In the summer of 2011, I joined a field research team led by Dr. Cristina Eisenberg in Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, as part of a multi-trophic level, landscape-scale study entitled Elk, Fire, and Wolf Ecology in Aspen and Grassland Communities. The project investigated the dynamics of trophic cascades—powerful ecological processes in which top predators shape ecosystems by regulating the populations and behaviour of herbivores, with cascading effects on vegetation and biodiversity. Originally described by Aldo Leopold, this concept has become foundational in modern ecology and landscape conservation.
The study focused on the interactions among elk, wolves, fire disturbance, and vegetation communities, particularly aspen regeneration, in the southern Canadian Rockies. Working in rugged terrain across multiple ecosystems, our team systematically collected vegetation data to understand how predator-prey relationships and ecological disturbances influence plant community dynamics.
A key aspect of my role involved establishing and surveying transects (2 x 44 m) using GPS and compass navigation to ensure precision in our sampling. Within these transects, I collected detailed data on vegetation structure and species composition, measured annual growth, and assessed herbivory—distinguishing between browsing by elk versus insect damage or other disturbances. I also identified and classified plant species, differentiating between herbs, shrubs, and juvenile trees, and documented the presence or absence of signs of animal activity, including bedding depressions, scat, and evidence of browsing. These observations, when pieced together, formed ecological narratives that allowed us to infer predator presence or absence and broader habitat conditions.
This experience deepened both my technical field skills and my interpretive capacity as a researcher. I became adept in plant identification, ecological sampling techniques, and landscape navigation. More importantly, I honed my ability to “read” the landscape—to discern patterns in the data that pointed to broader ecological dynamics. For example, the presence of heavily browsed aspen shoots suggested high elk activity and, potentially, a reduced wolf presence. Conversely, undisturbed herbaceous cover or grizzly bedding sites indicated predator presence and associated ecosystem regulation.
Fieldwork in remote and often challenging environments also demanded situational awareness, resilience, and teamwork. On one occasion, while navigating through dense forest, our team had a close encounter with a grizzly bear, estimated to be only 10–15 metres away. The encounter served as a powerful reminder of the complexity and unpredictability of wild systems. Guided by safety protocols and Dr. Eisenberg’s leadership, we exited the area calmly and relocated to a more open field site.
Participating in this project was a formative experience in my early career, reinforcing my passion for ecology and field-based research. It required a blend of scientific rigor, observation, and adaptability—skills that have continued to inform my approach to research, education, and environmental problem-solving.
Alisa Acosta 