Naturalization

For over 25 years, the City of St. Albert has been committed to recognizing, protecting and restoring the natural areas in our community. Naturalization is an alternative landscape management technique. Natural processes of growth and change are less restricted, and the landscape is allowed to become more natural than ornamental by restricting mowing, and by planting native vegetation found locally on similar natural landscapes near the City of St. Albert.

Map of Naturalization Sites

2022 Naturalization Sites

Naturalization projects occur throughout the city – many efforts have been made to augment existing underutilized turf areas by re-introducing native trees and shrubs. In other areas, the City is looking to increase the size of our natural areas by building out the edges of existing forests. The City is also looking to create meadows where they will compliment the landscape and provide ecological services such as stormwater collection, air cleansing, or wildlife habitat. Naturalization continues to gain support as a management strategy for urban green space and has been referenced in many of St. Albert’s plans and documents including the Green Environment strategy in the Municipal Development Plan.

Benefits of Naturalization

Benefits chart highlighting environmental, economic, and social benefits to naturalization

Community Naturalization

Community naturalization events are opportunities for community groups, schools, and other local residents to participate in adding native trees and shrubs back into suitable public open spaces.

The main public drop-in planting event occurs as part of Clean and Green RiverFest each September. Any group interested in a naturalization planting can contact the Spruce Up St. Albert coordinator at the email or phone number below.