This week’s batch of calls for public engagement includes a project to return natural vegetation to parts of Edmonton, consultations on a neighbourhood area structure plan in the West 240 development, and continued budget input across the region.<\/p>\n
The City of Edmonton has begun gathering input on naturalization efforts<\/a> for this year, asking residents to populate interactive maps and share what plants they want to see in their area. Input from the southwest neighbourhoods of Allard, Cavanagh, and Callaghan<\/a>, as well as Desrochers<\/a>, is due by April 12. The survey is open in Chappelle and Heritage Valley<\/a> until April 19.<\/p>\n “For more than 25 years, Edmonton has been reverting sections of City green spaces to a more natural state through naturalization,” its website reads<\/a>. “It may even be happening in a grassy area near you!”<\/p>\n The process of naturalization introduces more plants to a previously manicured area, allowing for the restoration of native flora and fauna, with no grooming. “These areas are not part of the regular mowing cycle, and may eventually be planted with trees, shrubs or wildflowers,” its website reads.<\/p>\n The city’s naturalization initiative goes hand-in-hand with its goal to plant two million trees by 2030<\/a>. The city has planted more than 800,000 new trees and shrubs since 2021<\/a>, with nearly 500,000 trees planted last year.<\/p>\n