OLDS — Olds is going natural.
In a news release, Town of Olds officials announced they're embarking on a “naturalization” program: converting low-use or difficult-to-maintain green spaces and shrub beds into more natural, self-sustaining landscapes.
The move is seen as a shift toward responsible land use, and long-term cost management while continuing to provide safe, attractive public spaces.
Mowing in designated green spaces will be paused to allow native grasses and vegetation to grow naturally.
Selected shrub beds will be transitioned into low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly areas by planting ground cover that supports bees, butterflies, and other important species.
About 23 acres are expected to be naturalized. That’s expected to save about 13 working days of staff time a year.
“This change supports biodiversity, improves soil health, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and creates better habitat for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife,” the news release says.
“These areas were selected because they are underused, steep, wet, hidden, or otherwise challenging to maintain.”
The Town is working closely with the Olds Fire Department and parks staff to monitor naturalized areas for safety, sightlines, and vegetation concerns.
Naturalized areas will be monitored and maintained to control noxious weeds, manage safety, and ensure long-term success.
This change won’t occur overnight, though.
Residents may notice bare soil, uneven growth or patchy vegetation during the first few years of the transition.
As naturalization begins, residents are encouraged to avoid walking or playing in newly seeded areas, report noxious weeds or safety concerns and be patient, because it’s expected to take several seasons for naturalization to fully take hold.
“We’ve reached a point where we need to rethink how we manage some of our greenspaces,” Guy Lapointe, director of community services is quoted as saying in the news release.
“Naturalization gives us a smarter way to care for the spaces that need less attention, so we can focus our time and effort where it really counts.”
Olds College horticulture instructor Ken Fry applauds the change.
“This is a smart and necessary step that Town of Olds is taking,” he’s quoted as saying.
“Naturalization is a proven land management strategy backed by science. It allows for smarter allocation of resources and promotes healthier, more diverse ecosystems over time.”
“This is about more than changing how we maintain green spaces,” Mayor Judy Dahl says in the release.
“These kinds of decisions help us grow responsibly and care for our environment with horticultural expertise and staying true to the values of stewardship and long-term planning.”
