Bunchberry Flower Red Osier Dogwood
Cow Parsnip Flower Arrow-Leaved Groundsel
The great elk herds of the Upper Elk Valley have been supported by interspersed grasslands throughout a forest landscape that has repeatedly been altered by many forest fires cycles. The omnivorous grizzly bears that wander the upper sub-alpine reaches, have a wide range of movements based on available food sources. As the snowpack recedes, the glacier lily tubers provide a rich source of starchy carbohydrates needed after a long winter’ s hibernation. As the season progresses, plants such as cow parsnip and skunk cabbage might become part of their diet. With fall approaching, the need to“ fatten up” requires sugar rich foods like nuts and berries including huckleberries and the ever sought after whitebark pinecone seeds. The many bird species that grace our valley also rely on diverse plant crops to sustain themselves. Whether it is a cedar wax wing getting punchy from fermented mountain ash berries, a black-capped chickadee sourcing seeds from dandelion heads, or a northern flicker pecking incessantly on a snag to find a delicious beetle, they all call this home because of a readily available food source.
The Elk Valley’ s municipal parks are great places to visit to immerse yourself in these types of natural settings.
The wetland area of Fernie’ s Maiden Lake Park is perfect location to experience a riparian setting: bald eagles nesting, salamanders hiding out, and the signs of voracious beavers at work. In Sparwood, Lions and Heritage Parks offer opportunities to wander about a nicely spaced lodgepole pine forest where a small wetland area is in a restorative phase, with the return of frogs, dragonflies, western toads, and if lucky, perhaps even a great blue heron. Elkford has been literally carved out of the wilderness, and as such, offers access to a variety of forest settings. The dark and shady spruce forests of Boivin Creek, or the wondrous Elk River Trail that extends north along the Elk River leads into an amazing cottonwood and spruce dominated riverside setting. Elkford’ s greenspaces are welcoming and easily accessible from anywhere in town. Wherever you venture, having an awareness of what is under your footsteps will help you to further appreciate your surroundings.
Terry Nelson is the author of two books; Big Trees of the Inland Temperate Forests of British Columbia, and Fernie Area Hiking Trails and Natural Plant Compendium. Purchase them at Polar Peek Books in Fernie or at your favourite independent bookstore.
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