Ecozones CGC 1D1

Terms Associated with Ecozones . Boreal Cordillera Maritime Montane Plain Prairie Shield Taiga Tundra

Boreal Definition: A coniferous forest dominated by spruce, fir, and pine trees that stretches from east to west across Canada (needle leaved trees or cone bearing trees). Ecozone Examples: Boreal Cordillera Boreal Shield Boreal Plains At 1.3 billion acres, Canada's Boreal Forest is one of the largest intact forest ecosystems remaining on Earth. Kenogami Quebec Boreal Shield

Spruce, fir, and pine trees (look very similar), like Christmas trees. Runs from East to West of Canada

Cordillera Definition: A group of mountain systems, each one containing several ranges e.g. Western Cordillera of Canada Examples: Montane Cordillera Taiga Cordillera Boreal Cordillera Arctic Cordillera

Maritime Definition: Living or found near the sea Ecozone Examples: Atlantic Maritime Pacific Maritime Atlantic Maritime Pacific Maritime

Montane Banff National Park, Alberta Definition: Referring to a mountainous country Ecozone Examples: Montane Cordillera (mostly in BC, some of Alberta) Banff National Park, Alberta

Plain Definition: A level tract of land Examples: Mixedwood Plains (Niagara Region) Boreal Plains Taiga Plains Hudson Plains Saskatchewan Plains

Prairie Definition: Grasslands that are found in the southern part of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba; the natural grasses of this region have been largely replaced by wheat. Ecozone Example: Prairie Ecozone Prairies Alberta

Shield Definition: Large area of Precambrian rock that forms the core of the continent Ecozone Examples: Boreal Shield Taiga Shield Canadian Shield - Quebec

Taiga Definition: Coniferous forest land of Siberia. The name is often used for all coniferous forests in the Northern hemisphere. Examples: Taiga Cordillera Taiga Shield Taiga Plains Quebec - Same trees as Boreal Forest

Tundra Definition: The treeless plains of northern North America, principally along the Arctic Circle. The summers are short, the winters are cold and windy, making tree growth impossible.

Parks in Canada

National Parks The National Parks Act was passed by the federal government to set aside areas of land/water for “the benefit, education, and enjoyment of the Canadian people.” It was passed in 1930. Banff National Park in Alberta was the first national park in Canada. In 1993 Prime Minister Jean Chrétien and the Liberal Government stated that all 15 of Canada's distinct ecozones should be represented by National Parks. Today, 14 of the ecozones have at least one national park within its boundaries. The Hudson Plain ecozone is the only ecozone with no National Park.

Banff National Park

Provincial Parks Provincial Parks also protect land. They conserve wilderness, preserve sites, and protect animals and their habitats. Algonquin Provincial Park was the first one in Ontario. It protects habitat (of course), and also to honour the Algonquin people.

Municipal Parks Land is also protected within city parks. They provide healthy retreats for city dwellers, and can protect river valleys and shorelines. It is becoming more difficult to find new park space within cities. So, some cities are turning to creative solutions to try to have more park space. For example, they look for spaces in buildings on roofs, inside large glass walls, or under glass canopies and skylights.

Park on Roof in Toronto