Parade of Homes

Naturalized wetlands have become defining features of Sage Creek. Wetland construction is a detailed and timely process; it takes multiple stages that progress over a number of years in order for a wetland to reach full maturity. However, once completely established, a naturalized wetland provides many benefits to a community, such as helping to clean the watershed, providing valuable habitat for local wildlife and plant species, and offering a place of relaxation and recreation for residents and visitors alike. Depicted above is an example of a two-month-old wetland where the land has been graded or contoured into a series of levels. In this photo, the distinct elevation tiers or 'shelves' are obvious as the water level is still very low and remains below the topsoil line. The next step involves seeding the soil in the following spring, once it is about one-year old. Below is an example of a two-year- old wetland where vegetation mats have been installed over the seed to help protect them from erosion and establish successfully. As the water levels rise at this stage, the lower aquatic plants such as bulrushes and sedges begin to grow along the shoreline. Native grasses that are tolerant to fluctuating water levels also begin to establish on the lower banks. Ducks and other small wildlife can now be seen on the water, followed by larger birds such as herons and pelicans. Lots for homes that surround the naturalized wetland have been divided adjacent to the park. Fencing is installed and sod is planted at the rear of the lots. Native grasses bordering a constructed pathway are beginning to take hold. Park markers, trees and benches have also been added along the trail network. Succession has been fully established in the 10-year-old naturalized wetland shown at top right — meaning native grasses and shrubs are now sprouting and growing naturally. Commonly occurring species include willows (along the banks), as well as maples, dogwoods and viburnum along the trails. Additionally, various native prairie flowers have begun to appear within the native grasses. Many species of songbirds (alongside the owls, herons and pelicans) can be seen (and heard!) in the area. Smaller mammals such as foxes and hares now call this mature habitat, home — as do fish, frogs and turtles and many kinds of beneficial insects like dragonflies, butterflies and bees. These carefully created naturalized wetlands are well worth the wait. Keep in mind that plants will evolve over time and what we plant now may not look the same in 30 years. What's important is that these landscapes make our neighbourhoods healthier by serving a number of important ecological functions. While wetlands are a key feature of what makes Sage Creek a wonderful place to live, there are many reasons why people choose to call this special pocket of Winnipeg home. Now in its 10th and final phase of development, servicing is underway in Phase 10A. This first section of Phase 10 brings 43 single-family lots along with new naturalized wetlands. This phase will also include major road infrastructure to connect Robert Bockstael Drive with Boulevard des Hivernants. Qualico Communities is already planning for the next application within Phase 10 with additional underground servicing expected to begin in late 2022. Learn more about Sage Creek at sagecreek.ca. QUALICO COMMUNITIES — SAGE CREEK POH PROGRESSION OF A NATURALIZED WETLAND – IT TAKES TIME By Samara Funk A TWO-MONTH-OLD NATURALIZED WETLAND TAKING SHAPE. A TWO-YEAR-OLD NATURALIZED WETLAND BEGINS TO GROW. AN ESTABLISHED NATURALIZED WETLAND OF 10 YEARS. 128 Parade of Homes SPRING 2022

• 2022_SPRING_001-062_final.pdf
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• 2022_SPRING_089-132_final.pdf