Restoring and Rewilding Alberta’s Natural Landscapes

By Peter Moddle 

Reforesting After Fire  

In the wake of escalating wildfire risks, restoring fire impacted landscapes has become a priority across Canada. The McMillan wildfire of 2019 had a devastating impact on local communities, the natural boreal forest ecosystem, and the environment in the area around Slave Lake, Alberta.  

In spring 2024, Forests Canada partnered with Shakti by TELUS to undertake a critical wildfire reforestation initiative and supported the recovery of 125 hectares of burned boreal forest by planting 250,000 trees. These lands were severely burned, and regeneration of White Spruce dominant stands has been very low to non-existent in the Mistehae Lake area. By implementing targeted wildfire reforestation strategies, we are supporting forest regeneration in fire-impacted areas, helping to restore ecosystem health. 

The Mistehae Lake area is home to many vulnerable and threatened wildlife species, including the Grizzly Bear, Trumpeter Swan, Woodland Caribou, Common Nighthawk, Canada Warbler, and many other mammals, amphibians, insects, birds and plants. Having trees on the land immediately provides benefits to many species during the regeneration cycle. The project also aims to reduce wolf predation risk to the local Nipisi caribou herd by providing visual breaks and hiding cover within the forest. 

We look forward to watching these reforested landscapes grow and thrive for generations to come.  

Planting Trees with Future Forest Stewards 

This past spring, Forests Canada kicked off our partnership with Project Forest - a Canadian non-profit focused on rewilding landscapes across the country - with a community planting initiative together with the Calgary Junior Forest Wardens Society at the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area. With perfect planting conditions under clear skies, over 200 people, ranging from five to 80 years old, came together to plant an impressive 10,000 trees in just four hours.  

Southwest of Calgary, the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area is a hotspot for biodiversity. Home to over 400 plant species and an abundance of wildlife, the area boasts large mammals like moose, elk, deer, bears, and cougars, as well as smaller species like beavers, porcupines, and a wide variety of birds. Restoration efforts through tree-planting initiatives are crucial for increasing habitat cover on the landscape and helping battle habitat fragmentation and climate change.  

By actively restoring native vegetation and aligning with the Conservation Area’s mission of protecting habitat and providing space for native wildlife, Forests Canada also aims to create opportunities for youth to learn about climate action, the importance of nature-based solutions, and responsible environmental stewardship. Engaging the next generation in hands-on initiatives empowers them to appreciate the great outdoors and play a part in shaping a sustainable future for our forests and communities. 

A variation of this article was originally published in the Summer/Fall issue of Our Forest Magazine.  You can read the full article, and much more, here.