Forests Canada

Over the past two days, Forests Canada team members Amber and Victoria have been attending the ALUS National Field Conference in Manitoba! Yesterday, they visited two projects implemented by the ALUS Seine Rat Roseau Watershed District throughout Steinbach, Manitoba and met with farmers to learn firsthand how they are creating nature-based solutions on working landscapes. At the first site, they participated in a mini soil health workshop assessing water filtration rate after a cover crop was installed, demonstrating the benefits of having plant cover in between crop rotations or other land uses. At the second site, they visited a property with a water retention system installed near a creek, demonstrating the power of water storage in the landscape during periods of high water flow. It's one thing to read about conservation outcomes—it's another to hear directly from the farmers and community leaders making them happen. Today, they joined other leaders for a roundtable discussion to explore a shared vision for the future of community-based conservation. Through the power of diverse perspectives, we can identify practical pathways forward, strengthen collaboration across sectors, and create shared values. @ALUS_Solutions

Increasing Wildfire Readiness and Firefighting Capacity With more than 130 active wildland fires in northwestern Ontario alone, the need for enhanced wildfire preparedness, response capacity, and long-term resilience across the province – and nationwide – is critical. This past spring, Whitefeather Forest Initiative implemented several practical training and skills development initiatives to help improve wildfire readiness and firefighting capacity in northern Ontario. The learning opportunities also extended beyond local wildfire response as Forests Canada staff, including Val Deziel (Director of Restoration Ecology and Research), Aidan O’Brien (GIS Analyst), and Tewodros Alemayehu (GIS/Database Technician), travelled north to gain valuable hands-on experience using drone technology in the region and to visit some of our forest recovery sites. Thank you to our restoration partner Whitefeather Forest Initiative for this valuable opportunity to exchange knowledge and discuss forest stewardship and recovery. Read more: whitefeatherforest.ca/spring-up-to-t…

Wildfire season continues to have a severe impact across Canada. There are currently 838 reported wildfires burning across the country, and for many, the effects extend far beyond the flames. Thousands of Canadians from coast to coast to coast are being evacuated or facing hazardous smoke and poor air quality. Whether you are directly impacted or feeling the effects from many kilometres away, it is important to take proper precautions. Before heading outside, check your local air quality, reduce outdoor activity if conditions are poor, follow guidance from your local authorities, and stay hydrated. As wildfire season continues, let's all do our part to stay informed, support affected communities, and look out for one another. 📷Photos from Forests Canada staff members in North Bay and Mississauga, Ontario.

It takes a community of amazing, committed individuals to implement our multifaceted restoration programs, and seed collection is a vital part of that work. 🌱 Over the past few years, we have developed a seed training and mentorship program that offers unique hands-on learning opportunities. Our focus is to work one-on-one with dedicated individuals who share a passion for seed collection and a desire to make a lasting impact for Canada's forests. Chris McGee, our resident seed advisor, has been mentoring several future seed collectors to strengthen their understanding of the landscape-level challenges and opportunities in seed development and collection. This past weekend, Chris and mentee Erica Gauer collected some Amelanchier canadensis berries (Shadblow Serviceberry). Once extracted, these seeds will be grown and utilized for Forests Canada's continued work with the City of Toronto as well as other forest restoration projects. Thanks Chris and Erica, great work!

Growing tomorrow's forests, one tree at a time. 🌲 Our planting partners, Conservation Sudbury, planted another 6,000 native seedlings on a site in Hanmer, Ontario, as part of an ongoing afforestation project focused on restoring forest cover and supporting long-term sustainable forest management. The site is managed under the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP), with a long-term goal of planting 8,000–10,000 trees over the next several years. After a successful first planting in 2024, we are excited to be back on site continuing this tree-mendous work! Every seedling planted helps restore the landscape, create wildlife habitat, and grow resilient forests for generations to come. Here's to watching this project take root! 🌱 To learn more about our planting program, visit our website - ForestsCanada.ca/PlantTrees To learn more about the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP), click here - forestscanada.ca/en/program/man…

The final part of our Forestry in the Classroom Wildfire Webinar is now live! Over the past three years, wildfires in Canada are becoming more frequent, more intense, and more severe. This final part of the webinar includes information about wildfire management and mitigation as well as fire as a forest management tool. Watch now - youtu.be/yYT6HwmELmQ

Big things are growing in Hanmer, Ontario! Our planting partner, Conservation Sudbury (@Lake_Laurentian), planted 5,800 native trees, including Silver Maple and White Spruce, to establish a windrow around the landowner's property. These trees will 🌳 Provide shade and a natural windbreak 🦉 Create valuable habitat for local wildlife 💧 Help protect soils, air, and water 🌎 Play a part in mitigating climate change Every seedling planted will branch out, grow with purpose, and leaf a lasting impact for generations to come! Learn more about our tree planting program ForestsCanada.ca/PlantTrees

🌲Restoration is taking root in Kookipi Creek, British Columbia. Following the 2023 Kookipi Creek Wildfire, we are working with our planting partner, Cariboo Carbon, to plant 99,855 tree seedlings across five properties in B.C.'s Nahatlatch Valley to help restore forests that aren't naturally regenerating. The planting includes a variety of Douglas Fir, Western Larch, Lodgepole Pine, Ponderosa Pine, and Western Red Cedar, creating a diverse landscape that will support ecosystems, wildlife, and communities. Every seedling planted is the beginning of a future forest, growing more resilient forests for generations to come. 🌳

🌲 We're branching out in Steinbach, Manitoba! 🌱 This former cattle pasture is putting down new roots! After more than six years without livestock, we're helping the landowner restore the property by planting 5,475 trees along the edge of a wetland that shared a border with the Nature Conservancy of Canada's property. Our planting partners, Community Forests Canada, was hard at work hand-planting a mixture of White Spruce, Eastern White Cedar, Red Pine, and Jack Pine. Every tree planted helps grow healthier habitats and stronger ecosystems, and we can't wait for this project to take root and grow into a future forest! To learn more about our planting program visit our website forestscanada.ca/en/program/Pla…

Happy Canada Day! 🍁 Today, we celebrate the incredible, beautiful natural landscapes, forests, and communities that make Canada home. As we enjoy everything this country has to offer, we also recognize the enduring strength of Indigenous Peoples and the traditional territories on which we live. Together, let's continue to care for the land, support healthy forests, and help grow a more resilient future today and for generations to come. 🌲💚

One of our favourite parts of tree planting season is seeing all the different sites across the country! 🌱 Our planting partner, Community Forests Canada, planted 3,500 native trees on this former cattle pasture in Woodlands, Manitoba, to help grow a healthier landscape. The project will create windbreaks, improve climate resilience, restore habitat, and fill in large gaps in the existing forest through afforestation. We can't wait to see the White Spruce, Eastern White Cedar, Red Pine, and Jack Pine grow into a forest that will branch out for generations to come! To learn more about our Tree Planting Program, visit our website – ForestsCanada.ca/planttrees

This past spring, more than 500 students from nearly 80 schools across Ontario took part in hands-on environmental learning through Ontario Envirothon. From tackling real-world challenges to building valuable STEM skills, these students gained knowledge, confidence, and experience that will help them shape a more sustainable future. It is thanks to the support of our amazing sponsors – @MLeavesForever, @enbridgegas, the J.P. Bickell Foundation, the University of Waterloo Faculty of Environment, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc., and the Central Canada @sfiprogram Implementation Committee – that these students are gaining experiences, building knowledge, and developing a deeper connection to the environment. #ONEnvirothon #ONEnvirothon2026

🌳🐝 Happy Pollinator Week! 🦋🌲 We’re buzzing with excitement to celebrate the tiny creatures that help forests bee their best! From bees to butterflies to beetles to hummingbirds, pollinators are continuously travelling across forests, enabling understory plants to reproduce, creating seeds and fruits vital for wildlife, and supporting a healthy ecosystem from the forest floor to the tops of the canopy. When pollinators thrive, so do our forests. This Pollinator Week, we are encouraging our followers to 🌱Plant native species 🐝Create pollinator-friendly habitats 🌼 Leave spaces for your plants to bloom By doing this, we are working together to help pollinators leaf a lasting impact!

We are proud to recognize @ScienceBasedIng for their support of our mission to conserve, restore, and grow Canada’s forests. Their contribution will support tree planting initiatives across the country and help restore wildlife habitat, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen local ecosystems. We are grateful for partners like Science Based Ingredients who share our vision of resilient, thriving forests for future generations. Together, we’re helping grow healthier landscapes, stronger communities, and a more sustainable future. Thank you for making a lasting impact.

Yesterday marked the one-year anniversary of a major storm that hit Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park, leaving 300 campers stranded and downing thousands and thousands of trees. This anniversary is an opportunity to appreciate the many folks who have worked tirelessly to begin the process of restoring this meaningful and ecologically important space. We are proud to have supported the planting of 8,000 trees to help begin the park’s journey of recovery. These trees will help natural regeneration as the forest works to reestablish the critical roles it plays in our ecology and our community. The road to recovery has been shaped by many skilled, knowledgeable, and compassionate folks, and you can learn more about some of them in our video. youtu.be/jYvqIO_5AeU?si…

Happy Father's Day! 💚 Today, we are celebrating the dads, grandfathers, mentors, and father figures who helped us grow — just like a healthy forest. Let's honour their legacy with a gift that gives back. When you support Forests Canada, you're helping plant trees, restore wildlife habitat, and create healthier communities for future generations. This Father’s Day, give a gift that grows today, tomorrow, and for years to come. Donate today and make an impact that lasts far beyond Father’s Day. forestscanada.ca/en/page/donate

Tomorrow is National Indigenous Peoples Day, a time to recognize and celebrate the traditions, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous People. Through relationships with the land, Indigenous people have stewarded forests since time immemorial. We are grateful for the opportunities we have had to learn from Indigenous people in communities across the country and to our Indigenous partners who have generously shared their perspective, knowledge, offered guidance, and collaborated with us in our work. These relationships help ground our work and act as guideposts of lasting and meaningful stewardship. We encourage our community to take some time today to learn about and celebrate Indigenous people, culture and the many contributions they have made. Look out for public events taking place near you, or find them on this list: canada.ca/en/canadian-he…

A Father’s Day Gift That Grows Hope 🌱 This Sunday is Father’s Day. Celebrate your dad, his memory, or just that special someone who was always there for you with a donation to Forests Canada. Your gift supports every step of forest restoration and grows hope from coast to coast to coast. Give the gift that grows - forestscanada.ca/en/page/make-a…