Vegetation surveys

This September, the resource conservation team at Wood Buffalo National Park is planning to complete vegetation surveys across the park. The team will be identifying plants to assess the quality and quantity of food for buffalo in each herd range. The surveys will include areas adjacent to the park, including Grand Detour and Fox Lake as buffalo tend to roam across borders.

What does the survey include?

• Rangeland health assessment: This helps our team understand how healthy the land is/how the land is doing and whether certain plant communities are more sensitive to environmental change. For example, some plants only grow in really specific conditions, so they might struggle if there are big shifts in weather, water, or land use. Another thing we look for is if invasive species are showing up and pushing out the plants that naturally belong there, which can throw off the balance of the whole area.
• Food quality and availability: staff in resource conservation are hoping to work closely with local Indigenous members to learn more about buffalo habitat. Together, we will weave traditional knowledge with western science practices, like the vegetation survey, to identify areas that are important for buffalo and determine how much food is available for them to eat in the summer and winter months.
• Habitat: parks staff will be using movement data and surveying in areas where buffalo spend long periods of time to assess preferred vegetation communities. The team will also examine whether these preferences change between winter and summer.

Why does this project matter?

Understanding wood buffalo habitat helps Resource Conservation protect the places they need to survive, like grasslands and forests. When we know where they live and what they eat, we can make better decisions to keep them safe and healthy. At the same time, it's important to acknowledge that communities around Wood Buffalo National Park hold deep, longstanding knowledge of buffalo habitat and diet. Parks staff members are committed to working collaboratively with Indigenous Nations—to build a more complete and respectful understanding of buffalo ranges and the key elements of their habitat.

We’re Looking for your help!

Help staff report back on plants that matter to you.

Wood Buffalo National Park is seeking to learn more about plant species that are important or hold cultural significance to your Nation. If there are plants you wish to share, please contact the Buffalo Ecologist, Jenna Rabley (jenna.rabley@pc.gc.ca) or Resource Conservation Officer, Jordan Beer (jordan.beer@pc.gc.ca). In your message, kindly include the plant’s name, a brief description, and—if you feel comfortable—any information about its cultural or traditional importance.

We would greatly appreciate the opportunity to learn from you. Once the survey is complete, park staff will follow up with a map showing where your identified plant(s) were found in the areas surveyed!