Grow Wild YYC

06/05/2026

Last night I put on my hat to attend the 35th Emerald Awards recognizing those working to support the environment. While we didn’t win it was still a great opportunity to learn about projects and people working so hard to make a positive difference. In the last few weeks on multiple occasions I have said it’s getting harder and harder to speak for the trees but after last night I have hope and feel so thankful that there are so many people doing just that ❤️💚

06/03/2026

The soaking from all this rain sure helps create that woodland feel 😊🌧️

06/02/2026

Grassroots and those of many of our native prairie plants grow really deep!

After several days of heavy rain across southern Alberta, native grasslands are doing what they've done for thousands of years—capturing and storing water.

Beneath the prairie lies a vast network of roots that helps create healthy, porous soils. Instead of water quickly running off the landscape, much of it can soak into the ground, replenishing soil moisture and helping sustain plants and wildlife long after the clouds have cleared.

In many ways, native grasslands function like a giant sponge, slowing runoff, reducing erosion, and making the most of every rainfall event.

What happens below ground is just as important as what we see above it.

05/31/2026

When talking about birds to the public I’m often asked to discuss why birds matter. While there are a whole lot of reasons, one of the ones that I feel is underrated is their connections to our wellbeing. Just like a song on the radio can take you back, so too can a bird song. The first time I hear a white throated sparrow in the spring I can feel my spirits lifted with the hope of spring to come and a chickadee in the winter can make me smile but the sound of this guy might be the most nostalgic. The first time I heard a house wren in the yard was right after coming home from the hospital with my brand new baby son. It was a heck of a time adjusting to life with a baby but this guy’s song brought some levity and kept me company in those early hours of the morning when the sun was up but I normally wouldn’t be! His song still brings me a warm feeling and brings that hope for the season ahead. It’s always welcoming an old friend home ❤️

05/30/2026

A couple more days to get out for the May Plant Count! A few from my own yard to help you get started and see what might be blooming near you! 😊

05/28/2026

It’s time! All this week through Sunday get out there and record all plants budding or in bloom to help contribute to long term data. Taking part is easy! Just get your camera, take pics and upload the iNaturalist and you have become a community scientist!

05/25/2026

Tis the season for happenstance sightings of beautiful migrants! We are just starting to see many of our insectivores like flycatchers and warblers coming through. Keeping those lights off at night, having freshwater available, marking those windows, keeping cats indoors or in catios and having native plants producing those bugs for them to eat will help them stay safe as they work their way to nesting habitat!

05/23/2026

05/22/2026

Happy ! Every living thing we share our space with is working to keep our world running! From the smallest bacteria to the largest whale, everything has a role to play and today is a great day to notice how many things we share space with!

11/26/2025

Do you live in an equity-deserving community and want to participate in an amazing project to create a mini forest? Here's your chance! What's an equity-deserving community you ask? In this context it refers to communities who may face unequal opportunities to enjoy the benefits (climate and otherwise) of trees. More question? Get in touch with Jared, I'm sure he will be happy to answer them!