Wondering about History and Nature at Glenbow Ranch

Oki,

What an amazing field trip we had today and how great for us to connect to the history of Alberta. Did you know that 100 years ago Glenbow Ranch was a thriving village? How about that there was a quarry there?
We made so many connections to Plant Growth and Change in science. In fact, we recognized several of the native plant species that we had been researching earlier in the year. For example, buffalo bean, wolf willow, prairie crocus, wild rose, and fireweed. Did you know that the grasslands covers about 14% of the land in Alberta? http://advancededucation.alberta.ca/englishexpress/articles/pdf/ra11_09_l3.pdf

The day was a glorious one for a hike and thank you to our marvellous guide Matt for expanding our background knowledge about this provincial park. It is really interesting for us to learn how history shaped the city we live in today, and how human development can alter the land. For example, ranching, agriculture, oil and gas have all contributed to a changing landscape, this is why it is import to protect parks such as this.

Here are some photos from this amazing day:

On our way!

The bus ride.

Smiles all around

We have arrived!

Getting ready to begin our hike.

Orienting ourselves using the map

Let the walking begin.

Our first plant sighting, it's the buffalo bean!

Insect hotel!

The old post office.

Biodiversity search.

Some hot and curious students!

Recording our answers to the scavenger hunt.

Our wonderful volunteers

Searching for pollinators -- but finding a grasshopper.

Wolf Willow bushes

Entering the Aspen Grove

Did you know that Aspen tree's have there own sunscreen? And that it is made from chrolophyll

Field scientists in action, recording the data.

Light and shadows fall over the prairie crocus.

Matt tells us about the specially adapted bison hoof that allows them to scrape snow in the winter to get at the fescue grass.

Everyone enjoys feeling the bison hide.

Did you know that bison were able to support the grassland ecosystem because they migrated to different parts and so they didn't deplete and eliminate the fescue grass from over grazing?