The Riverfront
What is happening with the riverfront trees and shrubs?
Walkway: Take a walk along the riverfront. The river ice is forming. The gulls have left. Our Heritage Society tree and shrub planting areas north of the walkway are watered and mulched for winter. But there is a splash of colour from red-osier dogwood branches, a few rosehips missed by grosbeaks and grouse, and spruce and pine needles. Next spring, look closely for Woodland and Western Canada violets,native varieties donated by Hillson Nursery.
The rock garden - when it was under development
Between the Spruce: A new planting area spans two of the four spruce, west of the lift station, thanks to Town crew members who dug up the plot. By October, loads of black dirt and peat were spread and native stock donated by Hillson Nursery was planted. Heavy fall watering should produce healthy foliage of gooseberries, fireweed, wild currents, pink pussy-toes, native rose, river alder, and raspberries.
Heritage Site: More shrubs and ground covers were added this fall to fill in the plots in the fenced site. The dry summer and fall meant lots of hand watering and weeding. Sheep?s fescue seeded in 2000 took hold, thanks to several training sessions by the Athabasca Volunteer fire department. Lack of moisture caused some browning in late August, but it should be lush again in spring after the late fall misting and application of fertilizer. Thanks, helpers!
Athabasca Landing Heritage Site
Memorial Tamaracks: On your walk along the riverfront, take note of the three tamaracks north of the lift station. These trees were donated and planted by Cammy and Grant Peden of Baptiste Lake Tree Farm and Custom Tree Moving in memory of Les Cheshire. Les was a strong supporter of the riverfront park and the work of the Athabasca Heritage Society.The tamaracks are a tribute to his quiet nature, his caring and his artist?s eye.
Appreciation to Volunteers and Donors: Hillson Nursery, Athabasca Town Crew, Athabasca Volunteer Fire Department, Baptiste Lake Tree Farm and Custom Tree Moving. Many thanks.
-- Joan Sherman