Although city is proactive in maintaining wetlands, developments show evidence of impact
Stromsmoe, who works for Ducks Unlimited Canada, says if this area had been left at peace, it would be teeming with life. The pussy willows were once tall enough for deer to hide behind and the shorter plant life was home to many insects.
“Wetlands are really important on the landscape,” he says, adding that that wetlands serve as filters for run-off, heavy metals and pesticides. The wetland vegetation can absorb those materials and purify the water for the city.
While Stromsmoe sees evidence of city development around him, he also gives the City of Calgary credit, saying, “Calgary is one of the most proactive cities in Canada in regards to wetlands and the conservation of wetlands.”
Did you know?
Source: Ducks Unlimited Canada |
The city recently celebrated World Wetlands Day by holding an information session for Calgarians.
Sid Andrews, interpretation coordinator at the City of Calgary, helped organize the event by sharing information about wetlands during a conversation with about 20 people in attendance.
Andrews described a number of ways wetlands affect our everyday lives including purifying our water of toxins, protecting our shorelines and providing a home for many plants and animals.
“I guess more than anything they add to our quality of life because we enjoy having water around us whether it’s a wetland or a river,” he added.
The City hopes that by hosting these types of events, citizens will go out and explore our wetlands, parks and green spaces.
Photo by Deja Leonard
He said, “We hope that people will start thinking in terms of, ‘What can I do to help out a wetland today?’”
dleonard@cjournal.ca
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