Sustainable Practices at Grasslands National Park

Grasslands National Park is deeply committed to sustainable tourism, ensuring the preservation of our unique prairie ecosystem for future generations. Our efforts focus on wildlife protection, habitat restoration, and minimizing environmental impact.

Prioritizing Wildlife and Habitat

We prioritize several key sustainable practices:

  • Wildlife protection and habitat restoration: Reintroducing and managing plains bison herds to restore native prairie ecosystems.
  • Native vegetation restoration: Replanting indigenous grasses and plants on former agricultural lands to increase biodiversity and resilience.
  • Prescribed burning and targeted grazing: Using controlled fire and grazing to maintain healthy prairie habitats and natural ecological processes.
  • Dark-sky preservation: Protecting night skies as an official Dark-Sky Preserve by reducing light pollution and supporting nocturnal wildlife.
  • Community involvement and volunteering: Engaging local communities and volunteers in activities like bird counts, nest box programs, and habitat projects.
  • Partnerships for large-scale conservation: Collaborating with organizations and ranchers through initiatives like the Weston Family Prairie Grasslands Initiative.
  • Sustainable ranching cooperation: Working with cattle ranchers in programs like SARPAL to support both agriculture and the protection of species at risk.

Educating Visitors for Responsible Tourism

We offer various initiatives to educate our visitors about responsible tourism:

  • Guided interpretive programs: Park staff lead hikes, talks, and bison-viewing tours to explain prairie ecology, wildlife behavior, and conservation challenges.
  • Visitor Centre exhibits: Interactive displays provide information about the park’s history, Indigenous culture, and sustainable tourism practices.
  • Educational signage and trails: Signs along trails teach visitors about native species, habitat protection, and the importance of staying on designated paths.
  • School and youth programs: Partnerships with local schools offer field trips, workshops, and citizen science projects.
  • Online resources and brochures: Provide responsible tourism tips, Leave No Trace guidelines, and safety information before visitors arrive.
  • Special events: Dark-Sky nights, conservation days, and volunteer activities encourage hands-on learning about protecting the prairie.

Minimizing Our Environmental Impact

Grasslands National Park is committed to minimizing its environmental impact through several measures:

  • Limiting vehicle access:  Encouraging visitors to explore on foot or by bicycle to reduce emissions and habitat disturbance.
  • Designated trails and camping areas:  Preventing damage to sensitive grassland ecosystems by keeping human activity in controlled zones.
  • Waste reduction programs:  Promoting “pack in, pack out” policies and providing minimal waste facilities to reduce landfill impact.
  • Energy-efficient operations:  Using solar power and energy-saving equipment in visitor centres and park facilities.
  • Habitat restoration projects:  Replanting native vegetation and removing invasive species to improve biodiversity and soil health.
  • Wildlife protection measures:  Seasonal closures in sensitive breeding areas and speed limits to protect animals.

Collaborating with Local Communities

We actively collaborate with local communities to promote sustainable tourism:

  • Partnerships with local businesses: Working with nearby accommodations, restaurants, and tour operators to offer eco-friendly visitor experiences.
  • Indigenous community engagement: Collaborating with local Indigenous groups to share cultural heritage and traditional ecological knowledge.
  • Volunteer programs:  Inviting residents to participate in habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, and park events.
  • Educational outreach:  Providing presentations, workshops, and joint events in local towns to raise awareness about conservation.
  • Economic support: Encouraging visitors to explore surrounding communities, benefiting local economies through tourism.
  • Joint conservation initiatives: Teaming up with ranchers and farmers to protect species at risk and maintain healthy prairie ecosystems.