GRASSLANDS NATIONAL PARK — A drive into the west bloc of Grasslands National Park is like driving into another world.
Located south of Swift Current near Val Marie, the park is the largest piece of grasslands not being ranched — except for a bison herd.
Assembled since the 1980s, two large ranches have been added in recent years.
Panoramic vistas of rolling grasslands, huge buttes and coulees greet visitors in the park around the Frenchman River Valley.
An ecotour drive through the heart of the park from south to north and crossing the Frenchman River allows visitors a glimpse of the terrain.
One of the interesting sights along the drive is three colonies of black tailed prairie dogs.
The curious critters whistle and bark at newcomers. One always stands guard.
They keep the grass in the colony cropped close to the ground to see danger approaching. The short grass is great habitat for the endangered burrowing owls.
Telescopes at one colony give one a better close-up view of colonies.
On the ecotour, one may also see golden eagles, hawks, long-billed curlews, songbirds, antelope and deer. The park is also home to the greater sage grouse and swift fox – both endangered.
Numerous hiking trails have been developed to better experience the grasslands and wildlife.
In the middle of the park, a corral-fenced campground sports some TENTik cabins and campsites. All sites were booked on our recent visit.
Unique features include 70 Mile Butte, so called because it was 70 miles from the nearest Royal North West Mounted Police detachment.
One hike leads to the Three Sisters Buttes.
Last time we visited, 10 years ago, the base of the hills looked like a canola field, from the yellow clover forage crop taking over.
And the historic Turkey Track Ranch corrals near the river were blanketed with yellow clover. Some were five feet high.
Much of the intrusive clover is gone, with patches here and there.
The West Bloc is open year-round, but some facilities are seasonal. An admission fee between $5.50 and $13.50 is charged.
Check out the village of Val Marie, where the park headquarters are located. If hiking, please register there.
The well-kept village has a museum in an old schoolhouse with a snack bar.
The village has an operating theatre and has converted a wood crib elevator into a community centre for meetings and concerts.
Ron Walter can be reached at [email protected]
