- 2024British Columbia & Territories/NorthPrairiesOntarioQuebecAtlantic
- 2023British Columbia & Territories/NorthPrairiesOntarioQuebecAtlantic
- 2022British Columbia & Territories/North - Project 1British Columbia & Territories/North - Project 2PrairiesOntario - Project 1Ontario - Project 2QuebecAtlantic
- 2021British Columbia & Territories/NorthPrairiesOntarioQuebecAtlantic
- 2020British Columbia & Territories/North - Project 1British Columbia & Territories/North - Project 2Prairies – Project 1Prairies – Project 2OntarioQuebecAtlantic
Our Planting Projects
British Columbia & Territories/North
Landowner: Lower Similkameen Indian Band & Crown Land
Ashnola River Watershed, British Columbia
The project area is situated near the community of Keremeos, BC, where 5,000 hectares were burned in the 2023 wildfires.
Description
Tree Canada is collaborating with the sməlqmix (Lower Similkameen Indian Band), Corvidae Environmental Consulting (CEC) and Cariboo Carbon Solutions Ltd. (CCS) through our National Greening Program to support a large-scale reforestation project in the Ashnola River watershed.
In 2023, the Crater Mountain wildfire burned over 5,000 hectares of Similkameen Community Forest land. Thousands of hectares within the Ashnola River watershed were also burned, making this reforestation effort of critical environmental and ecological importance to the region. The sməlqmix have identified the principles of fire resilience, food sovereignty, economic self-sufficiency, and biodiversity as the driving factors for restoration, as their primary responsibility for title assertion on unceded sməlqmix lands.
This multi-year planting will prioritize restoring 259.2 hectares of high-priority reforestation areas, selected due to the severity of the fire damage. During the spring of 2024, 46,440 trees will be planted at the sites to start the first phase of the project. From 2024-2027, 840,000 trees will be planted at these high priority sites in the Ashnola River Watershed.
Environmental Benefits
The wildfire restoration project offers several environmental benefits. It aids in carbon sequestration, capturing atmospheric carbon dioxide and mitigating climate change. The project provides hydrological benefits by stabilizing soil in fire-impacted areas through enhanced root development, which reduces soil erosion, prevents landslides, and minimizes sediment runoff into fish-bearing streams, thereby enhancing resilience to extreme weather events.
Additionally, the project promotes species diversity by planting various native tree species, benefiting local wildlife and restoring habitats. The use of Climate Based Seed Transfer ensures that the selected species are well-suited to future environmental conditions, contributing to the site’s long-term resilience against climate change.
Species Planted
Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), Western larch (Larix occidentalis), trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides), yellow pine (Pinus ponderosa), lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta), Engleman spruce (Picea engelmannii), paper birch (Betula papyrifera), black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa)
Prairies
Landowner: Alberta Abilities Lodges Society (AALS)
Leduc County, Alberta
The project area is situated near the Coyote Lake Lodge.
Description
The Coyote Lake Lodge properties are part of the Wellness in Nature Centre which enables citizens with disabilities and seniors to access and enjoy natural areas.
Tree Canada is working with Wild + Pine to complete a streambank (or riparian) restoration project to enhance regional habitat connectivity by establishing wildlife corridors. Willow and poplar species will be planted adjacent to the watercourses, with spruce trees being planted in upland areas to add additional species diversity to the site. 41,940 trees will be planted at the site during the spring of 2024.
These corridors will provide wildlife with access to range undisturbed across the property and to adjacent forests owned by the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC).
Environmental Benefits
The riparian tree plantings will stabilize the stream embankments, improve water quality within the North Saskatchewan River watershed, and provide critical water temperature cooling features for aquatic species. Furthermore, the trees will sequester carbon and provide visitors of the Coyote Lake Lodge with the opportunity to see the progression of habitat restoration project.
Species Planted
White spruce (Picea glauca), balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera), paper birch (Betula papyrifera), sandbar willow (Salix exigua), trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides)
Ontario
Landowner: 4 private landowners
Woodstock, Ontario
The project is taking place on 8 agricultural fields in the Upper Thames River Watershed, near Woodstock, Ontario.
Description
Tree Canada has partnered with the Diary Farmers of Canada and dairy farmers to plant trees and shrubs with the objective of establishing shelterbelts and windbreaks along the perimeter of 8 agricultural fields. The sites will be planted during the spring of 2024 by the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority and will mitigate the effects of soil erosion caused by severe wind events.
Environmental Benefits
The shelterbelts and windbreaks will provide habitat for pollinators and regional wildlife, enhancing farm biodiversity. Furthermore, the shelterbelts will mitigate the effects of soil erosion and sequester carbon.
Species Planted
White cedar (Thuja occidentalis), red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), Norway spruce (Picea abies), white pine (Pinus strobus), European larch (Larix decidua), red oak (Quercus rubra), bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa), sycamore (Platanus occidentalia), silver maple (Acer saccharinum), black maple (Acer nigrum), bitternut hickory (Carya cordiformis), hackberry (Celtis occidentalis), nannyberry (Viburnum lentago), American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), Highbush cranberry (Viburnum opulus)
Quebec
Landowner: Municipalité régionale de comté (MRC) de Bécancour
Bécancour, QC
The site is located in the MRC de Bécancour, on abandoned agricultural land adjacent to the St. Lawrence River.
Description
The objective of this project is to infill plant native conifer species that are not naturally regenerating on the property, to accelerate the reforestation process. While some natural tree and shrub regeneration is present on the site, there are many areas where few native species have established.
Environmental Benefits
The project will sequester carbon and provide wildlife habitat by re-establishing forest cover.
Species Planted
White spruce (Picea glauca), tamarack (Larix laricina)
Atlantic
Landowner: ClimaTech Innovations Inc. (private landowner)
Sussex, New Brunswick
The site is located near Sussex, NB, in the Acadian Forest.
Description
This reforestation project aims to enhance tree species diversity in a naturally regenerating forest. The previous landowner selectively harvested timber from the site, and now, Tree Canada, in collaboration with the new landowner, ClimaTech Innovations Inc., is working to restore the Acadian Forest.
The restoration involves infill planting native tree species that are not naturally regenerating to maintain habitat biodiversity. A total of 20,000 seedlings will be planted during the spring and fall of 2024, with an additional 30,000 trees to be planted in the spring and fall of 2025.
Environmental Benefits
This tree planting will add diversity to the naturally regenerating forest and will address the challenges of habitat fragmentation by connecting existing forest features which are adjacent to the property.
The planting will also improve water quality in the greater Kennebecasis River watershed and will provide habitat for regional wildlife.
Species Planted
Eastern red oak (Quercus rubra), black spruce: (Picea mariana), white spruce (Picea glauca), white pine (Pinus strobus), red pine (Pinus resinosa), Jack pine (Pinus banksiana)
British Columbia & Territories/North
Landowner: Crown Land
Williams Lake, BC
The project area is situated above Lexington subdivision and Coyote Rock Golf Course which has experienced land movement since the 2017 wildfire.
Description
Trees planted will regenerate this area to maintain and improve terrain stability. The present vegetation consists of grasses, fireweed, Prickly rose, etc. The 2017 wildfire severely burned this area, which was then salvaged and harvested. The area has since been used for raising livestock, as the trees are not capable of natural regeneration. Additionally, this area is inadequate for seed trees, which makes rapid natural regeneration nearly impossible.
The goals for this project area for Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) is to plant an even mixture of lodgepole pine, Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine. This will provide adequate stocking to ensure carbon sequestration and terrain stability. Furthermore, these plant species are beneficial to climate change mitigation.
Environmental Benefits
The trees planted will help de-fragment the landscape, while also having positive long-term effects on hydrology, and both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The trees will provide wildlife habitat, help sequester carbon, and provide recreational opportunities.
Species Planted
Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta), Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
Prairies
Landowner: Alberta Conservation Association
Manning, AB
Trees will be planted at two planting areas on the same site, located in the NorthStar Conservation Area, near Manning, Alberta.
Description
Formerly marginal farmland used for perennial forage crops, grazing, and livestock, the goal of this project is to re-establish tree cover native to the Boreal Forest. The areas consist of a mosaic of mature boreal mixedwood forest, wetland, hay-land, and old livestock pastures reverting to native cover.
Environmental Benefits
The trees planted will help de-fragment the landscape, while also having positive long-term effects on hydrology, and both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The trees will provide wildlife habitat, help sequester carbon, and provide recreational opportunities.
Species Planted
White spruce (Picea glauca)
Ontario
Landowners: Multiple private landowners
North Bay, ON
This rural afforestation project is located near the city of North Bay, Ontario.
Description
The surrounding area has an abundance of fallowed farm or pasture fields that now contain several species of introduced grasses. Landowners are often challenged to regenerate the area back to forest because of high competition from grasses, sedges and shrubs growing on clay.
Environmental Benefits
The project seeks to return these sites back to forests by planting 60,000 trees, which will provide multiple benefits including wind protection, shade, wildlife habitat, and aesthetic beauty.
Species Planted
Black spruce (Picea mariana). The larger planting stock identified for this project provides additional assurances that the seedlings can outcompete the grass and establish in the first growing season.
Quebec
Landowner: Premier Horticulture Ltd.
Pointe-au-Père, Rimouski, QC
Trees will be planted by Groupement Forestier Métis-Neigette Inc. in Rimouski, QC.
Description
Approximately 30,000 tamaracks will be planted over multiple years on protected peatlands, aiming to safeguard the carbon-rich lands and combat the degradation of this delicate ecosystem. This extensive planting effort will not only offer long-term protection to these valuable lands but also preserve the existing carbon sinks they host.
Environmental Benefits
Peatlands, being a form of wetland, serve essential functions in the fight against climate change and global warming. These distinctive and delicate landscapes hold the distinction of being the largest natural terrestrial carbon reservoir on Earth. The objective of this project is to rehabilitate the peatland site by planting trees. These trees will enhance the stability of the land, contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions, mitigating flooding risks, enhancing water quality in streams, and providing additional habitats for the unique wildlife found in peatlands.
Species Planted
Tamarack (Larix laricina). A single species was chosen to establish a base level of tree coverage with the expectation that the seed bank and natural succession will bring in other native species overtime.
Atlantic
Landowner: Private Landowner
Chipman, NB
Trees will be planted near the Village of Chipman, New Brunswick, on private land that was strip-mined for coal.
Description
This project will see 30,000 trees planted near Chipman, NB. Currently, the site is occupied by grasses, shrubs (mainly alder and willow), and minimal tree regeneration. The goal for the project is to plant native tree species, restoring the area of Acadian forest that occupied the site before strip-mining occurred.
Environmental Benefits
Along with reforesting the site to its prior conditions, the environmental benefits of this project include enhancing wildlife habitat, providing greater species diversity, and sequestering carbon.
Species Planted
White spruce (Picea glauca), red spruce (Picea rubens), Jack pine (Pinus banksianna), red pine (Pinus resinosa), white pine (Pinus strobus), red oak (Quercus rubra)
British Columbia & Territories/North - Project 1
Landowners: City of New Westminster
New Westminster, BC
This urban restoration project led by the City of New Westminster will be implemented in four of the city’s most important habitat and recreational trail areas.
Description
Population growth in this urban setting has significantly altered the natural landscape, and the original old growth forests that once characterized this region are gone. This project will improve community participation, stewardship, and education for ecological restoration, as well as increase Indigenous cultural recognition and interpretive information specific to the traditional uses of the newly installed trees and plants.
Environmental Benefits
This project will improve overall ecological integrity, optimize resources, and provide substantially more benefits for both wildlife and the community over the long‐term. A range of ecosystem services will be realized through this project, including enhancing forest ecosystem functioning, such as biomass production, pollination, seed dispersal, resistance to windstorms, fire regulation and mitigation, pest regulation of native and invading insects, and carbon sequestration.
Species Planted
This project boasts one of the most diverse collection of native tree and shrub species in Tree Canada’s National Greening Program. Species include: Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga mensiezii), western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla), Pacific yew (Taxus brevifolia), Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis), grand fir (Abies grandis), western redcedar (Thuja plicata), Douglas maple (Acer glabrum), bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum), Pacific dogwood (Cornus nutallii), vine maple (Acer circinatum), beaked hazelnut (Corylus cornuta var. californica), red-osier dogwood (Cornus sericea), Sticky currant (Ribes viscosissimum), Saskatoon serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia), common snowberry (Symphcarpos albus), red huckleberry (Vaccinmium parvifolium), among others.
British Columbia & Territories/North - Project 2
Landowner: Island Natural Resource District – BC government
Vancouver Island, BC
This project was located in the riparian areas of the Tranquil River on the west coast of Vancouver Island in BC.
Description
This project will plant approximately 20,000 trees to support the restoration of riparian areas along the Tranquil River and the Atleo River, a project which is also part of the Redd Fish Restoration Society’s larger multi-year program that aims to restore fish habitat in the region.
Environmental Benefits
The trees planted will diversify and restore the native vegetation and increase long-term ecosystem stability. As part of a larger ecosystem restoration effort, the tree planting will benefit a wide range of wildlife, including endangered salmon, mammals and coastal bird species.
Species Planted
Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis), red cedar (Thuja plicata), balsam fir (Abies balsamea), alder (Alnus sp.), willow (Salix sp.)
Prairies
Landowner: FortWhyte Alive
Winnipeg, MB
This project is located at FortWhyte Alive in Winnipeg.
Description
FortWhyte Alive is a 660-acre reclaimed urban green space located on Treaty 1 Territory and is situated on a reclaimed clay mine and cement factory.
Environmental Benefits
FortWhyte Alive provides programming, natural settings, and facilities for environmental education and outdoor recreation. The planting at the educational centre will provide multiple benefits including shade, shelter, recreational benefits, wildlife habitat, soil retention, aesthetic beauty and clean air. FortWhyte Alive promotes awareness and understanding of the natural world and actions leading to sustainable living.
Species Planted
Acute willow (Salix acurfolia), balsam fir (Abies balsamea), Jack pine (Pinus banksiana), Manitoba maple (Acer negundo) and white spruce (Picea glauca)
Ontario - Project 1
Landowners: Multiple private landowners
Wolfe Island, ON / Kingston, ON
This unique project involves afforestation on a 38-acre Wolfe Island property within the Cataraqui Conservation network along the St. Lawrence River.
Description
This planting of 30,400 trees will create a forest in loving memory of the property owner’s late father.
Environmental Benefits
Once established, the newly planted seedlings will offer habitat and shade for wildlife, reduce soil erosion, prevent flooding, and increase the overall tree canopy of the island.
Species Planted
White pine (Pinus strobus), Norway spruce (Picea abies), tamarack (Larix laricina), sugar maple (Acer saccharum), bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa)
Ontario - Project 2
Landowner: Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority
Exeter, ON
This project is located at the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority, in Exeter, ON.
Description
This project will see the planting of 8,000 trees within the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority. This planting will help restore the site to natural forest conditions and enhance biodiversity on approximately 7.3 hectares.
Environmental Benefits
This land, once used for farming, will be managed for ecological restoration, and will complement the Hay Swamp Provincially Significant Wetland. This forest restoration will enhance species diversity through the mass planting of a variety of tree species.
Species Planted
White pine (Pinus strobus), red oak (Quercus rubra), white oak (Quercus alba), bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa), paper birch (Betula papyrifera), shagbark hickory (Carya ovata), tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), black cherry (Prunus serotina), tamarack (Larix laricina), silver maple (Acer saccharinum), white spruce (Picea glauca)
Quebec
Landowner: MRC du Domaine-du-Roy
Lac-Saint-Jean, QC
Located in the Lac-Saint-Jean region, this project will allow for the restoration of poorly regenerated parcels of municipal public land to forest production.
Description
Located close to the urban environment, this forested area is used by different types of users including a sled dog club, outdoor enthusiasts, and hunters. Planting and restoring the site will improve the recreational potential of this sector.
Environmental Benefits
The increase in forest production from poorly regenerated parcels will improve air quality and increase carbon sequestration in the region. This will also strongly contribute to the creation of wildlife habitats that will support a diversity of wildlife living in the area.
Species Planted
Black spruce (Picea Mariana), Tamarack (Larix Laricina), Jack pine (Pinus banksiana)
Atlantic
Landowner: Community Forests International
Chignecto Isthmus
Located on the Chignecto Isthmus, this 23-kilometre strip of land joins mainland Nova Scotia to New Brunswick and connects the rest of the continent.
Description
The isthmus is the only land corridor for the movement of plants and wildlife between the two provinces, however it is rapidly being fragmented by clearcutting, development, and transportation. The resilience of the Tantramar region is entirely tied to the ecological health of the isthmus making it a priority area for conservation initiatives.
Environmental Benefits
Replanting clearcuts and protecting mature forest on the Chignecto Isthmus will have significant impacts on the region’s resilience to climate change. Trees that are traditionally planted in post-clearcut reforestation cannot adapt to a changing climate and cannot mature into healthy, diverse forest ecosystems that mitigate climate change, store carbon, and prevent flooding. While traditional conservation organizations prioritize ‘pristine’ mature woodlands, Community Forests International is targeting these ecosystems which have undergone massive land use change in the past and are ready for a resilient future.
Species Planted
White pine (Pinus strobus), eastern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis), eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), red spruce (Picea rubens), white spruce (Picea glauca), black spruce (Picea mariana), red oak (Quercus rubra), yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis), sugar maple (Acer saccharum)
British Columbia & Territories/North
Landowner: South Island Natural Resource District – BC government
Vancouver Island, BC
This project was located in the riparian areas of the Tranquil River on the west coast of Vancouver Island in BC.
Description
This project will see over 50,000 trees planted to support the restoration of riparian areas along the Tranquil River and the Atleo River, as part of the Redd Fish Restoration Society’s larger multi-year programs that aim to restore fish habitat in the region.
Environmental Benefits
The trees planted will diversify and restore the native vegetation and increase long-term ecosystem stability. As part of a larger ecosystem restoration effort, the tree planting will benefit a wide range of wildlife including endangered salmon, mammals and coastal bird species.
Species Planted
Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis), red cedar (Picea sitchensis), balsam fir (Abies balsamea), alder (Alnus sp.), willow (Salix sp.)
Prairies
Landowner: Rural Municipality of Stuartburn
Stuartburn, MB
This project is situated near the Rural Municipality of Stuartburn, Manitoba
Description
This project will plant 140,000 white spruce (Picea glauca) seedlings near the Rural Municipality of Stuartburn, Manitoba, with a goal to establish permanent tree cover on this fragile, deteriorated site that was grazed many years ago and will not naturally regenerate itself. A few years ago, a major windstorm uprooted trees and heavy rains caused soil erosion along the Roseau River. These trees will provide snow retention, shelter from winds, noise and dust reduction from vehicle traffic and recreational benefits for local residents.
Environmental Benefits
This planting will provide food for wildlife, restore wildlife travel corridors, increase the aesthetic beauty of the area, allow carbon sequestration and clean air for all. The planting is environmentally important as the newly planted trees will provide watershed protection around the landfill/transfer station area and help remediate polluted soil, provide snow retention and improve water quality and watershed health by decreasing the amount of rainwater and floodwater runoff.
Species Planted
White spruce (Picea glauca)
Ontario
Landowner: Conservation Sudbury
Location
Tree Canada has partnered with Conservation Sudbury and the municipality of Greater Sudbury to support the restoration of areas in and around Maley Conservation Area, which was impacted by historic logging and mining operations.
Description
This area was affected by early logging and mining activities that left the area devoid of vegetation, with some acidic and metal contamination, and soils that eroded away leaving many exposed bedrock areas. White/Paper Birch have repopulated in most areas but remains stunted and multi-stemmed in areas not treated with crushed agricultural limestone. For these reasons, the site is not regenerating on its own and needs human intervention to restore the ecosystem. In 2021, this Tree Canada project will increase the diversity of plants by planting native trees and shrubs.
Environmental Benefits
The goal is to support the restoration of areas in and around the municipality impacted by historic logging and mining operations.
Species Planted
Green alder (Alnus viridis ssp. Crispa), yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis), red oak (Quercus rubra), red-twigged serviceberry (Amelanchier sanguinea), mountain maple (Acer spicatum), smooth serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis), running serviceberry (Amelanchier stolonifera), wild raisin (Viburnum cassinoides)
Quebec
Landowner: Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation
Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Reserve in Quebec
This project is situated on the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Reserve in Quebec.
Description
This project will see 20,000 seedlings planted on the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Reserve. It will provide social, ecological, economical, and biological benefits. It will contribute to a healthier watershed in the region and will increase the sequestration of carbon dioxide supporting climate change mitigation. Restoration of this forest will eventually create habitat for wide variety of birds, amphibians, small mammals, deer and bears.
Environmental Benefits
This planting will restore forest cover to increase species diversity, improve wildlife habitat, create wildlife corridors, improve soil stabilization and hydrological features of the area.
Species Planted
Mixed hardwoods (red oak (Quercus rubra), sugar maple (Acer saccharum), yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis), white pine (Pinus strobus))
Atlantic
Landowner: Community Forests International
Chignecto Isthmus
The site is located on the Chignecto Isthmus, the 23 kilometre strip of land joining mainland Nova Scotia to New Brunswick and the rest of the continent.
Description
The Isthmus is the only land corridor for the movement of plants and wildlife between the two provinces, however it is rapidly being fragmented by clearcutting, development, and transportation. The resilience of the Tantramar region is entirely tied to the ecological health of the isthmus, which is now highly endangered. This has made it a priority area for conservation initiatives.
Environmental Benefits
Replanting clearcuts and protecting mature forest on the Chignecto Isthmus will have significant impacts on the region’s resilience to climate change. Trees that are traditionally planted in post-clearcut reforestation cannot adapt to a changing climate and cannot mature into healthy, diverse forest ecosystems that mitigate climate change, store carbon, and prevent flooding. While traditional conservation organizations prioritize ‘pristine’ mature woodlands, Community Forests International is targeting these ecosystems which have undergone massive land use change in the past and are ready for a resilient future.
Species Planted
White pine (Pinus strobus), eastern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis), eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), red spruce (Picea rubens), white spruce (Picea glauca), red oak (Quercus rubra), yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis), sugar maple (Acer saccharum)
British Columbia & Territories/North - Project 1
Landowner: South Island Natural Resource District – BC government
Vancouver Island, BC
This project was located in the riparian areas of the Tranquil River on the west coast of Vancouver Island in BC.
Description
This project will see over 50,000 trees planted to support the restoration of riparian areas along the Tranquil River, as part of the Central Westcoast Forest Society’s larger multi-year programs that aim to restore fish habitat in the region.
Environmental Benefits
The trees planted will diversify and restore the native vegetation and increase long-term ecosystem stability. As part of a larger ecosystem restoration effort, the tree planting will benefit a wide range of wildlife including endangered salmon, mammals and coastal bird species.
Species Planted
Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis), red cedar (Thuja plicata), balsam fir
(Abies balsamea), alder (Alnus sp.), willow (Salix sp.)
British Columbia & Territories/North - Project 2
Landowner: Première Nation Yunesit’in
Hanceville, BC
The planting site is located within the Interior Douglas Fir ecosystem which spreads from in the east Kootenays, the Okanagan-Similkameen and Thompson region, and southern parts of the Chilcotin and Cariboo regions in BC.
Description
This project will restore Yunesit’in First Nation reserve which was affected by the Hanceville wildfire in 2017. It includes a central meadow/wetland complex with burned forest to the north and south. IR 1 is in the Interior Douglas fir (IDFdk4 bio geoclimatic subzone) ecozone. The restocking of the area will support a healthy and thriving forested ecosystem.
Environmental Benefits
This tree planting will provide social, ecological, economical, and biological benefits. It will contribute to a healthier watershed in the region and will increase the sequestration of carbon dioxide supporting climate mitigation targets. Trees will provide a safer environment and improved habitat for many animals, allowing more species to exist on the landscape. This zone is prime ungulate winter habitat (White-tailed deer, Rocky Mountain elk, Big horn sheep) due to lower snowpack and relative high grass cover. Restoration of this forest will eventually create habitat for owls and woodpeckers.
Species Planted
Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia), douglas fir (Pseudotsuga mensiezii), pondersoa pine (Pinus ponderosa)
Prairies – Project 1
Landowner: Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation (SWF)
Moose Jaw, SK
This planting site is on private land that is owned by the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation (SWF) and located in the Mid-Boreal Upland Ecoregion in Eastern Saskatchewan.
Description
The goal of this 40 acre reforestation planting project is to reforest the area following human disturbance prior to SWF ownership.
Environmental Benefits
The site has high environmental and conservation value which fits into the SWF mandate towards protecting and managing areas of natural diversity. They would like to reclaim and reforest these areas to native vegetation by supplementing the existing deciduous native species with native white spruce conifers to diversity the vegetative species on these sites.
Species Planted
White Spruce (Picea glauca)
Prairies – Project 2
Landowner: Manitoba Wildlife Federation (MWF)
Riverdale, MB
The planting site, located in Riverdale, MB, is managed by the Manitoba Wildlife Federation (MWF) – Habitat Foundation.
Description
Up to 100,000 white spruce (Manitoba’s provincial tree) conifer seedlings will be planted on this land managed by the Manitoba Wildlife Federation (MWF) – Habitat Foundation. The MWF Habitat Foundation is a non-government, non-profit, charitable organization established to receive, hold, maintain, and manage upland habitat in perpetuity. It is the oldest privately funded habitat foundation in Manitoba.
Environmental Benefits
The goal is to establish permanent tree cover to provide several benefits to these fragile and erodible lands. Forest cover will provide valuable habitat and retain snow cover in the winter and reduce sudden runoff and flooding in the spring.
Species Planted
White Spruce (Picea glauca)
Ontario
Landowners: Private landowners and municipal lands
Sudbury, ON
Tree Canada has partnered with the municipality of Greater Sudbury since 2013 to support the restoration of areas in and around the municipality impacted by historic mining operations.
Description
This Tree Canada project will increase the native diversity of plants by adding understory trees and shrubs to complement existing mature trees such as white birch, poplar, pines, and spruces.
Environmental Benefits
The project has restored areas for over 40 years and aims to continue planting a wide range of tree species and shrubs to afforest areas or increase species diversity.
Species Planted
White pine (Pinus strobus), red pine (Pinus resinosa), red oak (Quercus rubra), yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis), balsam fir (Abies balsamea), green alder (Alnus viridis ssp. crispa), maples (Acer spp.), dogwoods (Cornus spp.), ironwood (Ostrya virginiana), staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina), hemlock (Tsuga spp.)
Quebec
Landowners: Eco Echo (Outaouais Environmental Campus)
Wakefield, QC
In 2020, Tree Canada helped support the creation of a new forest on the land of Eco Echo at the Minnes Farm in Wakefield, QC. Since 2008, the organization has maintained a commitment to stewarding over 150 acres of fields and woodlands.
Description
This long-term partnership between Tree Canada and Agence des forêts privées de l’Outaouais supports their educational mission by planting black spruce, red oaks, red pine, black maple, and hickories. Tree Canada’s long-term partnership with Eco Echo will provide an opportunity to educate the community about the role of forests in providing local and global ecosystem services.
Environmental Benefits
The goal is to replant hayfields and increase forest cover in the region that will benefit the local ecosystems by providing wildlife habitat, reducing flooding risk and peak flows by retaining water and snow in spring. Over time, this forest will sequester and store carbon dioxide and help in the fight against climate change.
Species Planted
White spruce (Picea glauca), red oak (Quercus rubra), red pine (Pinus resinosa), black maple (Acer nigrum), poplar (Populus spp.), tamarack (Larix laricina), hickories (Carya spp.)
Atlantic
Landowner: Community Forests International
South Branch, NB
This project is located in the Acadian Forest, in South Branch, NB.
Description
Tree Canada has partnered with Community Forests Canada (CFC) in this project to help restore 42.5 hectares of forest cover with a native species mix. The Acadian Forest is recognized by the World Wildlife Fund as “critically endangered,” the highest risk category for extinction and is also one of the most ecologically diverse forest types in Canada. The site is adjacent to the Whaelghinbran’s 284+ hectares of mature forest already owned by CFC and will insulate this newly reforested site from many of the vulnerabilities that plantations often experience when isolated from healthy nearby forests.
Environmental Benefits
The primary goal in reforesting this site is to increase species diversity and promote climate change resilience within a restoration management model. Future conditions should see the return of a healthy Acadian Forest ecosystem.
Species Planted
Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus), eastern white–cedar (Thuja occidentalis), eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), red spruce (Picea rubens), white spruce (Picea glauca), red oak (Quercus rubra), yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis), sugar maple (Acer saccharum)