British Columbia

Project #1

Project description: 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. 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.

Landowner: City of New Westminster

British Columbia

Project #2

Project 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 Central Westcoast Forest 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.)

Landowner: Island Natural Resource District – BC government

Prairies

Project description: This unique project involves afforestation on three planting sites, one of which is along the Trans Canada Trail near Morden, Manitoba. An afforestation planting of 50,000 white spruce (Manitoba’s provincial tree) seedlings, the project’s goal is to establish permanent tree cover on these fragile, deteriorated sites. The three sites consist of a plantation adjacent to the Trans Canada Trail another on a reclaimed gravel extraction pit and the third on a reclaimed landfill site decommissioned in the late ‘90s All three sites have since been leveled, sloped, graded and are now in need of permanent tree cover.

Environmental benefits: Once established, the evergreen trees planted will provide multiple benefits including shelter, shade, snow and moisture retention, habitat and food for wildlife, wildlife corridors, recreational opportunities for local residents, erosion control, aesthetic beauty and watershed protection. This afforestation planting is important as the newly planted trees will provide watershed protection around these highly disturbed areas, as well as provide snow retention and improve water quality and watershed health by decreasing the amount of rainwater and floodwater runoff. The planted trees will also filter pollutants that may reach the Pembina River.

Species planted: White spruce (Picea glauca)

Landowner: Rural Municipality of Stanley, Manitoba

Ontario

Project description: This unique project involves afforestation on a 38-acre Wolfe Island property within the Cataraqui Conservation network along the St. Lawrence River. 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)

Atlantic

Project description: 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. 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), red oak (Quercus rubra), yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis), sugar maple (Acer saccharum)

Landowner: Community Forests International

British Columbia

Project 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 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 (Picea sitchensis), balsam fir (Abies balsamea), alder (Alnus sp.), willow (Salix sp.)

Landowner: South Island Natural Resource District – BC government

Prairies

Project 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)

Landowner: Rural Municipality of Stuartburn

Ontario

Project description: 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. 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)

Landowner: Conservation Sudbury

Quebec

Project 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)

Landowner: Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation

Atlantic

Project description: 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. 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)

Landowner: Community Forests International

British Columbia

#1 Tranquil River Restoration Project

Project 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, red cedar, balsam fir, alder, willow

Landowner: South Island Natural Resource District – BC government

#2 Stone Band Reserve Forest Cover Restoration Project

Project description: This project will restore their reserve which was affected by the Hanceville wildfire in 2017. 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. 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, douglas fir, pondersoa pine, larch

Landowner: Yunesit’in First Nation

Prairies

#1 Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation Project

Project description: 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. This reclamation/reforestation planting of 40 hectares is to be reforested 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

Landowner: Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation (SWF)

#2 Manitoba Wildlife Federation Project

Project 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 for multiple benefits on these fragile and erodible sites. Forest cover will provide valuable habitat and retain snow cover in the winter and spring reducing sudden runoff and flooding.

Species planted: White spruce

Landowner: Manitoba Wildlife Federation (MWF)

Ontario

Project description: 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. The program 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. In 2021, 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 goal is to support the restoration of areas in and around the municipality impacted by historic mining operations. The program 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, red pine, red oak, yellow birch, balsam fir, green alder, maples, dogwoods, ironwood, staghorn sumac, hemlock

Landowner: Private landowners and Municipal lands

Quebec

Project description: In 2020, Tree Canada is creating a new forest on the land of Eco Echo at the Minnes Farm in Wakefield, QC. Since 2008, this organization has maintained a commitment to stewarding over 150 acres of fields and woodlands. 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, red oaks, red pine, black maple, poplar, tamarack and hickories

Landowner: Eco Echo (Outaouais Environmental Campus)

Atlantic

Project description: Tree Canada partners with Community Forests Canada (CFC) 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: White pine, eastern white cedar, eastern hemlock, red spruce, white spruce, red oak, yellow birch, sugar maple

Landowner: Community Forests International