Throughout Airdrie, open spaces have been left untouched or reclaimed to maintain the natural characteristics of the landscape. These open spaces enhance biodiversity, providing habitat for native plants, insects, birds and other wildlife.
Natural areas allow opportunities for residents and visitors to connect with nature while observing what Airdrie’s urban ecosystem has to offer. Connections to these natural areas are made easier through pathways, observation platforms and informative signs.
Maintenance of natural areas is less intensive than manicured parks such as sports fields or passive parks. Some maintenance in natural areas includes efforts to address regulated weeds, enhancing native vegetation, restoration projects and waste removal.
Within natural areas, native vegetation is preferred over introduced species. Fescue and oat grasses are the most prominent native plants to Airdrie, with shrubbery present in areas with rich soil and woody plants such as aspens and willows in wetter areas.
Efforts are made to minimize the establishment and spread of regulated or introduced plants. Learn more about Regulated Weeds.
Natural areas provide native insects, birds and wildlife shelter, food and other resources necessary for survival. As Airdrie expands, connected natural areas provide wildlife corridors that enhance biodiversity necessary for a healthy urban ecosystem.
Airdrie is home to many wild animals, offering unique opportunities to connect with nature. When these opportunities present themselves, please respect wildlife by enjoying from a distance and leaving wildlife alone. Please take a moment to learn more about wildlife in our city.
To help keep Airdrie’s natural areas healthy please:
These gardening practices can help Airdrie’s natural areas: