Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter
If you have land or live in Northern Sunrise County and have an interest in reestablishing a shelterbelt on your property, there’s a program available to you to help replant free of charge.
“We are partnering with Tree Canada, a national non-profit organization dedicated to planting and nurturing trees in rural and urban environments,” says NSC environmental program coordinator Katie Bartman.
“Typically, Tree Canada targets a minimum of 5,000 trees and shrubs per project. However, in regions where multiple smaller projects occur, that threshold can be adjusted based on need and opportunity.”
In order to apply to become part of Tree Canada’s program, interested landowners can contact Bartman to start the process. She says this year four projects were completed in Northern Sunrise County, reintroducing 120,000 trees and shrubs, encompassing 15 native species and reflecting a strong commitment to ecological restoration.
The four projects included the restoration of plants lost to wildfire, shelterbelt additions for cropland protection and planting for wildlife habitat.
“This is a great opportunity for landowners to restore or enhance their land at no personal cost,” says Bartman.
“Tree Canada covers the cost of seedlings and planting services, which are conducted by experienced professionals,” she adds. “It’s an efficient, cost-effective way to contribute to environmental stewardship.”
Landowners must sign an agreement committing to not harvest the planted trees for 50 years. The commitment is not registered on the land title, allowing some flexibility while still ensuring long-term conservation benefits.
“Tree planting is a direct response to the impacts of climate change, helping to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, restore degraded lands, and increase climate resilience,” Bartman says.
“On a local scale, it enhances community well-being, supports biodiversity, and can improve agricultural conditions by reducing wind erosion and increasing soil moisture retention.”
She adds that forests play a crucial role in carbon sequestration, habitat restoration, and water regulation. Replanting efforts help repair ecosystems disrupted by agriculture, industry, or wildfire, and are essential to supporting environmental health for future generations.
“The quantity of trees and shrubs planted depends on current land conditions and past land use,” Bartman adds. “For lands previously used for agriculture, oil and gas, or affected by wildfire, we typically recommend higher planting densities to support effective restoration and account for potential seedling mortality.
“Additionally, the preferences and goals of the landowner are carefully considered in the planning process.”
The program introduces significant ecological and community benefits, including reintroducing essential ecosystem services.
“Trees help to improve air and water quality, reduce soil erosion, and support biodiversity through habitat creation for wildlife and pollinators,” she says. “It’s a proactive way to enhance environmental sustainability while supporting agricultural and rural resilience.”
Bartman says interest in reforestation and afforestation has been steadily increasing. She says in the past three years of partnering with Tree Canada, Northern Sunrise County has seen a noticeable rise in engagement from landowners.
She adds this includes restoring entire quarter sections, enhancing riparian areas, or establishing windrows for shelter and erosion control, more people are recognizing the environmental and long-term land management benefits of tree planting.
“For landowners interested in smaller or more tailored planting projects, there are alternative options such as the Green Acreages Program and ALUS,” says Bartman.
“These programs offer funding and support projects like riparian restoration, shelterbelts, and pollinator corridors on a more individualized scale,” she adds.
Interested landowners in Northern Sunrise County can reach out to Bartman at kbartman@northernsunrise.net to express their interest.
If you live outside the county, she can help coordinate with a Tree Canada representative to explore your eligibility and options.