Explore the Green Side of Edmonton Book

Explore the Green Side of Edmonton

For anyone who has ever wanted to embrace or enhance an environmentally conscious lifestyle in the city but doesn’t know where to start, Michelle Harris’s Explore the Green Side of Edmonton is here to help. For long-time Edmonton residents and first-time visitors alike, Michelle channels her in-depth knowledge and expertise into this comprehensive handbook geared towards Edmontonians seeking to foster a connection with nature.

Discover well-known highlights and hidden gems, both in the heart of Edmonton and the surrounding areas. Providing opportunities to learn about environmentally conscious activities and to engage with them, Michelle covers all aspects of a nature supportive lifestyle, breaking down environmental silos and compiling a wide variety of subjects into one all-encompassing resource. Some of these topics include:

• Green spaces and gardens, both cultivated and wild

• Seasonal and year-round outdoor activities

• Engaging with Indigenous stewardship and ways of knowing

• Outdoor and nature focused gear and other resources

• Taking climate action and increasing sustainability

Michelle takes into account folks of all ages, abilities, and budgets. Whether you’re just beginning to explore environmental action or already an avid eco-adventurer, you’ll find tools and ideas to help grow your impact and increase your engagement with the natural world. From adrenaline-inducing adventures to calming nature therapy and everything in between, this practical, hands-on guide covers it all.

The was published in November 2025 with planned manuscript updates happening every 3-4 years.

Book Updates

Just like nature, information in the book is evolving. Here you can keep up to date with these changes and additions.

*New* CABIN Survey's: A CABIN survey (Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring Network) is a standardized, collaborative program managed by Environment and Climate Change Canada to assess the health of freshwater ecosystems, such as streams and rivers.

*NEW* FIMP Survey's: A FIMP (Foreshore Integrated Management Planning) survey is a science-based, technical assessment of lake shorelines used to map habitat values and determine the risks posed by development. Previously known as Sensitive Habitat Inventory Mapping (SHIM), FIMP is used to create "Foreshore Development Guidelines" to protect lake ecosystems, support climate resiliency, and maintain biodiversity, particularly for species at risk

*NEW* Natural Edge: The Natural Edge Program by Watersheds Canada is a nationwide, community-driven initiative that helps waterfront property owners restore shorelines using native plants to improve water quality, prevent erosion, and boost biodiversity. It offers free site visits, customized planting plans, and native species to create resilient, natural buffers that protect lakes and rivers.

*NEW* Boreal Avian Research & Conservation Association (BARCA): The Boreal Avian Research & Conservation Association conducts extensive avian fieldwork at several key sites near Edmonton, primarily focusing on the breeding ecology and migration of raptors and owls

*NEW* Love Your Lake Program: The Love Your Lake program is a national shoreline evaluation and stewardship initiative designed to help lakefront property owners improve the health of their shorelines, which in turn enhances water quality and fish/wildlife habitats. Developed jointly by Watersheds Canada and the Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF), the program provides customized, confidential reports to landowners with voluntary actions they can take to improve their property.

*UPDATES* WILD Outside: WILD Outside is a program run by Canadian Wildlife Federation. The program is currently paused in Edmonton but hopes to resume soon.

*NEW* Canada's National Framework for Environmental Learning : This is a 2025 roadmap developed by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) to enhance environmental literacy, addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. It offers guiding principles for educators and policymakers to build green skills and foster sustainable, resilient communities across formal and non-formal education.

Nature & Garden Shops

Backyard Birds Nature Shop

Wild Birds Unlimited

Wildbird General Store

Zocalo

Apache Seeds

Book Stores

Audreys Books (Jasper Ave)

NAIT Bookstore

Outdoor Gear Shops

AQ Outdoors

Waste Reduction

Blenderz Garment Recyclers

Order Your Copy Direct From the Author

Betty Wycott

"This book is a wealth of information about our beautiful city and its natural resources…excellent read"

Kevin Aschim

“What a fun and inspiring book to read! Makes you want to go out and do more and this book shows exactly how you can do that and reap the rewards of fun, time with loved ones and feeling good about contributing. Be sure to buy more than one book as you will definitely know people who would love a book like this as a gift!"

Scott Sunderwald

“Fantastic work! Congratulations on an excellent book.

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