Naturalizing Our Greenspaces

What Is Naturalization? 

Naturalization means changing how we care for certain green spaces. Instead of managing high-maintenance, or awkward shrub beds in less visible areas, we will allow these areas to return to a more natural state. This approach supports long-term sustainability of our Parks efforts in terms of cost and time and reduces upkeep and manhours. 

Why Are We Doing This? 

Naturalization helps us: 

• Use our staff time and resources where they’re needed most 

• Lower long-term maintenance and equipment costs 

• Improve biodiversity and support pollinators 

• Reduce fuel use and emissions from mowing 

It also supports Council’s focus on environmental responsibility and smart financial decisions. We are not stepping back from beautifying the town. We are stepping towards smarter stewardship. 

What Can Residents Expect? 

• You won’t lose usable green space. We are only naturalizing low-use or hard-to-maintain areas, not parks or sports fields. 

• Some areas may look different at first. As grass and native plants get established, you may see bare patches or uneven growth. This is normal and temporary. 

• Maintenance won’t disappear. These areas will still be monitored. We’ll keep an eye out for noxious weeds, reseed as needed, and take action to manage risks like dry grass or obstructions. 

What Is A “Noxious Weed”? 

According to the Province of Alberta’s website include “noxious or prohibited noxious weeds…present significant economic, social or ecological risks” and are provincially regulated. Prohibited noxious weeds pose a serious threat as they spread rapidly and are highly competitive. Alberta’s Weed Control Act states that prohibited noxious weeds must be destroyed and noxious weeds must be controlled.

To see a full list of noxious weeds, please visit the Government of Alberta’s website:  www.alberta.ca/provincially-regulated-weeds

Will This Make The Town Look Messy or Uncared For? 

Naturalized areas will not be left to “go wild.” In fact: 

• They will be monitored and managed to control noxious weeds and maintain safety. 

• The naturalized shrub beds are seeded with low-growing grasses or native plants, which are softer, greener alternatives to exposed soil or weedy overgrowth. 

• The naturalized greenspaces will transform low-use spaces into natural, biodiverse landscapes for pollinators. 

• Where possible, new trees or features like benches will enhance the space, not detract from it. This is a long-term plan, and progress will be slow but steady.   

Naturalized areas may look “messy” at first, but over time, they grow into intentional, low-maintenance green zones that still look cared for. 

What Can I Expect Year-To-Year?

Greenspace Naturalization 

Year One – Getting Started 

• Stopping mowing in specific greenspaces. 

• These may appear sparse, uneven, or messy at first as the plants take root. 

• Some weed growth is expected and will be monitored and managed. 

Years Two and Three – Growth and Adaptation 

• Native plants establish deeper roots and become more resilient. 

• Pollinators, birds, and insects start to return. 

• Maintenance shifts from regular mowing to selective care, such as monitoring for noxious weeds and maintenance mowing, if required.

Year Four – A Resilient Landscape 

• The area now supports biodiversity, stormwater absorption, and healthy soil. 

• It looks natural but cared for—not manicured, but not neglected. 

• This green space now offers long-term environmental and financial benefits. 

Shrub Bed Naturalization 

Year One – Transition Phase 

• Mulch, borders, and some plants are removed. 

• The area is levelled and reseeded with a pollinator friendly ground cover. 

• You may see bare soil, patchy growth, or areas that look incomplete at first. 

• Maintenance crews will monitor for weeds, water when needed, and reseed as required. 

Years Two and Three – Establishment 

• Grass or ground cover begins to fill in more evenly. 

• These areas become easier to mow and maintain. 

• Any bare spots or weed issues are addressed as part of routine care. 

Year Four – Functional and Low-Maintenance 

• The space blends more naturally with surrounding green areas. 

• These zones will be fully integrated into our regular mowing and park care routines. 

• The area looks simple, tidy, and consistent with adjacent grass spaces. 

Ongoing Adjustments: Some areas may need to be reseeded or lightly mowed to control weeds. We’ll keep an eye on how they develop and adapt as needed. 

Will This Affect Property Values Or The Way Our Neighbourhoods Look? 

We are only naturalizing select low-use or hard-to-maintain areas. These include slopes, out-of-the-way corners, or spaces with difficult mowing conditions. In some cases, (and dependent on funding and grants), we even have a long-term plan of improving these areas with trees or benches over time.  

By making better use of our resources, we can actually improve maintenance levels in high-visibility and high-use areas—leading to better overall care, not less 

What About Weeds—Will They Spread To Nearby Yards? 

We are taking this seriously. All naturalized areas will be monitored, and noxious weeds will be addressed. In some areas, we may mow buffer zones or reseed as needed. 

We’ll also be sharing information to help residents understand how naturalized areas work and the long-term benefits they bring to neighbourhoods. 

How Are We Managing Safety? 

We are taking care to: 

• Avoid areas near sports fields and playgrounds 

• Maintain sightlines for safety 

• Monitor vegetation and remove fire risks if needed 

We are working closely with the Olds Fire Department and Parks team to ensure the naturalized areas are safe and well-managed. 

Is This Just A Way Of Doing Less Maintenance? 

Naturalization is not about doing less; it’s about doing things differently, and more sustainably. 

It takes real planning, preparation, and seasonal care to get it right. While naturalized areas don’t require the same level of mulching or pruning, they are actively monitored, seeded, and maintained. 

Naturalization is a long-term investment. In the first season or two, you might see bare soil, patchy growth, or areas that look unfinished. That’s part of the process. It takes time for grasses and native plants to take root, fill in, and establish a healthy, self-sustaining ground cover. 

How Will We Know If It’s Working? 

We will track: 

• Reductions in maintenance time and costs 

• Feedback from residents 

• Improvements in local plant health and pollinator activity 

These results will help us decide whether to expand or adjust the approach in the future. 

What Do You Need From The Community?

We’re asking for three things: cooperation, feedback, and patience. 

• Cooperation: Please avoid walking or playing in newly seeded areas so the plants can establish. 

• Feedback: If you see something concerning—like noxious or prohibited weeds or safety hazards—let us know. We want to respond quickly and responsibly. 

• Patience: These areas will take a few years to fill in and mature. This is normal and expected. Think of it as a garden that takes a few seasons to grow in. 

We’re inviting residents to share in the care and success of these spaces and celebrate the pollinators - knowing the payoff is both environmental and financial.  

Naturalization is one way we’re working toward a greener, more sustainable community. It’s about using resources wisely, protecting the environment, and making decisions that serve the long-term good. 

If you’re concerned about an area or have feedback to share, please submit a Report a Problem.  

Total Maintained: 229.10 acres 

Total Number Of Acres to Naturalize: About 23 

Total Time Saved: About 13 Working Days 

Imperial Drive Greenspace Islands 

• Under-utilized green spaces 

Aloha Trailer Park Adjacent Greenspace 

• Wet area  

• Not utilized for any activities 

Sherwood Crescent Island 

• Grass hardly grows here 

• Underutilized area 

Shannon Storm Pond 

• Storm pond 

• Underutilized space 

• This is a wet area  

• North of this space isn’t mowed by private owner 

49 Avenue Railroad Tracks 

• Underutilized space 

• Most of this space belongs to CP Rail 

• Obstacles/dangerous 

56A Street Close Island 

• Steep/dangerous 

• Grass doesn’t grow well

57 Avenue South Pathway 

• Already naturalized 

• Grass doesn’t grow well.  

Westview Apartments Adjacent Greenspace 

• Underutilized 

• Grass doesn’t grow well 

North 53 Street Greenspace 

• Underutilized 

• Adjacent to playground 

South 53 Street Greenspace 

• Underutilized 

• Hidden 

56 Street Greenspace 

• Underutilized 

• Steep/dangerous when wet 

• Some of it is naturalized already 

Duncan Place Greenspace 

• Near tree reserve with is already naturalized 

Olds Carwash Adjacent Landscape Buffer 

• No recreational or leisure purpose 

• Difficult to care for – tight space

53 Street Landscape Buffer 

• No recreational or leisure purpose 

• Hidden 

6 Shrub Beds in the Vistas (along pathways and in playground)

• Closest addresses:
  • 51 Vantage Crescent
  • 7 Vera Close
  • 43 Valiant Crescent
  • Vistas Playground
• Difficult to access and maintain
• Naturalizing will improve the look and condition of the vegetation

4 Shrub Beds Along the Highlands Pathways

• Closest address: 
  • 2 Harrison Green
• High upkeep area — naturalizing cuts long-term maintenance
• Current vegetation is easier to work with for naturalizing

Interactive Map of Naturalized Areas

Not sure where these locations are? View our interactive map, select the Parks and Recreation tab at the top, and select "Landscape Beds" to view the natural versus manicured areas in Olds.