Latest news with #reforestation
CBC
3 days ago
- General
- CBC
Amid Manitoba's devastating wildfire season, replanting aims to restore forests, fight climate change
Social Sharing At 5:30 a.m., the first alarm goes off, and Marley Moose wakes up in a tent set up in Manitoba's Interlake. Her clothes are dusted in dirt and have a lingering smell, after she spent about 10 hours the day before shovelling to make room for hundreds of seedlings among charred trunks in Devils Lake, a pocket in the Interlake region that's about 300 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg. Blue-Green Planet Project, a tree-planting company that focuses on sustainability, has been working in partnership with forest services provider Nisokapawino Forestry Management to restore a part of Manitoba's canopy by planting 20 million trees by 2030. "We're not really doing this for our generation," said Moose, who is from Opaskwayak Cree Nation in northwestern Manitoba and was among 87 tree planters reforesting the area in May. "My grandkids will be able to come and see these trees, and they'll be able to run through these forests.…That's going to be their childhood." Hectares of Crown land in the forest were devastated by a jack pine budworm infestation in 2016. Seedlings were regenerating the forest until an out-of-control wildfire ravaged the area in 2021. Every spring since then, dozens of people from across Canada have travelled to the forest to plant millions of trees, in hopes of regenerating the ecosystem. But the devastation the current wildfire season has left in Manitoba has put the need for reforestation projects like this into sharp focus, said Blue-Green Planet Project's Farron Sharp, the reforestation project manager. "When you're in a city and protected from a lot of these disasters, it can be really easy to just become apathetic about it," said Sharp. "Only when it's really close by does it wake you up that this is a crisis." 'A sense of urgency' As of last week, more than 911,000 hectares had burned in wildfires in Manitoba. More wildfires are expected this season amidst above-normal temperatures forecast for the rest of the summer. Sharp has been planting since around 2008. While the number of blazes has fluctuated throughout the years, she said it's now almost inevitable that reforestation projects will be cut short because planters are forced out by wildfires — something that didn't happen when she began, she said. And more reforested areas burn every year, said Sharp. Reforesting is about bringing back one of the best technologies to absorb carbon — a step needed to help stem climate change and dampen the severity of future wildfire seasons, Sharp said. "When you see people lose their homes, people lose their lives, it feels like something that could have been avoided had we woken up 50 years ago," she said. "There's definitely a sense of urgency." The 2025 Manitoba wildfire season in photos: Adrian Metcalfe, a manager at the tree planting project, said reforestation will help build back an ecosystem that lost clean air, shade and habitat for animals and plants after the fire. "We are trying to reverse damage one tree at a time here," he said. "It's our way of telling the Earth that it's not dead yet — not under our watch." When stretches of forest are reduced to ashes and shattered trunks, the timeline to replenish the canopy is highly dependent on the kind of trees that burned down, Sharp said. Forests where mature timber burned are less likely to get replanted. "You'll have a lot of snags [a still-standing but dead tree] and widowmakers" — a detached or broken limb or tree top — that present dangers to planters, said Sharp. Meanwhile, aspen forests have a relatively swift regenerative curve, but once they grow, their broad leaves can shade other tree species that already struggle to come up, like spruce. "It can take up to 150 years for a forest to regenerate fully," said Sharp. Jack pine forests will regenerate on their own and fairly quickly, she said, as intense heat from the wildfires will open up cones and release seeds. Tree planting in forests can generally start as soon as two years after a wildfire, but only if the land is open and safe enough to go in — like Devils Lake, Sharp said. Opaskwayak Cree Nation tree planter Moose said that with reforestation projects, First Nation communities like hers stand a better chance of getting back harvesting, hunting and ceremonial grounds sooner — important for the well-being of generations to come, she said. "Indigenous communities in this area … we've already lost so much due to the climate crisis," she said. "Now we have a fighting chance." 'Imperative to healing' Crews of planters sowed three million seedlings this spring in Devils Lake, Sharp said. But the success went beyond meeting its planting goal — the project also had its highest number of returning planters from Manitoba First Nations this year. Before planting started in May, Sharp toured communities across the province, carrying 3D-printed seedlings and an arsenal of pictures to show how reforesting Devils Lake is done, hoping to spike interest and recruit new planters. While reforesting Devils Lake is the goal, Sharp said the project also aims to involve First Nations in the forest industry through stewardship, training and employment — and hopefully giving the communities tools needed to eventually start their own planting companies and run crews made entirely up of local planters. "Because there's so much involved in this work and there's a lot of moving parts, it requires people to come back a couple of years to learn the ropes," she said. Moose was one of those people. In the spring of 2024, she was unemployed and signed up for planting on a whim, not expecting much out of the experience, she said. But planting trees outdoors became her solace. "You could be going through the worst time of your life back in what we called 'the real world' … but when you come out here, you become grateful for the littlest of things," she said. The reforestation project turned into an opportunity for Moose to step outside what she described as a cycle of generational trauma her home community, Opaskwayak Cree Nation, has endured after generations of colonization and Canada's residential school system, she said. "There's always someone that's dying or dead ... there is always someone that's struggling with alcoholism, someone struggling with opioids," said Moose. "That is life back home.… When you face tragedy after tragedy, it's hard to get up." Planting trees at Devils Lake gave her a chance to break from that, she said, and she would like to see more First Nations get involved in this kind of project. "This is for the sake of our people," said Moose. With First Nations involved in the decision-making and planting, Sharp said the project has aimed to be part of reconciliation.
CBS News
25-06-2025
- Science
- CBS News
New effort aims to replant functionally extinct American Chestnut trees across New York City
New effort to replant functionally extinct trees that once populated our area by the billions New effort to replant functionally extinct trees that once populated our area by the billions New effort to replant functionally extinct trees that once populated our area by the billions There's a new effort to replant functionally extinct trees that once populated the New York City area by the billions. Researchers are working to make the American Chestnut more resistant to the fungus that wiped them out. American Chestnut trees nearly wiped out by fungus A fragile sapling now taking root in Green-Wood Cemetery's Chestnut Path is part of an ambitious new effort to bring back a tree that once dominated northeastern forests. The American Chestnut was once considered one of the largest and fastest-growing species in the region, but a deadly fungal disease nearly wiped it out. Now, a partnership between the New York Restoration Project and the American Chestnut Foundation is working to change that. "Scientists estimate that we lost around 3 billion trees within a really short window of time," said Jason Smith of the New York Restoration Project. "It was the first real disaster caused by an invasive disease in our forests after colonization." The project aims to plant 1,000 American Chestnut trees in New York City over the course of several years. The species is considered functionally extinct due to a blight caused by a fungus identified at the Bronx Zoo in 1904. Over the next few decades, the trees were nearly wiped out. "In the wild, they don't grow to maturity anymore," Smith said. "They rarely flower or fruit. So the role they played in our forest is gone." Researchers hope to make trees more resistant to blight A small group of chestnuts is now growing at the cemetery, though several have already succumbed to the disease. Researchers are closely observing the survivors to better understand resistance patterns. The few trees that continue to thrive are being propagated for future planting across the five boroughs. "Our chestnuts are really productive," said Sara Evans, Director of Living Collections and Curator at Green-Wood Cemetery. "They flower and produce a ton of nuts every single year." Each tree in the program is tagged with a unique number so scientists can track its development over time. The long-term goal is to isolate the genetic traits that provide resistance to the blight. So far, partners say more than 100 trees have been planted by volunteers and local institutions participating in the multi-year restoration effort. Organizers say the work is both ecological and cultural. "New Yorkers used to eat a ton of chestnuts, like just from food carts on the streets. Like, that's how abundant the chestnuts were way back in the day," Evans said. "Environmentally really important ... considered one of the keystone species in our northeastern forests." The return of this lost giant begins with one baby seedling, quietly taking root in Brooklyn's historic Chestnut Grove. Registration for planting chestnut trees this spring has closed. Those interested in next year's effort can learn more here. Have a story idea or tip in Brooklyn? Email Hannah by CLICKING HERE.
SBS Australia
24-06-2025
- General
- SBS Australia
This clinic in Kalimantan implements unique scheme for locals accessing health services
In 1993, an American student, Kinari Webb, studied orangutans in Gunung Palung National Park in West Kalimantan where she saw rampant illegal logging practices carried out by local residents. 'It turned out that the community actually had a fairly good understanding of protecting the forest, but they were forced to cut down trees and sell the logs to afford health services,' said Indra, Director of the ASRI Kalimantan Foundation. In 2007, ASRI (Alam Sehat Lestari) Clinic was officially opened to give access to health care to the people residing around the National Park. Klinik ASRI in North Kayong Regency, West Kalimantan Credit: SBS Indonesian/Ade Mardiyati "We have a unique payment system," said Indra again. "Locals can pay using tree seedlings that will later be used in the reforestation program in Gunung Palung National Park, or with livestock manure to be used as fertiliser." ASRI Foundation also created a discount scheme for payment. "If in one hamlet no activities that disrupt forest sustainability are found, then all residents can get a 70 percent discount," Indra said. Local resident Mardalina or Lena once handed over thousands of tree seedlings to the clinic to pay for medical expenses and the dental prosthetics she needed. Local resident Mardalina (L) or Lena once handed over thousands of tree seedlings to the clinic to pay for medical expenses and the dental prosthetics she needed. Credit: SBS Indonesian/Ade Mardiyati "It cost me four million three hundred thousand and I paid with tree seedlings," said the mother of two. One of the former illegal loggers, Amirudin, is now a kelulut or stingless bee farmer to produce honey thanks to the Chainsaw Buy Back program from the ASRI Foundation. "We handed over our chainsaws, then ASRI helped us with business capital in return," the 35-year-old man said. "I don't make as much as from logging, but my life is much more peaceful now." Listen to the full podcast. Listen to SBS Indonesian on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 3pm. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram , and don't miss our podcasts.
Malay Mail
24-06-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
AEON launches reforestation drive in Johor, targets 30,000 trees in Segamat after Bidor forest success
KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 — AEON has launched a new three-year reforestation initiative in Segamat, Johor, following the successful completion of its Malaysia-Japan Friendship Forest Programme in Bidor, Perak. The Segamat Reforestation Project was announced during a ceremony at the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) headquarters in Kepong last Friday. It marks the next chapter in AEON's long-standing environmental sustainability efforts, in collaboration with FRIM. AEON said the project will see 30,000 rainforest trees planted across 36 hectares in three phases between 2025 and 2027, replicating the ecological impact of the Bidor initiative. The site in Bidor, once a degraded tin mining area, was transformed into a thriving ecosystem with 30,000 trees planted over 22.75 hectares between 2014 and 2023. AEON CO. (M) BHD managing director Naoya Okada and FRIM director-general Dato' Dr Ismail Parlan formalised the Segamat collaboration by exchanging a Letter of Intent (LOI), witnessed by FRIM deputy director-general (Research) Dr Norwati Muhammad and AEON deputy managing director Tsugutoshi Seko. As part of the launch, a symbolic tree-planting ceremony was held at FRIM's Padang 44, with native rainforest species including meranti temak nipis (Anthoshorea roxburghii), meranti tembaga (Rubroshorea leprosula), and sesenduk (Endospermum diadenum). Exchange of the Letter of Intent (LOI). From left: Tsugutoshi Seko, Deputy Managing Director of AEON, Naoya Okada, Managing Director of AEON, Dato' Dr. Ismail Parlan, Director General of FRIM, and Dr. Norwati Muhammad, Deputy Director General (Research) of FRIM. Okada said the new project builds on the achievements in Bidor, which now serves as a research and seed production site and forms part of the government's 100 million tree planting campaign. 'The Bidor project is a testament to what can be achieved when corporate responsibility is combined with scientific expertise. AEON is proud to carry this legacy forward in Segamat,' he said, adding that AEON has planted over 557,000 trees nationwide since beginning its green initiatives in 1991. Dr Ismail said FRIM values AEON's ongoing support in environmental conservation and welcomes further collaboration. 'The restoration efforts in Bidor have not only revitalised the land but also attracted a variety of fauna, including migratory birds. We look forward to expanding our partnership with AEON,' he said. AEON said the reforestation initiative forms part of its broader Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals, promoting biodiversity, community engagement and sustainable development.
Associated Press
23-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Volatus Aerospace Supports J.D. Irving, Limited's Vision for Drone-Powered Tree Planting in New Brunswick
VAUGHAN, Ontario, June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Volatus Aerospace Corp. (TSXV: FLT; OTCQB: TAKOF; FSE: A3DP5Y) is pleased to announce a strategic collaboration with J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) to advance Spring 2025 tree planting operations in New Brunswick. This initiative supports JDI's leadership in managing working forests by integrating advanced heavy-lift drone technology to enhance their efficiency, scalability and environmental impact. As part of the project, Volatus will provide a heavy-lift Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) capable of transporting seedlings and supplies to planting crews operating in remote and difficult-to-access terrain. All flight operations will be coordinated by Volatus' centralized Operations Control Centre (OCC) in Vaughan, Ontario, enabling real-time mission oversight and reduced environmental footprint compared to traditional ground logistics. 'Forestry is a critical pillar of Canada's economy and environmental stewardship,' said Glen Lynch, CEO of Volatus Aerospace. 'We are honoured to support JDI's long-standing commitment to well-managed working forests by contributing innovative drone logistics, training, and regulatory guidance to their Spring 2025 reforestation operations.' Ben Lane, Operations Manager, Tree Planting, states, 'At JDI we strive to make improvements to our operations, and we always focus on our people. We needed to find safer and more efficient ways to deliver seedlings to our planters and we think drones are the answer. It has been great working with Volatus to help make this initiative a reality.' JDI is a leader in planting trees nationally and has planted more than 1.1 billion trees since 1957. Following recent wildfire devastation, more than 5.3 billion seedlings are estimated to be needed to restore just 15% of damaged forests. Globally, the tree planting services market is expected to grow from $7.2 billion in 2023 to $12.5 billion by 2031, positioning Canada—and technologies like drone logistics—at the forefront of this expansion. Drone-based seedling delivery is a scalable, low-cost solution accelerating global tree planting and forestry operations. By combining AI, automation, and remote sensing, drones enable high-volume planting in remote terrain with minimal environmental impact—aligning with sustainability priorities while creating long-term value in the growing carbon market. Volatus invites investors and stakeholders interested in the economic, environmental, and technological opportunities of drone-enabled tree planting and reforestation to request our in-depth white paper on this subject by emailing the contact listed in the information section below. The initial deployment will include: This collaboration reflects JDI's forward-looking approach to managing working forests and Volatus' commitment to supporting client-led innovation through cutting-edge aerial solutions. The companies will also explore joint marketing opportunities to share the success of this initiative and encourage broader adoption of drone-based tree planting methods. About Volatus Aerospace Volatus Aerospace is a leading provider of integrated aerial intelligence and logistics solutions, serving clients across North America and internationally. Through a combination of drone, piloted aircraft, and data analytics services, Volatus supports industries including public safety, healthcare, energy, agriculture, and environmental management. About J.D. Irving, Limited Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) is a private, family-owned company headquartered in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. With operations spanning forestry, transportation, shipbuilding, agriculture, consumer products, and more, JDI is deeply rooted in sustainable business practices. The company is one of North America's largest private landowners, a leader in science-based forest management, and producer of high-quality forest products. JDI is committed to responsible land stewardship, investing in innovation and partnerships that support healthy forests, strong communities, and a sustainable future. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains statements that constitute 'forward-looking information' and 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs, and current expectations of the Company with respect to future business activities and operating performance. Often, but not always, forward-looking information and forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as 'plans', 'expects', 'is expected', 'budget', 'scheduled', 'estimates', 'forecasts', 'intends', 'anticipates', or 'believes' or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or statements formed in the future tense or indicating that certain actions, events or results 'may', 'could', 'would', 'might' or 'will' (or other variations of the foregoing) be taken, occur, be achieved, or come to pass. Forward-looking information includes information about the Financing, the Debenture and the Shares-for-Debt Transaction, including information regarding the use of proceeds of the Financing and TSXV final approval of the Financing and the Shares-for-Debt Transaction. Forward-looking information is based on currently available competitive, financial, and economic data and operating plans, strategies, or beliefs of management as of the date of this news release, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors may be based on information currently available to the Company, including information obtained from third-party industry analysts and other third-party sources, and are based on management's current expectations or beliefs. Any and all forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflects expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Forward-looking information and forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to it and on assumptions it believes to be not unreasonable in light of all of the circumstances. In some instances, material factors or assumptions are discussed in this news release in connection with statements containing forward-looking information. Such material factors and assumptions include, but are not limited to TSXV final approval of the Financing and the Shares-for-Debt Transaction and including, but not limited to, those factors set forth in the Company's annual and quarterly management's discussion and analysis filed on Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. The forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this news release and, other than as required by law, the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Contact Information: Rob Walker, CCO [email protected] +1-833-865-2887
