Onefour Heritage Rangeland Natural Area

Onefour Heritage Rangeland Natural Area protects an exceptional example of native mixed-grass prairie in southeastern Alberta representing one of the largest remaining intact prairie landscapes in Canada. This protected area encompasses rolling grasslands coulees and ephemeral wetlands characteristic of the northern Great Plains. The site preserves not only ecological values but also significant heritage from its use as an Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research station studying rangeland management from 1927 to 2012. The intact native prairie supports extraordinary biodiversity including numerous species at risk and serves as a critical reference area for understanding prairie ecosystems.

Onefour Heritage Rangeland Natural Area supports remarkable wildlife diversity characteristic of northern mixed-grass prairie ecosystems. Pronghorn antelope utilize the open grasslands representing one of the last strongholds for this iconic prairie species in Canada. Mule deer and white-tailed deer browse throughout the area. Swift foxes reintroduced to southeastern Alberta establish dens in the natural area. Black-tailed prairie dogs maintain colonies their burrowing activity creating habitat for numerous other species. The area supports exceptional bird diversity including species at risk such as burrowing owls ferruginous hawks long-billed curlews and Spragues pipits. Grassland sparrows nest in native prairie. Reptiles include prairie rattlesnakes.

Onefour Heritage Rangeland Natural Area preserves outstanding examples of northern mixed-grass prairie vegetation dominated by native grasses and forbs. The grassland community includes blue grama western wheatgrass needle-and-thread grass and June grass creating diverse swards that change appearance seasonally. Numerous forb species provide seasonal color and support pollinator diversity including prairie coneflower prairie crocus wild bergamot gumweed and various species of goldenrod and aster. Shrub communities in coulees include silver sagebrush wolf willow and snowberry. The prairie includes significant populations of rare plants adapted to northern Great Plains conditions.

Onefour Heritage Rangeland Natural Areas landscape reflects the geological history of the northern Great Plains. The bedrock consists of sedimentary rocks including sandstones siltstones and shales deposited during the late Cretaceous period approximately 70 million years ago when the region was covered by the Western Interior Seaway. These rocks contain fossils including marine reptiles. Uplift and erosion over millions of years exposed these formations at the surface. Parts of southeastern Alberta escaped direct glaciation creating unglaciated landscapes with ancient landforms. Glacial meltwater carved coulees and valleys during deglaciation periods. Wind erosion and deposition created loess deposits.

Onefour Heritage Rangeland Natural Area experiences a continental semi-arid climate characterized by cold winters warm summers and limited precipitation. Annual precipitation averages approximately 300 to 350 millimeters among the lowest in Alberta creating conditions that favor grassland over forest vegetation. Most precipitation falls during late spring and early summer critical for plant growth. Summer can bring intense thunderstorms with heavy rain hail and lightning though droughts are also common. Winter temperatures regularly drop below minus 20 degrees Celsius with occasional extreme cold events. Chinook winds can bring rapid temperature increases during winter. Summer temperatures often exceed 30 degrees Celsius.

The lands of Onefour Heritage Rangeland Natural Area have been inhabited and utilized by Indigenous peoples for at least 11000 years. Archaeological sites including tipi rings stone cairns and bison kill sites provide evidence of sustained Indigenous presence. The Blackfoot Confederacy along with other groups utilized these grasslands for hunting bison gathering plants and other traditional activities. European contact brought dramatic changes including the near-extermination of bison by the 1880s. In 1927 the Canadian government established the Dominion Range Experiment Station at Onefour to conduct rangeland research. For 85 years scientists studied grazing systems generating invaluable long-term data.

Onefour Heritage Rangeland Natural Area was designated in 2015 following closure of the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research station that had operated since 1927. The transition from research station to protected natural area recognized the exceptional conservation values of the largely intact native prairie. Advocacy from conservation organizations scientists and community members emphasized the sites importance for biodiversity conservation particularly for species at risk. The natural area protects approximately 13600 hectares of mixed-grass prairie and associated habitats. Sustainable grazing continues as a management tool consistent with prairie ecosystem requirements.

Onefour Heritage Rangeland Natural Area offers opportunities for experiencing intact mixed-grass prairie landscapes though access and facilities are limited. The primary attraction is the vast relatively undisturbed prairie itself providing increasingly rare opportunities to experience native grasslands approaching pre-settlement conditions. Wildlife viewing is exceptional with possibilities for observing pronghorn antelope prairie dog colonies grassland birds including species at risk and diverse small mammals. Birding attracts enthusiasts seeking prairie specialists. Spring brings spectacular wildflower displays. The remote location offers solitude and dark skies for stargazing.

Access to Onefour Heritage Rangeland Natural Area is restricted and typically requires advance permission from managing authorities. The site is located in remote southeastern Alberta accessible via secondary roads from communities including Manyberries. Road conditions vary seasonally and may be impassable during wet conditions or winter. No developed facilities exist within the natural area. Visitors must be completely self-sufficient with appropriate supplies navigation tools and emergency preparedness. No potable water is available. Cell phone coverage is limited or non-existent. Weather conditions can change rapidly and be extreme in all seasons.

Onefour Heritage Rangeland Natural Area plays a crucial role in conserving northern mixed-grass prairie ecosystems among Canadas most endangered. The site protects habitat for numerous species at risk including swift foxes burrowing owls ferruginous hawks long-billed curlews and Spragues pipits. Maintaining large intact prairie landscapes is essential for species requiring extensive grasslands. The natural area serves as a critical reference area demonstrating native prairie conditions. Sustainable grazing management mimics historical bison impacts maintaining ecological processes. Climate change poses significant challenges including altered precipitation patterns increased drought frequency and temperature extremes affecting prairie species.