Growing Hope in the Wake of Devastation

Forests Canada's reforestation efforts in Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park

By Meghan Clout

As a nature lover, I’ve always appreciated time spent outdoors – a feeling that was nurtured while growing up, when my love and passion for natural landscapes took root. I was lucky to be able to spend long days camping with family and friends, climbing rocks and trees, exploring forests, and watching wildlife navigate the changing seasons. I learned so much about the world around me by being in spaces and places that let my mind be curious.

One of my favourite ways to spend time outside is camping. Each summer, my family would pack up and head out to provincial parks to spend time in the forests. Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park, located just outside of Mattawa, Ontario, was (and always remained) a frequent and favourite spot. With easy access to beautiful hiking trails, flowing rivers, a serene forest, and sandy beaches, we would spend nature-filled weekends sleeping under the stars and sharing spaces with loved ones and local wildlife.

Sitting around the campfire, playing in the rivers, looking for turtles and fish, I would ask many questions about the natural surroundings and learn that it was more than just our playground for exploration; these forest ecosystems were integral to our health and well-being. I developed a deep respect and appreciation for the local forests and the many benefits they offered.

This year, I was shocked and saddened to learn about the devastating weather events that caused so much destruction and devastation to the forests in Samuel de Champlain Park – the forest that holds so many of my childhood memories.

Imagine settling in for a cozy night camping in your favourite forest, only to be woken up by howling winds and the sounds of trees snapping around you. That is the scene that unfolded on June 21, 2025, in Samuel de Champlain Park when the area was hit with a downburst storm. Within minutes, the park was devastated. Winds of over 100 km/h damaged and downed thousands and thousands of trees, left campers trapped, damaged infrastructure, and uprooted the ecosystem.

Emergency response workers responded to clear the roadway and evacuate all 300 stranded campers to safety. Over the next days, weeks and months, the park had to undergo a series of operations working to remove debris and repair infrastructure. From the immediate needs of rescuing campers to the clearing of thousands of trees to ensure safe access, it has been a significant team effort to prepare for the next phase: forest recovery and creating a new future for Samuel de Champlain Park.

After hearing about the devastation at the park, I was excited to learn that Forests Canada had partnered with the Species Conservation Program to deliver the first phase of forest recovery. Forests Canada has planted 500 trees to help restore the many benefits of forests, including carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat, erosion control, and water quality improvements. This effort will also help stabilize the ecosystem in the aftermath of the devastation. 
 
To ensure a successful first phase of recovery, Forests Canada’s expert restoration team worked with the park superintendent and park biologist to make a detailed site plan.

Forests Canada’s Director of Restoration Programs, Val Deziel, travelled to the park to evaluate the situation. “The damage was unmistakable,” Val shared. “I was shocked when I walked into the site to see the damage that had happened in just a few minutes. It is unbelievable. I have a lot of empathy for what they had been through, the campers, and the work that had been done to start the clean-up.”

Working with the park staff and biologist, Val assessed the site by making observations and asking important questions to gain a deeper understanding of the ecological history, its current state, and future needs. Val had this to say: “We identified what species were present, including what species survived and what was damaged. We learned about what the targeted species are, and what species need habitat and protection.”

Careful decisions were made, including what to plant, how to plant them, and when they should be planted. For example, a patch of Bur Oak survived the harsh winds of the downburst, proving that the species is thriving and resilient in this location; therefore, by increasing the count of Bur Oak for newly planted trees, we can contribute to future forest resilience. Other species were selected to support important habitats for native wildlife.

Ontario Parks plays a big role in fostering environmental stewards, ensuring that forest land is conserved and protected, and maintaining spaces for community engagement in natural landscapes. I see forest restoration as an emergency response for the environment. As Val shared: “The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. Restoring the landscape will take time, and the best way to succeed in restoration is by getting carefully selected trees in the ground so we can learn from monitoring this sample.”

Earlier this fall, I had the opportunity to visit the park to see the planting site and celebrate the announcement of the Ontario Government's investment to rebuild the park. Along the way, I drove past former campsites that now resembled a clear-cut forest, a tragic view of a beloved forest. The park I have known and loved for my whole life, now unrecognizable from the damage. However, with a closer look, I could see new life – 500 beautiful trees growing hope for the future of this beautiful place.

Small trees are taking root, which are the beginning steps to this forest recovery. I felt hopeful knowing that these trees will grow, becoming a space for exploration, curiosity, and connection, and that they will foster future forest stewards for years to come.