Site #20: Local Flora (Plants)
This section of the trail passes through light sandy loam soils, which act as a nursery for a unique blend of vegetation. Here, the open-air resilience of the prairie meets the sheltered, moisture-loving species of the north.
A Forest in Transition
The dominant trees in this area are the Trembling Aspen and the Balsam Poplar. However, as noted in the Riverlands Heritage Region Brochure, the presence of White Spruce and Jack Pine signals the start of the “Boreal Fringe,” creating a cooler, more humid micro-climate that supports a diverse forest floor.
The Bounty of the Brush
The undergrowth in the Riverlands was a vital resource for both Indigenous peoples and early settlers. The sandy soils support an abundance of fruit-bearing shrubs, including Saskatoon Berries, Chokecherries, and Pincherries. According to Indigenous plant knowledge recorded by Miýwâsin Ôta Resort, these berries were essential for nutrition, while shrubs like Wolf Willow and Red-Osier Dogwood provided materials for tools and traditional crafts.
Medicine and Folklore
The local flora is steeped in history. As documented in Bridging the Years, the Prairie Crocus was cherished by homesteaders as the first sign of spring. Other plants like Fireweed served as symbols of resilience after prairie fires. Interestingly, researcher Jonathan J. Kalmakoff notes that early Doukhobor pioneers successfully integrated non-native Flax into the local ecology, using it to produce everything from linen clothing to cooking oil.