Spring Thaw and Bales of Straw Events Update
Due to winter weather, Spring Thaw and Bales of Straw event dates have been adjusted. Please see the schedule for the new dates.
The City maintains toboggan hills at many locations with safe run-outs, safety signage and reduced hazards.
Spring Thaw and Bales of Straw Events
Pick up straw bales at no charge! A maximum of 6 bales per vehicle is allowed. Serve yourself and come prepared with gloves, a wagon or tarp to move and load your bales. We recommend 2 people to lift each bale. Onsite staff and volunteers can answer any questions.
Schedule
| Date | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sat April 12 | Queen Elizabeth Park | 10am-3pm |
| Emily Murphy Park | 10-11am | |
| Gallagher Park | Noon-3pm | |
| Sun April 13 | Rundle Park (ACT Hill) | 10am-Noon |
| Rundle Park (North Hill) | 10am-3pm | |
| Sat April 19 | Queen Elizabeth Park | 10am-3pm |
Size and weight of straw bales:
- 1m x 0.5m x 0.4m (3’ x. 1.5’ x 1.3’)
- 18-20 kilograms (40-45 lbs)
Follow @YEGCompostSchool for updates.
Ways to Reuse Straw Bales
- Excellent browns for composting
- Mix with greens and fluff the pile weekly
- Keep it moist like a wrung-out sponge
- Replaces plant containers or raised garden beds
- Decomposes slowly and conditions the soil
Follow these steps:
- Arrange the bales on your landscape, keeping the prickly side on top.
- Water the straw to start the decomposition process. It takes 14-20 days for straw to break down and start bacterial growth.
- Optional: Add fertilizer to speed up the process and increase bacterial activity. Poke holes in the center, add fertilizer and water the straw bale. (Nitrogen in the fertilizer balances with the carbon-rich straw).
- Frequently water the straw to keep it moist.
- Create a hole for the seedlings and directly insert them.
Tips:
- Check moisture regularly. Straw bales can dry out. Keep straw bales damp but not drenched.
- Ensure your landscape fits with community standards. It should look tidy, maintained and well-kept.
Benefits
- Suppresses weeds, helping plants compete with weeds
- Decomposes slowly and conditions the soil
- Holds moisture and reduces evaporation from your soil
Follow these steps:
- Prune, mow, or pull unwanted plants from the mulching space.
- Optional: Spread a layer of material on top of that space. Examples: cardboard or newspaper. This suppresses weeds even more.
- Spread a layer of straw on top of that area (or wood chips, leaves, dry grass). A good mulch layer is 5 centimetres (2-3 inches).
Tips:
- Keep mulch away from the base or stem of plants. Give them space to stay dry.
- Some mulch is good, but not too much. Do not mulch thicker than 15 centimetres (3 inches).
- Soft bedding for animals
- Provide warmth and ideal conditions for urban hens
Tip: Straw used as animal bedding becomes excellent material for composting.
Emily Murphy Park
Address: 11624 Saskatchewan Drive NW
Queen Elizabeth Park
Address: 10380 Queen Elizabeth Park Road
Gallagher Park
Address: 9505 96 Avenue NW
Whitemud Park North
Address: 13204 Fox Drive NW
Rundle Park - ACT Hill
Address: 2903 113 Avenue
Rundle Park - North Hill
Address: 2903 113 Avenue
Current Hill Conditions
Your safety is your responsibility. Please check hill status and conditions before visiting.
Tobogganing can result in serious injuries. To reduce the risk of injury:
- Ensure the path is clear before sliding
- Helmets are recommended
- Walk up the hill outside of the sledding area
- Do not dig holes, build ramps or jumps on the hill
- Parents or guardian are responsible for children
- Always sit face-forward on your sled
- Tobogganing is not recommended after dark
- Dogs are not permitted - please leave your dogs at home
Your safety is our concern, but your responsibility. Slide at your own risk.
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