Native plant rescues are an effort to save native plants from areas slated for development or other disturbances that would otherwise destroy them. The rescues depend on volunteers and experts who carefully remove and transplant the plants to safer locations where the plants can continue to thrive. You can plant the rescued native plants in your yard, for restoration projects, or donate them to the Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Society.

The Importance of Native Plants

Biodiversity Conservation:

• Native plants are integral to the local ecosystem, providing food and habitat for native wildlife, including insects, birds, and mammals.
• Preserving these plants helps maintain biodiversity, which is crucial for ecosystem resilience and health.

Ecosystem Services:

• Native plants contribute to essential ecosystem services such as water purification, air quality improvement, soil stabilization, and carbon sequestration.
• They are often better adapted to local conditions, requiring less water and maintenance compared to non-native species.

Cultural and Historical Value:

• Many native plants have cultural significance to indigenous peoples and local communities, often used in traditional medicine, food, and ceremonies.
• Preserving these plants helps maintain cultural heritage and historical continuity.

Preventing Invasive Species Spread:

• By rescuing native plants, conservationists can reduce the chances of invasive species taking over disturbed areas.
• Native plants can outcompete invasive species, helping to maintain ecological balance.

What to Bring to a Plant Rescue

• Clean Trowel and/or Spade (round point spade or square transplanting)
• Thin gardening gloves
• Sturdy shoes
• Depending on weather, Sun hat, Sunscreen, Rain gear, etc.
• Water for you
• Water for plants
• Totes, large pots, big bags, buckets (to store plants in)
• Magic Marker & labels
• Moist potting soil, moist sawdust, or other material to keep plants moist.
• You might want to bring a cart with wide tires as it is a long walk to carry pots/buckets/bags of plants.

Events

Email completed waivers to Blake McNeill at AlbertaPlantRescue@gmail.com to register

May 26, 2024, 10:00am – 2:00pm 

May 26 Logan Landing Rescue Announcement

Waiver May 26

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June 2, 2024, 10:00am – 2:00pm 

June 2 Logan Landing Rescue Announcement

Waiver June 2

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Native Plant Rescue: Important Information

• Participants are “at their own risk” with no liability assumed by the Alberta Native Plant Rescue Volunteer Group and/or Genesis Land Development Corp. or any employees, contractors, officials or volunteers thereof. A signed waiver will be required before accessing the rescue area.
• Registration is required before the event so a name tag can be created for you. The name tag must be worn during the event.
• Reflective Safety Vest must be worn. You will need this for some future rescues we have coming up as well. Bring your own as we will not have any available.
• Keep all activities within the area identified on the included map. There are some areas set aside for nature preserve etc, do not enter those areas. While this is a very large area, please be mindful of where you are with respect to the area boundaries at all times.
• Rescues normally take place on part of an active construction project, no pets or children (under the age of 18) are allowed on site.
• There are many animal borrows and uneven ground so particular attention is required when walking in the area.
• Keep away from any active construction areas and equipment, even if equipment is not working.
• Please wear suitable clothing and sturdy footwear for whatever weather nature decides to give us for the event.
• Due to the nature of the area If there is a threat of lightning or other severe weather all harvest activities are to be suspended immediately and volunteers will head for shelter.
• Please practice good housekeeping, and ensure that no refuse is left behind, either on site or in the parking areas. Note that there are no trash receptacles, so everything must be taken away.
• NOTE there are no facilities, water or bathrooms on site.
• There is some walking required, for example you will have to walk from the registration area to the event area as we have no motorized transportation available.
• Native Plant ID experts will be available to assist with finding plants.

Alberta Native Plant Seed Harvest Ethics

• Harvesters are respectful of the properties and property owners of rescue sites and the communities around harvest areas.
• Harvesters will avoid harvesting plants/seeds from plants that look unhealthy to avoid the transporting of diseases etc.
• Rescue will only take place in specifically designated areas and follow the directions/restrictions on the site forms and from event organizers.
• Harvesters work hard to avoid unnecessary damage to plants.
• Harvesters work cooperatively and respectfully with each other.
• Harvesters will leave pets at home.
• Harvest sites will be left free of garbage.
• Plants/Seeds rescued from these events will not be for sale.

 

Contact

Alberta Native Plant Rescue contact for this event is Blake McNeill. Easy to spot in a crowd wearing bib overalls and tie dye shirt.

You can send text messages to 403 605-4198 or email AlbertaPlantRescue@gmail.com