type of ice is found in permafrost, and can be thousands of years old. The permafrost environment of the Landmark also hosts wedge ice. These are vertical masses of ice that form after water freezes in the cracks around ground that has contracted due to extreme cold. When ice wedges connect to one another, they can form tundra polygons. These polygons are most striking when viewed from the air. Ecology Flora There are an estimated 1200 different plant species that can be found at the park. Shrubs that can be found include arctic willow, white heather, Labrador tea, and dwarf birch. Several different berries such as cranberries, cloudberries, and blueberries can be found in the park. Non-vascular plants such as sphagnum moss and leaf lichen make up much of the ground cover in the region. As a result of the permafrost and short growing season of the park what few trees can be found are in a stunted krummholz form. Fauna Animals that inhabit this park include grizzly and polar bears, wolf packs, two species of fox, and Arctic ground squirrels. Birds that either nest or migrate around the park are brant geese, tundra swans, lesser snow geese, loons, and greater white-fronted geese. Ducks such as mallard, green-winged teal, king eider, common eider, and oldsquaw are common to this area as well as a variety of gulls and shorebird species. Visiting the Landmark In August 2010 a boardwalk trail was completed with a boat launch, dock and viewing platforms; interpretive signage is planned by Parks Canada for self-guided tours. Local tour operators provide guided access to the site, which is easiest by boat. Hiking provides a more challenging option, but no matter how visitors access the site, Arctic weather and varying water levels can force a change of plans and an alternate route of return. In media The landmark was featured in Billy Connolly: Journey to the Edge of the World, a 2008 transcontinental land, sea, and air journey by the Scottish entertainer. See also List of national parks of Canada References Parks in the Northwest Territories Patterned grounds Protected areas established in 1984 Protected areas in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region