Land, Water, People - From Soapweed to Sage Grouse
There is fantastic diversity of wild plants and animals in the Milk River Watershed. This is largely because the area has experienced less human disturbance compared to other watersheds. Of these wild plants and animals, some species are fairly common across the province, whereas others are found only in the Milk River Watershed. Approximately 50 of the 180 species listed as “At Risk”, “May be at Risk” or “ Sensitive” in the General Status of Alberta Wild Species 2000 are found in the Milk River Watershed.
Western Blue Flag (Iris missouriensis)
This member of the Iris family is a very rare plant in Alberta. It is found in just a few locations in the province, including a couple of sites in the western portion of the Milk River Watershed.
Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana)
Pronghorns have had a rocky ride in Alberta. Their population dwindled in the 1920’s, but conservation efforts have increased their numbers in Alberta over the past 80 years. In the winter, Pronghorns require grasslands containing dense sagebrush, as this is their primary winter food.
Soapweed (Yucca Glauca)
Sometimes called the Yucca plant, Soapweed is found only in two locations in Alberta - along the the Milk River and it’s tributary, the Lost River. Growing on steep south-facing slopes, Soapweed relies exclusively on the Yucca Moth for pollination. These two species cannot survive without each other, as the caterpillar of the Yucca Moth feeds on Soapweed seeds.
Weidemeyer’s Admiral (Limenitis weidemeyerii)
This striking black and white butterfly can be seen fluttering through the cottonwoods and willows along the Milk River. They lay their eggs on shrubs such as saskatoon, willow and chokecherry. In Alberta, the Weidemeyer’s Admiral is found only along an 80 km stretch of the Milk River and its tributaries. Considered “May be at Risk” in Alberta, the total population is estimated at 1800 to 3200 individuals.
Greater Sage Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus)
The Sage Grouse is dependant on sagebrush for its survival, thus it is restricted to parts of Alberta where extensive sagebrush communities are found - namely the Milk River Watershed! Sagebrush makes up almost all of their diet in the winter, and provides protection from predators and weather. Population estimates indicate approximately 300 of these magnificent grouse remain in Alberta and they are listed as “May be at Risk” in the province.
Swift Fox (Vulpes velox)
The Swift Fox disappeared from Alberta in the late 1930s. This tiny fox has made a comeback in recent years through intensive re-introductions and conservation efforts. The current Canadian population is estimated at 300 - 650 foxes. Most of these foxes are living in the eastern portion of the Milk River Watershed. The Swift Fox’s diet is varied, consisting of carrion, rodents, rabbits, insects (mostly grasshoppers), plants, amphibians, reptiles and small birds. South of the Cypress Hills, 25-30% of the diet consists of Richardson’s Ground Squirrels.
Long-billed Curlew (Numenius americanus)
This easily recognized shorebird is usually found far from water, in native prairie grasslands and sometimes in cultivated fields. Grasshoppers form their main diet. Alberta has a relatively healthy population of Long-billed Curlews, estimated at between 10,000 and 14,000 birds. As curlews have declined in numbers across North America, Alberta contains a very significant portion of the total continental population.
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