ONE TREE PLANTED: Restoring the Wabanaki Acadian Forest in Nova Scotia.
In Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, 23,900 trees were planted to restore 15 hectares of land that are imbued with rich history. The purpose of this project is to re-establish white pine, red oak, and other native tree species across clear cut blocks along the coastal ridges of Cape Breton. As the planted trees grow, they will provide a range of benefits to the Margaree River watershed.
Planting trees in areas that have been degraded or deforested has a powerful ripple effect, and we are proud of the impact that this project has had on the surrounding community.
The land that this project worked to restore was harvested for timber and pulp in 2019 and 2020. Our planting partner is working to mend the landscape, and to help surrounding communities reclaim their land.
A Community-Led Project
The benefits of this project extend beyond helping the environment, and include employing six tree planters from the local area and encouraging the largest nursery in the Canadian Maritimes to grow more stock of white pine, red oak and other native species.
The plantation of red oaks along the coastal ridge will create new recreational opportunities for the local community. The restoration sites themselves will also become field trip destinations for area schools. This will allow teachers, students, and parents alike to learn more about the importance of reforestation and restoration.
Ecological Benefits
Through replantation’s of white pine and red oak, this project pays homage to the history of Cape Breton and represents an important step towards restoring its ridges and valleys into a healthy and diverse Wabanaki Acadian Forest.
This restoration will allow biodiversity to thrive, benefitting several species of plants, animals, and fungi. However, the greatest ecological benefit over time is the precedent that has been set for private landowners to explore regenerative woodlot management plans.
Throughout the 20th and 21st century, private landowners in Nova Scotia adhered to silviculture management plans for their woodlots, which favour the interests of lumber mills and pulp and paper mills. This project is the first large-scale ecological replanting project in Inverness County that challenges that model in favour of preserving and restoring ecosystem services.
As momentum grows amongst private landowners, more regenerative plantation projects will be possible, benefitting the forest ecosystem, watersheds, and communities for future generations.
This planting project empowered individuals to become involved in their communities and help to restore vital land. We are thrilled to support this work, and we are so excited to see what the future holds for this beautiful forest and its local communities.
Looking to be a part of the movement for change? Reach out to our Director of Philanthropy, Rachel Bouck, at rachel@onetreeplanted.org to get involved.
Discover more: One Tree Planted
