What’s New with the WBRA?
Photo by Mackenzie Brown
Wetland Field Day
Photo by Thomas Porter
How can you tell if a bear is nearby and what can you do to keep yourself safe while sharing the land with large carnivores? Why do deer have eyes on either side of their head? How does a food web work within a wetland ecosystem and are mosquitos really that important?
The curious and intrepid grade 5 students from southwestern Alberta who participated in this year’s Wetland Field Day events at Police Outpost Provincial Park can answer these questions and more.
With great support from Waterton Lakes National Park, and Oldman Watershed Council, students were able to build deeper connections to the lands, waters, and life in the region while learning about wetlands through curriculum-founded activities. From observing aquatic invertebrates firsthand to inspecting the iron-fortified teeth of a beaver, students were able to explore the reasons they should value and appreciate wetlands and the life these areas support.
We would like to take a moment to thank everyone who has contributed to Wetland Field Day past and present, and those who are interested in seeing it continue. Because of you, the event has now passed its 10th year of offering students the chance to experience this special place and learn more about how they fit within it.
The events this year were made possible by our funders from Waterton Lakes National Park, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and the Government of Alberta.
A sincere thank you to the teachers and leaders of Cardston Elementary School, Spring Glen Elementary School, and Aahsaopi Elementary School for your interest and support in this year’s Wetland Field Day events.
We cannot wait to be out once again next year with the muskrats and cattails!
Carnivores and Communities Program Coordinator Jeff Bectell sharing some bear safety tips with students.
Photo by Thomas Porter
Supporting Landowners in Conservation and Stewardship
Completed Beaver Dam Analogue
Members of our staff ventured out to the Porcupine Hills this September to support the ongoing stream habitat restoration efforts of Trout Unlimited Canada (TUC) in Waterton Biosphere Region (WBR).
Along the shores of Trout Creek and its tributaries, TUC has been constructing beaver dam analogues and planting native vegetation to improve habitat quality for the life that depends on these streams, such as the Westslope Cutthroat Trout,
a species at risk in Alberta. There is little connectivity between the single-thread stream channels and some riverbeds lose all surface waterflow during parts of the year. Riparian vegetation conditions have also decreased, leading to further habitat loss.
The TUC staff and volunteers have been mimicking the beavers’ influence within the watershed in areas where populations have declined by shapeshifting into semi-aquatic, buck-toothed ecosystem engineers. Beavers are so capable of changing the landscape around them that they have earned a reputation as friend, foe, or somewhere in-between.
Beaver dam analogues are human-made structures that function as a naturally occurring dam. The dams saturate soil, harbour water, regulate stream flow and temperature in fish-bearing streams, and provide the foundation for surrounding riparian habitats to form and flourish.
WBR Conservation Technician Mackenzie Brown seen shoveling soil onto the beaver dam analogue. A mixture of soil and woody brush are combined to create the base of the dam. An incredible feat considering the beaver builds with only their teeth, feet, and tail.
Beaver dam analogues will continue to be a useful tool to support the resilience of our landscape as drought conditions persist and increase in the region.
We have funding to contribute to habitat stewardship projects like building beaver dam analogues on private land within WBR. Projects are typically on a cost-share basis; the landowner portion can include cash or in-kind contributions (in-kind materials, planning time, equipment, and/or labour) or can include partner funding.
Please reach out to us at eanderson@watertonbiosphere.com or 403-563-0058 if you have a project idea in mind.
Carnivores and Communities Program
Thermal image by National Geographic as seen in ‘Animals Up Close’, see more below*
A flock’s best friend.
Livestock guardian dogs (LGDs) are used around the world as a conflict mitigation tool. Unlike herding dogs, LGDs watch for predators and confront them with barking, vocal intimidations, and aggressive behaviour.
Where electric fencing is unrealistic, LGDs can be utilized to protect sheep, goats, cattle and a variety of other species from depredation. There are several different breeds of LGDs, and each breed will come with their own unique skillset. Producers must determine the best fit for their family and operation.
The capabilities of these animals make them a flexible conflict mitigation option. With the proper breed and training, LGDs can be used to guard diverse livestock species over large areas with a wide variety of terrain.
The cost of these dogs is not insignificant and requires a thoughtful approach. If you are interested in LGDs we recommend talking with breeders and other producers that are using dogs in similar situations to ensure you get the right fit for you. Please reach out to Jeff Bectell, our Carnivores and Communities Program Coordinator if you have any questions about LGDs.
A recent video* captured by National Geographic reveal a scene where LGDs sabotage a puma’s mid-night predation attempt on a flock of unsuspecting sheep. The dogs sense the puma, alert the flock, and confront the incoming intruder before it can make a kill.
Welcome Aboard
The Waterton Biosphere Reserve Association is pleased to welcome Thomas Porter to the team as Communications Coordinator.
Thomas is a longtime storyteller, outdoorsman and motorcyclist. He has been hiking, fly-fishing and back country camping throughout Waterton Biosphere Region for 40 years.
While pursuing his studies in earth system science, Thomas also cultivated skills in New Media Arts including cinematography, lighting and documentary film making.
Prior to his academic tenure, Thomas spent 20 years in print media. His writing and photography have been published in daily newspapers and magazines across North America.
When he’s not out in the wild he can be found in his art studio doing custom woodwork and leather pieces.
Happy to have you, Thomas!
Photo by Holly Dalton
