The Approach

Grounded in science, tree and shrub planting projects featuring a diversity of native species are being carried out in agricultural gullies across Quebec. Studies on the ecosystem services generated are used to assess carbon sequestration, soil erosion, water quality, and biodiversity.

The Objectives

1- Identify agricultural corridors across Québec;
2- Restore 80 hectares of agricultural corridors in Québec;
3- Document the ecosystem benefits of these restoration efforts, including their impact on climate change mitigation and local adaptation;
4- Document the socio-ecological aspects related to reforestation and restoration of agricultural corridors in Québec and other nature-based solutions in agricultural settings;
5- Establish technical and scientific parameters in order to scale up the project.

Achievements to date

In total, 86,000 trees and shrubs, representing more than 70 different species, have been planted across 57 hectares of agricultural corridors shown on this interactive map. On average, one hectare of wooded corridor helps retain about 7 tonnes of soil and 5 kilograms of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) each year. Over the next 60 years, the completed restoration work is expected to capture an average of 675 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent annually.

Project Funding

The project has received financial support from the Québec Ministry of the Environment ($4.5 million; 2030 Plan for a Green Economy) and from Natural Resources Canada ($1.6 million; 2 Billion Trees Program).