Sustainability

The beautiful courtyards are a highlight for residents here at Aix La Chapelle. As we continue to enhance the areas around us within the association, and work to optimize association operational costs, we also work hard to be mindful of all aspects of respecting the environment around us.

What does this mean for owners in the association?

It means a smaller environmental footprint and lower operational costs for the association for the important resources tied directly to our expenses for things like natural gas, electricity and water.

Note that as a small step in working to minimize our environmental impact, we try to prioritize eco-friendly products wherever possible within the association; while ensuring we meet safety and sanitation standards that will sometimes require commercial grade solutions. This is taken in account for carpet cleaning, common area cleaning, landscape supplies etc. and we rely upon our professional partners to assist in making the determination for those areas and the appropriate products to use for those projects or tasks.

This strategic vision of sustainability (both financial and environmental) includes but is not limited to, upgrades of mechanical equipment that ensure higher efficiency, waterwise landscaping, minimal pesticide use, natural pollinator gardens, safety and respect for all of the residents and wildlife that all call Aix La Chapelle their home.

Wildlife Around Us

As you walk the beautiful courtyards, you will notice many different types of wildlife that we coexist with. What types have you seen so far?

Below are just a few that you might catch sight of....enjoy!

Blue Jay

Black Capped Chickadee

Rock Dove/Pigeon

House Finch

Golden Finch

Sparrow

Sharp Shinned Hawk

Robins

Mourning Dove

Coopers Hawk

Ravens

Hummingbird

Squirrels

Bats

We are currently partnering with professionals in the wildlife/ecosystem field, to custom map out our community's nature-scape for greater awareness of our area and enjoyment within its natural element. This will be exciting to see the completed mapping, and fun for many to view the results.

This will be at no cost to the association!

Balconies

Note that only the management approved, highest grade, wildlife netting was permitted temporarily on specific balconies, for the purpose of redirecting birds and other wildlife.

This volunteer program is in its final phase. Upon completion of the program, the balcony nets must be removed, in keeping with the governing documents for balcony restrictions on hanging nets, curtains, sun shades etc.

We always strive to address wildlife in a humane manner at Aix La Chapelle. Owners should not attempt to use any wildlife control methods (including nets) that are not approved and installed by management.

You may deter wildlife and bird nesting behaviors on your balcony with daily removing of new bird eggs, sweeping and keeping all clutter off of your balcony.

If you encounter a baby bird/nest/injured animal , please call the office and we will assist.

Do not relocate birds or animals, call the office for instructions-thank you!

Animal cruelty is not tolerated in the community and will be reported to the authorities.

Rock Doves/Pigeons

Many residents enjoy the friendly group of local Rock Doves as part of the natural environment around us.

However, if you would like to minimize balcony visits, please see below for tips on this.

Feel free to reach out to the office with any questions you may have.

There are a few different things you can try to make your balcony less attractive to Rock Doves/Pigeons looking for a place to nest. Remember to wait until AFTER the babies have grown up and flown away before implementing any of these measures. You don’t want to separate the babies from their parents – they will die without their mom and dad (call the office if assistance is needed).

Keep things tidy

Keeping things tidy and uncluttered is the first step and is in keeping with the governing documents of the association.

Rock Doves/Pigeons like to choose a sheltered nest spot, so they like furniture and storage items to hide behind. Going out every day and sweeping off any new nesting material is the best thing you can do to prevent Rock Dove/Pigeon nests. Even just your presence out on the balcony will be enough to discourage many pigeons from nesting. We usually find that nests are made when no one is using the balcony, either early in the season or when the occupants have been out of town for a while.

Water Wise Landscaping

The association has been moving in a more water wise direction throughout the courtyards and grounds. This process will continue over the next several years, but we are already enjoying the benefits of purposeful gardening and enhanced beauty!