Research and Education

Range research started in the western US about 1900.  Early research on grasslands in BC included seeding trials and erecting exclosures on the grasslands to exclude grazing.  Some of those exclosures have been maintained to this day and provide valuable information on plant succession.   

Grassland research in BC has included studies of plant identification and species characteristics, relationships between soil and vegetation types, plant succession, grassland health, and weed control.  All these studies help determine ecosystem management techniques for sustaining plant communities for optimal forage production and wildlife values.

Communicating the results of these research programs through extension is the GCC’s strategy for educating land owners and organization, and assist them in applying new information and knowledge in their day-to-day activities.

Extension is best defined by the following actions:

• Bring together the required people, knowledge and other resources to achieve desired goals;
• Facilitate the flow and dissemination of information;
• Encourage organizations, groups and individuals to work on problems and develop new opportunities;
• Offer specific ideas for change through demonstration; and,
• Inform planning and decision-making processes.

For more information, please go to the following websites:

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For more on grassland managment, visit the following links.