CONCEPT - HABITATS ALONG THE WATER
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Legend
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Nautilus PondTM
This circular pond will act as the forebay for the stormwater quality
management system. The pond will remove larger sediment from the
stormwater.
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Stormwater Polishing Marsh
See below
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Wet Meadow
Together, the polishing marsh and wet meadow will provide enhanced
treatment of the stormwater by removing very fine particles of sediment
that would not typically be removed by the Nautilus Pond or a
conventional forebay. These areas will provide valuable marsh and wet
meadow habitat for a variety of species.
40 Ave. NW
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Phytoremediation
The area that was contaminated with hydrocarbons from fuel during gravel
mining operations can be treated using plants. Willows and poplars will
be planted in this area to take up contaminants that remain in the soil
and groundwater. Until the remediation has been successfully completed
(about 10-15 years from planting), the area will remain off-limits to the
public except for a boardwalk passing through the forest. In the long term,
this area will became part of the restored floodplain forest in the park.
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Floodplain Forest
Weeds and invasive plant species will be gradually managed and
controlled in existing forest areas. Disturbed areas in the former gravel pit
that are not part of the stormwater quality management system will be
reclaimed and restored to floodplain forest.
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Lookout Mound
A large mound will be constructed using material excavated from
stormwater areas and existing stockpiles on the site. This area will provide
views of the stormwater quality management system, seating and informal
picnicking, a challenging running trail, and an amphitheater for educational
presentations.
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Stream
After stormwater has flowed through the polishing marsh and wet
meadow, it is collected by a stream that carries the stormwater to a new
outfall. The Stream roughly follows the route of an old side channel of the
Bow River that existed here before the gravel pit.
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Outfall
A new outfall will be constructed where the stream meets the Bow River.
The outfall will have a different character than a conventional outfall, with
subtle drops in elevation that will allow fish to take refuge in the stream
during floods.
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Normally Dry Stream
When stormwater flow exceeds what can easily pass through the polishing
marsh and we meadow, the normally dry stream conveys stormwater
through the floodplain forest to the lower area of the system. Much of the
time the channel will remain as a dry rocky stream bed.
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Existing Site Conditions
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Riparian Areas
During larger storms, there may be water flowing into the stormwater
system faster than can be safely released to the river. In these events,
stormwater will bypass the polishing marsh and wet meadow and back
up from the system into side channels in the riparian areas, temporarily
creating a floodplain environment and supplying water to riparian plants
along the side channels. Underlying gravel will allow this water to be
absorbed into the ground.
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Lookouts and Stairs
The lookouts and stairs will formalize view points along the top of the
escarpment and create a vertical connection to the floodplain below.
Providing structures in these areas will help to mitigate damage to
the escarpment by encouraging park visitors to use established trails
and viewing platforms that are designed to handle heavier foot traffic.
Stabilization and planting of the slope below will help to restore these
areas.
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Succession Island
An island cut off from the rest of the park by water, this area is already
exhibiting the early stages of establishing a Balsam Poplar forest. Isolating
Succession Island from the park will provide high quality habitat that is
protected from human disturbance. Natural forest succession will be
allowed to progress over time as the vegetation matures.
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Picnic Area
Existing picnic areas along the Bow River will be refurbished and enhanced
with new equipment and vegetation management. Additional picnic areas
will be added in forested areas of the park, and in a meadow near the
parking lot that has great views of the city, the Rocky Mountains and the
river.
32 Ave. NW
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