Flora
Located in the boreal forest biome, coniferous trees are abundant in Labrador. Specifically, Happy Valley - Goose Bay is a part of the High Boreal Forest ecoregion with very distinct forest types. Some of the many plant species which might be found in this area are: Abies balsamea (Balsam Fir), Alnus crispa (Mountain Alder), Amelanchier bartramiana (Bartram's Chuckley Pear), Betula papyrifera (White Birch), Chamaedaphne calyculata (Leatherleaf), Cladonia spp (Caribou Moss), Coptis groenlandica (Goldthread), Cornus stolonifera (Red-Osier Dogwood), Ledum groenlandicum (Labrador Tea), Rubus chamaemorus (Bakeapple), and Sarracenia purpurea (Pitcher Plant). For more information on local flora, please visit the Birch Brook Nordic Ski Club web site.

Fauna
Labrador is sparsely populated, leaving plenty of room for our wildlife. The animals have long been valued as a way of life, traditionally providing food, clothing and shelter. A few examples of our local fauna are: black bear, beaver, caribou, deer mouse, lemmings (several species), lynx, marten, mink, moose, muskrat, otter, red fox, snowshoe hare, voles (several species), wolf, and Blue-spotted salamander. Again, for a more extensive list, you can visit the Birch Brook site.

Happy Valley - Goose Bay
The construction of the Goose Bay Air Base began in 1941. The Town of Happy Valley was developed in 1943 to house the workers who came to build the Air Base. The two settlements of Happy Valley and Goose Bay were amalgamated into a single town in 1974 and together, the residents in this wage-based economy have faced hard times as the management of the base changed hands. In 57 years, the town has grown to be the largest centre in Labrador with 8655 residents. The majority of retail and service businesses in this area support the operation of the Air Base.

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