Rumsey Ecological Reserve protects the largest remaining tract of aspen parkland in Canada. Much of the reserve consists of hummocky moraine (knob and kettle) topography. In wet years, the kettles fill with water and the resulting pothole country becomes some of the most productive waterfowl habitat in North America. Spanning the transition between Grassland Natural Region and the central parkland sub-region of Parkland Natural Region, Rumsey Ecological Reserve and Rumsey Natural Area protect plants, birds and mammals at both the northern and southern extent of their ranges. The area contains several flat-topped hills. There are extensive woodlands along the northern boundary, as well as numerous wetlands through the centre of reserve. The most common upland vegetation is rough fescue.