The presence of a rare plant species or community often invokes a sense of true wilderness in our natural areas. Alberta is situated along the edges of several natural regions (e.g. grasslands, foothills, boreal forest), providing habitat for many species restricted to specific environmental conditions unique to each ecosystem (e.g. climate, soil, etc.). Due to the high amount of development in Alberta, these species are at risk of losing valuable habitat, potentially reducing the extent of their natural range. Rare plant surveys are designed to identify specific habitats with high likelihood for supporting rare plant species and communities, determine their presence, and note the potential risks due to local development.
Alberta is situated along the edges of several natural regions — for example grasslands, foothills, boreal forest — providing habitat for many species restricted to specific environmental conditions unique to each ecosystem.
