This Ecological Reserve anchors the northern boundary of the larger Parkland Dunes area which extends 50 km south to Sounding Lake. It adjoins CFB Wainwright and the Wallaby Lake Provincial Recreation Area.
- Map of the Area
- Other Information
- Biophysical Observations (via iNaturalist.ca)
- Site Statistics
- References
- Further Reading
Map of the Area
Any maps and map views are for general information only. Do not rely on them for navigation or to determine legal boundaries.
Other Information
Wainwright Dunes Ecological Reserve is part of a large and diverse area of sand dune, outwash and kame moraine; some dunes reach heights of 30 m. Plant communities include a mixture of stunted aspen groves, low shrubs and grasslands. Plant species include sand heather and Houghton’s sedge. Rare plant species include annual skeletonweed, sand nut-grass, moss gentian and linear-leaved sundew.
Wainwright Dunes is difficult to reach. It can be approached from the west via Hwy 41 or from the south via Hwy 13. The nearest public road to the Reserve is roughly 1.6 km from the boundary. There are no public roads in Wainwright Dunes. Travel within the ER is restricted to foot only.
Part of Parkland Dunes. The Alberta Wilderness Association’s Parkland Dunes Area of Concern includes this ER. The Parkland Dunes extends about 50 km further south to Sounding Lake. This area is described as: rolling hills of native grasses interspersed with lush aspen groves, peatlands, and vibrant wetlands, the Parkland Dunes is an oasis in an otherwise agriculture-dominated landscape [1].
Aspen and Fires. Development has prevented natural fire regimes from taking place allowing shrubs and trees to take over grasslands. In Wainwright Dunes Ecological Reserve, the last recorded fire was in the 1980s. Shrub encroachment is “squeezing out” species associated with the grasslands and dunes ecosystems. The AWA recommends prescribed burns to re-balance the ecosystem [1].
Buffalo, Bombs, and Dunes. Canadian Forces Base Wainwright was previously the Wainwright Buffalo Park Reserve. It was turned over to the military in 1940 and was used as both a training and prisoner-of-war camp. In 1988, the ER was established south of the base [1].
Grand Trunk Pacific Railway. In 1908, Wainwright was named for an official with the GTPR [2].
Biophysical Observations (via iNaturalist.ca)
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Observations & Projects for this Natural Area
- Observations for this Natural Area.
- No iNaturalist Projects.
Site Statistics
| Site Name | Wainwright Dunes |
| Site Type | Ecological Reserve |
| Subtype | Order-in-council (OC) |
| Natural Region(s) | Central Parkland |
| O.C. No. (Land Ref. Manual) | 39/88 |
| PASite ID (Map Ref #) | 487 |
| Site # (Parks Website) | 412 |
| Total Area | 2821.03 ha. (6970.66 ac.) |
| Steward-Status | |
| Recreation Activities | Hiking – backcountry |
| IUCN | VI |
| Operated By | Parks Division |
| Notes and Comments |
References
The following links are provided as a courtesy but are not verified or endorsed by SAPAA. Clicking on the link will cause you to leave the SAPAA website. Primary source of information is: Information & Facilities – Wainwright Dunes Ecological Area | Alberta Parks (All links accessed on 2023-02-10).
- Alberta Wilderness Association, Areas of Concern, Parkland Dunes
- Aubrey, Merrily K., ed. Concise Place Names of Alberta. Calgary: University of Calgary Press, 2006, p. 343.
Further Reading
- Exploring Alberta’s East Central Sand Dunes Areas, H. Taube, SAPAA Newsletter No. 37 July 2018, pp. 2-3. This article references the following resources:
- Alberta Government, Management Plan: Wainwright Dunes Ecological Reserve, February (1998).
- Alberta Government, A rare plant survey of the Wainwright Dunes Ecological Reserve (2003).
- Alberta Government, Classification of sand dune and sand plain plant communities in the Wainwright Dunes Ecological Reserve (2003).
- Alberta Government, Survey of Lepidoptera of the Wainwright Dunes Ecological Reserve (2017).
- Campbell C., Taking a Road Less Travelled: Wainwright Dunes Ecological Reserve; AWA Wild Lands Advocate, June 2017, Vol. 25, No. 2, pp. 7-8.
SAPAA 