The Ecological Buffalo On the Trail of a Keystone Species
book By Wes Olson
By (photographer) Johane Janelle
Foreword by Harvey Locke
Afterword by Leroy Littlebear
Webinar Rekindling the Relationship: The Ecological Buffalo
- Wednesday, March 27, 2024 1:00 p.m. 2:15 p.m. CST Saskatchewan by Alberta AgriSystems Living Lab
- Google Calendar ICS
In the annals of North American ecology, few species have left as profound a mark as the buffalo. Once, these colossal creatures roamed the continent in astonishing numbers, shaping the landscapes they traversed and influencing countless other species in their wake. However, the story of the buffalo is not merely one of abundance and grandeur; it is also a cautionary tale of near-extinction and the delicate balance of ecosystems.
Wes Olson, a veteran National Park Warden with over three decades of experience studying these majestic animals, has dedicated his life to unraveling the ecological significance of the buffalo. Through his seminal work, accompanied by the breathtaking photography of Johane Janelle, Olson delves into the intricate web of relationships that once existed between the buffalo and the myriad of species that shared their habitat.
It’s hard to fathom that just over a century ago, the plains of North America were teeming with over 30 million buffalo. These creatures, alongside nearly 3 thousand vertebrate animals and thousands more plants and invertebrates, formed a complex ecosystem that relied on the presence of the buffalo for its very survival. However, the arrival of European settlers brought about a swift and devastating decline in buffalo populations. In a mere two decades, their numbers plummeted to a mere 23 individuals, pushing the species to the brink of extinction.
The survival of the buffalo is nothing short of miraculous. Through the concerted efforts of conservationists and the establishment of protected areas like Yellowstone National Park, the “island of conservation” at Elk Island National Park near Edmonton, Alberta, Saskatoon’s Wanuskewin Heritage Park, one of Canada’s proposed UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the species has managed to cling to existence. Today, there are approximately 500,000 buffalo spread across farms, ranches, and conservation herds, a far cry from their historical numbers but a testament to their resilience.
The buffalo’s resurgence marks a hopeful chapter in the ongoing saga of conservation. As these majestic creatures reclaim their rightful place in the landscape, they are rekindling the intricate web of relationships that sustained ecosystems for millennia. Through their grazing patterns, wallowing behavior, and interactions with other species, the buffalo are once again shaping the ecosystems they inhabit.
Yet, the story of the buffalo goes beyond mere survival. As these iconic animals make a slow but steady comeback, they are rekindling the intricate relationships that once defined North American ecosystems. From trophic cascades to inter-species dependencies, the buffalo’s return heralds a new era of ecological healing—a process that Olson and Janelle expertly capture in their work.
The Old Bone Trail, a heritage Red River Cart trail winding through the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, serves as a poignant reminder of the tragic era when thousands of buffalo perished due to so many varied and diverse causes leaving behind piles of bones across the great plains. Yet, amidst the remnants of this bygone era, there is hope for renewal and restoration. The story stands as a testament to the resilience of both the buffalo and the ecosystems they once inhabited—a resilience that Olson and Janelle celebrate in their book.
As we partake in the upcoming webinar, or delve into the pages of “The Ecological Buffalo,” we are invited to witness the intricate dance of life that unfolds when keystone species like the buffalo are allowed to thrive. Through Olson’s wealth of experience and Janelle’s stunning imagery, we gain a newfound appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living beings and the urgent need to protect our natural heritage.
As we reflect on the legacy of the buffalo and the resilience of nature, let us heed the call to protect and preserve these iconic symbols of the American wilderness. Let us also pay attention to the present day state of affairs, and our few remaining ecosystems where species of concern need our protection now. Did you know that about 60 species at risk have been documented at the afforestation areas? What can we learn from the extirpation crisis of the bison? Through collective action and stewardship, we can ensure that future generations inherit a world where the buffalo continue to roam freely, embodying the spirit of ecological resilience and renewal.
In the words of Dr. Leroy Little Bear, whose afterword graces the pages of the book, the buffalo’s story is not just one of survival—it is a testament to the enduring spirit of resilience and the timeless beauty of the natural world. As we embark on this journey through the heart of North America’s wilderness, let us heed the lessons of the buffalo and strive to preserve the delicate balance of life for generations to come.
Bibliography:
Olson, Wes. The Ecological Buffalo: On the Trail of a Keystone Species.
Olson, Wes. Photos by Janelle, Johane. Portraits of the Bison.
Van Tighem, Kevin. Boldt, Menno and J. Anthony Long, Eds. Quest for Justice: Aboriginal Peoples and Aboriginal Rights
Little Bear, Leroy. Pathways to Self-Determination: Native Indian Leaders’ Perspectives on Self-Government.
Are Buffalo Endangered? Unveiling the Conservation Status SuchScience.
Hubbard, Tash. The Call of the Buffalo: Exploring Kinship with the Buffalo in Indigenous Creative Expression. Doctoral thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.
For directions as to how to drive to “George Genereux” Urban Regional Park
For directions on how to drive to Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
For more information:
NEW P4G District Official Community Plan
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. 52° 06′ 106° 45′
Addresses:
Part SE 23-36-6 – Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A
Part SE 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A
S ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A
NE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063
Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Google Maps South West Off Leash area location pin at parking lot
Web page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com
Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map
Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)?with map
Blogger: FriendsAfforestation
Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.comFacebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park
Facebook: StBarbeBaker Afforestation Area
Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas
Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Twitter: St Barbe Baker Charity Twitter:FriendsAreas
Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail / e-transfers )
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Richard St. Barbe Baker
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. George Genereux Urban Regional Park. 
