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 Between the
Grassland in the south and the Boreal Forest in the north lies a subtle mosaic of aspen woodlands, fescue grasslands, shrublands and
wetlands on gently rolling landscape referred to as the
Parkland Region of Alberta.
This region comprises approximately 12 percent, or 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. The aftermath of the Ice Age is particularly evident in the gently rolling blanket of
moraines that overlay parts of this region - an effect that was caused by the stagnation and melting of the
glaciers. 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 Parkland Natural Region is the most densely populated region in Alberta, with the greatest density in the Central Parkland
Subregion.
It is a rich
ecosystem, full of various types of vegetation and
species that are not limited to any one particular area. Development and farming have drastically altered the vegetation, particularly in the central
parkland region. Land use has changed much of the native vegetation; the most extensive alteration has been in the
Peace River Parkland and the least in the Foothills
Parkland.
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Check out the Provincial Museum of Alberta Habitat Gallery Audio!
The free downloadable
RealPlayer plugin from RealNetworks
is required to listen to the audio.
All kids and fun-loving adults will want to check out the Flash Zone to interact with species of the
Parkland, including the Red Fox and Tiger
Salamander!.
The free downloadable
Flash Player plugin from Macromedia
may be required.
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 As a result, only 5 percent of this region remains in
a "natural" or "undeveloped" state. Many native wildlife species were eliminated before they could even be documented. Today, the 180 square kilometer Rumsey area north of Drumheller is
the largest unit of central parkland in the world. Approximately 20 percent of the Rumsey area has been designated an ecological reserve. The rest remains without legal protection as a Crown Reservation for a future provincial park and a
potential natural area.
Information provided by and printed with the permission of Alberta
Community Development, Provincial
Parks and Protected Areas.
[Central][[Foothills][Peace
River]
[Flash Zone][Featured
Sites]
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