Environmental Stewardship

• Urban Forest Strategy

  Trees are an important part of a healthy, resilient and livable community. They provide shade, improve air quality, support biodiversity, help manage stormwater and contribute to the character of our neighbourhoods and parks.

  The City of Grande Prairie's Urban Forest Strategy provides a long-term framework for growing, protecting and managing the community's tree canopy. Through strategic planting, species diversity and proactive management, the strategy helps ensure future generations can enjoy the environmental, social and economic benefits that trees provide.

  The strategy guides initiatives such as boulevard tree planting, community orchards, naturalization efforts and urban forest education programs.

  Learn more about the Urban Forest Strategy, local tree species and urban forestry initiatives at cityofgp.com/trees.

• GP Grows

  GP Grows is the City of Grande Prairie's gardening and food-growing program. Through workshops, events, educational resources and hands-on learning opportunities, GP Grows helps residents build confidence in growing food and creating healthy, sustainable landscapes.

  Whether you're starting your first garden, looking to expand your growing knowledge or interested in connecting with other local gardeners, GP Grows offers programs and resources for all experience levels.

  Visit the GP Grows webpage to learn more about upcoming events, educational opportunities, community orchards, the GP Grows Learning Garden and gardening resources.

  Learn more: cityofgp.com/gpgrows

• Bee City

  The City of Grande Prairie is proud to be protecting pollinators in our community as an official Bee City. Some of the work we are doing to protect and support local pollinator populations includes:

  • Ground cover in community orchards planted to provide pollen and nectar when natural food sources are limited.
  • Commitment through Edible Landscaping Policy 221 to plant a portion of trees each year that produce edible crops. These trees provide important flowering food sources for pollinators. Since 2014, Parks Operations has planted hundreds of edible trees, including apple, pear, apricot, plum and cherry trees.
  • Community orchards throughout Grande Prairie that provide food, habitat and forage opportunities for pollinators.
  • Naturalized areas supported through municipal bylaws that create habitat and food sources for pollinators and other beneficial insects.
  • Significantly reduced use of insecticides since 2015.
  • GP Grows programs that educate residents about pollinators, pollinator-friendly gardening and sustainable food production.
  • The GP Grows Learning Garden, which demonstrates growing techniques that support pollinators while helping residents learn how to grow food at home.
  • Distribution of seeds and pollinator-friendly plant mixes through GP Grows initiatives, helping residents create pollinator habitat in their own yards, balconies and gardens.
  • Community events, workshops and educational opportunities that encourage residents to support pollinators through gardening and habitat creation.
  • Support for a diverse urban forest canopy through the Urban Forest Strategy, including flowering and edible tree species that provide food and habitat for pollinators.

  Learn more about Grande Prairie's Bee City designation:
  Bee City Grande Prairie Profile

• iNaturalist

  Help document the plants, animals and insects that make Grande Prairie unique.

  The City of Grande Prairie participates in iNaturalist, a free platform where residents can share observations of local flora and fauna, learn about species in their area and contribute valuable biodiversity data.

  Whether you're exploring a trail, visiting a park or observing wildlife in your own backyard, every observation helps build a better understanding of the natural environment in our community.

  Join us on iNaturalist to see what others are spotting around Grande Prairie and start contributing your own observations.

  Observations · iNaturalist