Since 2014, nearly 280 hectares (4.38%) of City-maintained parkland have been naturalized or have begun the process of being naturalized. This includes roadways, stormwater ponds, and parkland.
Where possible, in locations not too steep or wet, the City mows a 1 metre wide buffer strip of grass between a naturalized area and a residential fence to discourage animals from crossing over into private property.
Most smaller rodents rely on vegetation as cover to hide, and will stay within the taller grass in a naturalized area. Mowing this buffer also helps prevent tall grass or other plants in the naturalized area from moving into private property.
During the initial transition, you can expect to see long grasses followed by the sparse establishment of small trees and shrubs. Sites that have poor establishment, or where additional trees and shrubs are suitable for providing environmental, social or beautification benefits, will be considered for infill planting in the following years.
Planting trees and shrubs in naturalized areas builds on many of the same benefits that the naturalization process already creates and contributes to the City's goal of planting 2 million trees by 2050.
Naturalized tree and shrub species will be selected to align with City of Edmonton Landscape and Design Standards. Pond sites typically have more moisture in comparison to other sites and plants will be selected with the ability to absorb water through extensive root systems. Depending on the site conditions it can be expected that willow will be planted as a common species.