Challenge
Earthmaster was retained by The City of Calgary to conduct a roadside naturalization pilot project at a site located along 16th Ave NE in Calgary, Alberta. The site consisted of 5 hectares of manicured turfgrass alongside the Trans-Canada Highway. The project was designed to evaluate changes in landscaping and vegetation management practices on select areas of public land to assess the potential to achieve environmental benefits through enhanced urban biodiversity and climate resilience, and reduce maintenance requirements, through the conversion of manicured turfgrass to native grasses and wildflowers. The site was to receive no amendments (including fertilizer) and was not to be irrigated.

Solution
The existing turfgrass was mowed, de-thatched, and treated with herbicide to eradicate existing viable grass. The stubble was left in place to support the installation of seed. Mixtures of annual and perennial wildflower and grass seeds were selected based on the City of Calgary Seed Mixes guide, as well as seed availability, and were installed using a no-till seed drill in mid-June. To further support the pollinator population, 15 solitary and 15 social bee boxes were installed throughout the project area to increase available nesting habitat.

Outcome
Despite the late planting and exceedingly hot and dry conditions, Earthmaster was successful in getting a variety of flowers and grasses to grow and bloom. The use of native species of grass and wildflowers to replace turfgrass will reduce maintenance requirements, enhance the pollinator population, and provide plants that are adaptable and hardy to withstand extreme weather (including heat, drought, snow and ice). The installation of low maintenance landscaping with native vegetation will be more sustainable and resilient to climate change, facilitate the restoration of ecological function, reduce emissions, and reduce costs.

For more information on our Urban Naturalization services contact
Kent Cryer at kent.cryer@earthmaster.ca or 403-201-5111 (ext. 231)