Regions of Alberta - The Parkland
Between the Grassland in the south and the Boreal Forest in the north lies a subtle mosaic of aspen woodlands, fescue grasslands, shrub lands and wetlands on a gently rolling landscape referred to as the Parkland Region of Alberta. This region comprises approximately 37, 000 square kilometres of Alberta's territory, and is considered to be an ecotone, or area of transition, as it is a region in which the aspen groves are enveloped in a constant conflict with the grasslands for supremacy.
There are many sloughs, a type of wetland, in this region, which are home to many species of wildlife. The land within the pArkland region is a mixture of flat and hilly areas, with much fertile soil. Before people settled here, the area was covered with woodlands and large areas with grasses and shrubs. much of the land was cleared for ag riculture. The rolling terrain and abundant sloughs sustain large numbers of Most of the original aspen parkland survives only in small fragments because few farmers can afford to leave large tracts of original parkland intact. And, fires, which are integral to parkland ecology, are suppressed, changing the natural vegetation mosaic.
waterfowl . In the few places where native parkland survives, deer abound, Baird's sparrows sing their rich song from grass tussocks and red-tailed hawks circle in the afternoon thermals. The mosaic of aspen forest, fescue grasses and wetlands sustains a rich diversity of plant and animal life.
The vegetation of the aspen parkland with its associated animal life is divided into three Subregions - Central, Foothills and Peace River- which are separated on the basis of geographic location and major floristic differences. The region is covered in grasslands with patches of trees. The main trees found here are Aspen, Willow, Poplar and Saskatoon bushes (See Picture). This type of vegetation grows here because this region has lots of sun, but not too much rain.
The Parkland region is Alberta's richest agricultural region, and most of its land is dedicated to farming. Oil & Gas exploration is also prevalent in this region.
Did you know? The first discovery of Oil in Alberta took place in Leduc, within the parkland region. On February 13, 1947, Oil was struck at "Leduc No. 1". Sources: BlackGold School District Alberta Heritage Alberta Parks Rocky Mountain Region Leduc No. 1 Discovery Centre |