Between the Grassland in the south and the Boreal Forest in the north lies a subtle combination 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 area of transition. 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 plant and flower 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. As a result, only 5 percent of this region remains in its natural state. Many native wildlife species were eliminated before they could even be recorded. 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.
To learn more about other natural regions of Alberta click here.
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