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The Land

🌿 The Aspen Parkland Ecosystem

The Riverlands Heritage Preservation Region is located in what is called the Aspen Parkland. It is part of a transition zone between the dry grasslands to the south and the boreal forest to the north, extending from southwest Manitoba through Saskatchewan and into central Alberta. Before settlement and increased agriculture, bison roamed this region for many thousands of years.

The Aspen Parkland is characterized by open plantings of trembling aspen and oak groves, mixed tall shrubs, and intermittent fescue grasslands. The region is also covered by balsam poplar trees; white spruce and balsam fir can be found, as well as some creeping juniper.

The Black Soil (Chernozem): The ecoregion has some of the most productive agricultural land in the prairies. The soil is very rich and dark, known as ‘Chernozem’—which means ‘black soil’ in Russian. This richness produces a wide variety of crops, visible throughout the growing season.

🦅 Birds & Wildlife

The landscape in the area has many “tree-ringed, small lakes, ponds, and sloughs” that provide a major habitat for waterfowl. More than 200 species of birds and 50 species of mammals live in the Riverlands territory.

Birds:

Species include various varieties of ducks, grebes, purple martins, hawks, and magpies. Look for:

  • Eagles & Hawks: Patrol the river valley cliffs.
  • Pelicans & Egrets: Known to breed in the area.
  • Burrowing Owls: Rare treasures of the grasslands.
  • Butterflies: Various native species thrive here.
Mammals & More:

Almost all species are native to North America, ranging from small shrews to large predators:

  • Large Mammals: Deer, moose, lynx, mountain lion, and bear.
  • Forest & Field: Wolves, coyote, weasel, badger, and porcupine.
  • Water-side: Muskrat and beaver.
  • Reptiles: Native amphibians and reptiles can be found.

🌊 The North Saskatchewan River

The North Saskatchewan River starts from the Saskatchewan Glacier, located in the Columbia Icefields in Alberta. Its water source is mostly melted snow and rainfall from the Rocky Mountains. The North and South Saskatchewan Rivers join to make the Saskatchewan River east of Prince Albert, eventually emptying into Lake Winnipeg.

Fisheries: Many different fish species live in the river. It is a home for 27 native species, such as Walleye, Burbot, Northern Pike, Sauger, and the ancient Lake Sturgeon.

10,000 Years of History: Indigenous people have lived on the North Saskatchewan River for more than 10,000 years. For them, the river was a vital source of food and an important transportation route. It made trading easier, first with other bands, and later with European traders. In the 18th century, as traders moved to the west of the country, almost half came along the North Saskatchewan River.

The Riverlands Heritage Preservation Region offers many opportunities to appreciate the beautiful river valley, to fish, canoe, and pause for a picnic lunch along your way.