pathway (Skii trail in Winter)

ExistingWC

Scale 1:4000

Glenmore Reservoir

Existing

Glenmore Athletic Park

The Lakeview Golf Course is converted to a naturalized Community Hub. Existing circulation routes of the fairways were factored into the design of the space so as to minimize the removal of existing native vegetation. Some non-native grass areas were maintained to be reused as flexible open space with views onto glenmore reservoir. Existing buildings/ infrastructure remain as is.

Open Forest Mix Open Forest MixMesic Colour Seed Mix

m Plaza

3.6 m Multi Use Regional Pathway

Open Forest Mix with forbs from Dense Moist Forest Plant List

Open Forest Mix with forbs from Dense Moist Forest Plant List

1.25 m Pedestrian Pathway 17 m Plaza

2.4 m Mowed (XC Ski Trail)

Section B | Naturalization of Fairways and Tee Areas

Pollinator Nesting Structure

Section A | Multi-Use Pathway

Calculating Potential

City Wide Naturalization

References

Page 2

Image credit: Harpsz. https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=73256988

Page 7

Government of Canada. 2022. 2 Billion Trees Commitment. [Online]: https://www.canada.ca/en/campaign/2-billion-trees.html Accessed Nov 30, 2022.

Page 8

Drever CR, Cook-Patton SC, Akhter F, et al. 2021. Natural climate solutions for Canada. Sci. Adv. 7, eabd6034 (2021).

Grassland: https://www.natureconservancy.ca/assets/images/land/ab/Foothills-Fescue-Grasslands-Photo-By-Leta-Pezderic-thumb.jpg

Cover Crop: https://static.canadiancattlemen.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/29143408/cover_crop_interseeded_-_Graeme_Finn_cmyk-3.jpg

Nutrient Management: https://i0.wp.com/decisivefarming.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Close-up-young-plant-growing-in-the-soil-concept-save-nature-or-agriculture-on-soft-green-treebackground.-1140803112_6000x4000.jpg?resize=1080%2C675&ssl=1

Biochar: https://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/grdn/fullset/2013/3/31/0/biochar.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.853.suffix/1452646822536.jpeg

Silvopasture: https://www.overshootday.org/content/uploads/2021/08/64-silvopasture-1200x806-1.jpg

Crop Residue- Bioethanol: https://magic-nexus.eu/sites/default/files/files_news/crop_residues_pixabay.jpg

Riparian Tree Planting: http://range.altervista.org/Shrublands/WillowRiparian.html

Riparian Grassland: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fguardiansofthegrasslands.ca%2Fauthor%2Fguard19%2F&psig=AOvVaw24aPPh5je7puounos3QDy8&ust=1669675348403000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=2ahUKEwjH_8LBt8_7AhVNKjQIHRqTAeQQjRx6BAgAEAo

Tillage: https://extension.umn.edu/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/caption_medium/public/c2p5b-strip-till-in-field.jpg?itok=Ti-tVTh7

Shelterbelts: https://nfs.unl.edu/publications/windbreak-appraisal

Page 9

The City of Calgary. 2022. Calgary Climate Strategy - Pathways to 2050. Calgary, Alberta. [Online]: https://www.calgary.ca/content/dam/www/uep/esm/documents/esm-documents/climate-strategy-pathways-to-2050.pdf Accessed: Nov 30, 2022.

Historic Photo: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Calgary_Alberta_circa_1885.jpg This image is available from Library and Archives Canada under the reproduction reference number C-017804 and under the MIKAN ID number 3192503

City of Calgary. “Citywide Landcover”. https://data.calgary.ca/Environment/Citywide-Land-Cover/as2i-6z3n. version 2.1 of the Open Government Licence – City of Calgary (https://data. calgary. ca/d/Open-Data-Terms/u45n-7awa)

Page 10

Same as front cover

City of Calgary. “Land Use Districts Landuse”. https://data.calgary.ca/Base-Maps/Land-Use-Districts/qe6k-p9nh. version 2.1 of the Open Government Licence – City of Calgary (https://data. calgary.ca/d/Open-Data-Terms/u45n-7awa)

The City of Calgary. 2017. The Riparian Action Program: A Blueprint for Resilience. Calgary, Alberta. [Online]: https://www.calgary.ca/content/dam/www/uep/water/documents/water-documents/riparian-action-program-report.pdf Accessed: Nov 30, 2022.

The City of Calgary Parks. 2014. Habitat Restoration Project Framework. Calgary, Alberta. [Online]: https://www.calgary.ca/content/dam/www/csps/parks/documents/construction/habitat-restoration-framework.pdf Accessed: Nov 30, 2022.

The City of Calgary Parks. 2014. Our BiodiverCity: Calgary’s 10 – year biodiversity strategic plan. Calgary, Alberta. [Online]: https://www.calgary.ca/content/dam/www/csps/parks/documents/ planning-and-operations/biodivercity-strategic-plan.pdf Accessed: Nov 30, 2022.

The City of Calgary Parks. 2019. Soil Handling Recommendations – best practices to improve restoration work. Calgary, Alberta. [Online]: https://www.calgary.ca/content/dam/www/csps/parks/ documents/soil-handling-recommendations.pdf Accessed: Nov 30, 2022.

The City of Calgary Parks & Urban Development Institute - Calgary. 2010. Biophysical Impact Assessment Framework. Calgary, Alberta. [Online]: https://www.calgary.ca/content/dam/www/ csps/parks/documents/construction/biophysical-impact-assessment-framework.pdf Accessed: Nov 30, 2022.

The City of Calgary, Parks & Urban Conservation. 2017. City of Calgary Seed Mixes. Calgary, Alberta. [Online]: https://www.calgary.ca/content/dam/www/csps/parks/documents/planning-and-operations/seed-mixes.pdf Accessed: Nov 30, 2022.

The City of Calgary, Parks & Urban Conservation. 2019. City of Calgary Plant Lists. Calgary, Alberta. [Online]: https://www.calgary.ca/content/dam/www/csps/parks/documents/planning-and-operations/plant-lists.pdf Accessed: Nov 30, 2022.

Page 12

City of Calgary. “Citywide Landcover”. https://data.calgary.ca/Environment/Citywide-Land-Cover/as2i-6z3n. version 2.1 of the Open Government Licence – City of Calgary (https://data. calgary. ca/d/Open-Data-Terms/u45n-7awa)

Page 13

City of Calgary. “Land Use Districts Landuse”. https://data.calgary.ca/Base-Maps/Land-Use-Districts/qe6k-p9nh. version 2.1 of the Open Government Licence – City of Calgary (https://data. calgary.ca/d/Open-Data-Terms/u45n-7awa)

City of Calgary. “Citywide Landcover”. https://data.calgary.ca/Environment/Citywide-Land-Cover/as2i-6z3n. version 2.1 of the Open Government Licence – City of Calgary (https://data. calgary. ca/d/Open-Data-Terms/u45n-7awa)

City of Calgary. “Calgary Landuse”. version 2.1 of the Open Government Licence – City of Calgary (https://data.calgary.ca/d/Open-Data-Terms/u45n-7awa)

Page 15

Health Canada. 2022. Power lines and electrical products: Extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fie lds. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/health-risks-safety/radiation/everyday-things-emit-radiation/power-lines-electrical-appliances.html Last updated 1 Nov, 2022. Accessed Nov 30, 2022.

Kahal, N. and Kinas, H. (2021). Roadside Management for Pollinator Habitat in Alberta. Calgary, Alberta. Miistakis Institute. [Online]: https://www.communityconserve.ca/roadsidepollinator/ Accessed Nov 30, 2022

Toronto Regional Conservation Authority. 2022. Why Restore Meadows? [Online]: https://trca.ca/conservation/restoration/meadows/ Accessed Nov 30, 2022 https://trca.ca/conservation/restoration/meadows/

City of Toronto. The Meadoway. [Online]: https://themeadoway.ca/ Accessed Nov 30, 2022

Page 16

Province of Alberta. 2007. Standards and Guidelines for School Facilities. Alberta. [Online]: http://www.infrastructure.alberta.ca/Content/docType387/Production/designconstruction.pdf Accessed: Nov 30, 2022.

Arlidge, S. and Reksten, J. "Grounds for Change: A user's guide to schoolyard naturalization". 3rd Ed. https://www.slideshare.net/pd81xz/ed-405

Page 17

Edsforth, R. 2013. Golf Course Property Restoration. University of Washington. WA.[Online]: https://depts.washington.edu/uwbg/research/theses/Robert_Edsforth_2013.pdfAccessed: Nov 30,

Page 18

Mathis Natvik. “Background Info 2_Seed Mix and Installation Specifications.” [protocol developed for City of Calgary roadside naturalization pilot project]

Page 20`

City of Calgary. “Citywide Landcover”. https://data.calgary.ca/Environment/Citywide-Land-Cover/as2i-6z3n. version 2.1 of the Open Government Licence – City of Calgary (https:// data. calgary.ca/d/Open-Data-Terms/u45n-7awa)

City of Calgary. “Land Use Districts Landuse”. https://data.calgary.ca/Base-Maps/Land-Use-Districts/qe6k-p9nh. version 2.1 of the Open Government Licence – City of Calgary (https://data. calgary.ca/d/Open-Data-Terms/u45n-7awa)

Page 21:

Ortho Images from 1924-26, 1948,1966 and 2021 from https://maps.calgary.ca/CalgaryImagery/

Sam Livingston’s house.”, [ca. 1932], (CU178615) by Unknown. Courtesy of Libraries and Cultural Resources Digital Collections, University of Calgary.

Glenmore Reservoir site, Calgary, Alberta.”, [ca. Autumn 1929], (CU166665) by Bird, R. A.. Courtesy of Libraries and Cultural Resources Digital Collections, University of Calgary.

General view of Glenmore dam, Calgary, Alberta.”, 1931-06-18, (CU190927) by Unknown. Courtesy of Libraries and Cultural Resources Digital Collections, University of Calgary.

Royal Canadian Signals linemen on a telephone pole, Calgary, Alberta.”, 1955-07-14, (CU1131309) by Rosettis Studio. Courtesy of Libraries and Cultural Resources Digital Collections, University of Calgary.

The item consists of a photograph of the causeway section of Glenmore Trail;The road may not yet be open to traffic;Thereisanegativeavailableforthisphotograph,Bay197,Shelf 05, Box 1 (CalA PN-00598) from https://albertaonrecord.ca/is-ccg-2677.

The Glenmore Dam, built in 1933, has undergone an extensive upgrade. (City of Calgary) from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/dam-reservoir-glenmore-calgary-pathway-improvements-open-1.5712498

https://www.calgary.ca/planning/parks-rec/glenmore-athletic-park.html

Page 24:

City of Calgary. “Natural Areas”. https://data.calgary.ca/Environment/Natural-Areas/icxc-6yk3. version 2.1 of the Open Government Licence – City of Calgary (https://data.calgary.ca/ d/Open-Data-Terms/u45n-7awa)

City of Calgary. “Habitat”. https://data.calgary.ca/Environment/Habitat/7tax-5vsg. version 2.1 of the Open Government Licence – City of Calgary (https://data.calgary.ca/d/Open-DataTerms/u45n-7awa)

Page 25

Map: https://www.inaturalist.org

Species observation data downloaded from: https://www.inaturalist.org

Trembling Aspen, Wolfwillow, Smooth Blue Aster: Victoria Bohm

Lynx: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/21178679

Beaver: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/81359720

White Tailed Deer: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b7/White-tailed_deer.jpg

Clearwing Hawk Moth: https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/36099234496590124/

Canadian Tiger Swallowtail: https://www.butterfl yidentifi cation.com/canadian-tiger-swallowtail.htm

Green Striped Grasshopper: https://www.fl ickr.com/photos/dougcwaylett/1314451311/in/album-72157601983595519/

Bank Swallow: https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/londonenvironmentalnetwork/pages/1179/attachments/original/1596556949/image5.png?1596556949

Yellow Warbler: https://chrismartinphotography.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/yellow-warbler-c2a9-christopher-martin-3367.jpg

Bufflehead Duck: https://live.staticflickr.com/873/40820025134_fd6270d7b7_b.jpg

Wandering Garter Snake: https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/1247104/large.jpgPainted turtle: https://www.thesprucepets.com/ thmb/2ucSd5NJs7ychVXdgPJJ9YI2ZVY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-561461945-574a20573df78ccee1de80bd.jpg

Common Garter Snake: https://www.burkemuseum.org/sites/default/files/images/biology/herpetology/washington/common-gartersnake1-1100x555.jpg

Wood Frog: https://i.cbc.ca/1.4644529.1525265793!/cpImage/httpImage/frog-antifreeze.jpg

Boreal Chorus Frog: https://media.kidadl.com/60ec63d4aea3f0489e9569dc_boreal_20_chorus_20_frog_2021_20_facts_20_you_20_won_e2_80_99t_20_believe_326492ea5a.jpg

Page 26

Neame, T., Ritchie, S., Summers, M. (2021). Bumble Bees of Calgary: A key and illustrated guide for identification of the bumble bee species found in Calgary, Alberta. University of Calgary. http:// hdl.handle.net/1880/113505

Floral Bloom Chart Data abstratcted from: https://www.inaturalist.ca

Page 27:

Linum lewisii: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0513/4152/5173/products/Perennial-Blue-Flax.jpg?v=1607102378

Symphotricum laeve: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/15/

Gaillardia aristata, Monarda fistulosa, Dalea purpurea: Victoria Bohm

Deschampsia cespitosa https://www.pepinierecharlevoix.ca/cespitosa.html

Festuca saximontana: https://www.wildaboutflowers.ca/cmsAdmin/uploads/Rocky-Mountain-Fescue.gif

Agrostis scabra: http://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/udata/r9ndp23q/pd3/agrostis-scabra-616-12.jpg

Viola canadensis: https://swbiodiversity.org/imglib/h_seinet/seinet/Violaceae/photos/Viola-canadensis-P-web.jpg

Symphotricum ciliolatum: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/15/Symphyotrichum_ciliolatum_Carden_Alvar.jpg

Solidago gigantea: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f5/Solidago_gigantea01.jpg

Nassella viridula: https://www.bluestem.ca/images/nassella-viridula.jpg

Bromus ciliatus: https://www.biolib.cz/IMG/GAL/289417.jpg

Elymus glaucus: https://i.pinimg.com/564x/bd/41/3a/bd413ac5e20ec0b9f0cee73c5b1cc3ba--great-basin-native-plants.jpg

Erigeron ceaspitosus: https://calphotos.berkeley.edu/imgs/512x768/0000_0000/0813/2639.jpeg

Astragalus canadensis https://www.applewoodseed.com/wp-content/ uploads/2016/11/ASCA-1401.jpg

Elymus canadensis: https://watersheds.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/wild-rye.jpg

Heterotheca villosa: https://www.google.com/https://swbiodiversity.org/imglib/h_seinet/seinet/Asteraceae/photos/Heterotheca_villosa_020207_3.jpg

Anetenneria parvifolia https://www. inaturalist.org/guide_taxa/447801

Puccinellia nuttalliana: https://www.laspilitas.com/images/grid24_24/11643/images/plants/puccinellia-nuttalliana.jpg

Anetenneria parvifolia https://www.inaturalist.org/guide_taxa/447801

Puccinellia nuttalliana: https://www.laspilitas.com/images/grid24_24/11643/images/plants/puccinellia-nuttalliana.jpg

Page 36

Calculations:

Grassland CO2 Storage Estimate 0.9 - 11 Mg CO2 / ha / yr from from Bai et al., Grassland soil carbon sequestration: Current understanding, challenges, and solutions. Science 377, 603–608 (2022) Banks J, McConnell R. National Emissions from Lawn and Garden Equipment. https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-09/documents/banks.pdf 2015

https://www.georgetownclimate.org/articles/us-greenhouse-gas-emissions-dropped-16-percent-in-2011.html