With spring in full swing, we are getting ready to plant.
After months of collecting native seeds and cuttings, and carefully propagating and growing specialty trees through the winter, our crews are gearing up for another busy season of restoring Canadian landscapes. From boreal forests to riparian corridors, Shakti by TELUS supports companies, landowners, and governments across the spectrum of nature restoration and land reclamation.
From seed to site: Our year-round commitment to restoration
Restoration does not end with the planting season. Native seeds and cuttings are collected over the fall and winter, laying the foundation for successful, science-backed tree planting practices for the following year. Shakti’s proprietary seed zone mapping tool ensures ecological alignment with local genotypes, and we collaborate closely with local partners, organizations, and Indigenous communities to source and collect local stock.
Once collected, seeds and cuttings are brought to our nursery partners, where we propagate diverse stock tailored to project needs. In addition to classic conifers, we offer native and locally adapted trees and shrubs that play key roles in ecosystem recovery and biodiversity enhancement. These include willow and poplar cuttings to stabilize riverbanks and control erosion, alder to populate sites with poor soils, and trembling aspen to accelerate forest succession where root systems have been severely disturbed.
Balsam poplar cuttings to be planted as a rooted cutting (top left); willow cuttings (bottom left); aspen and spruce seedlings grown in the nursery.
Specialty stock for unique projects
Our ability to grow and manage specialty stock gives us an advantage on complex and bespoke reclamation projects. We are one of the few planting partners in Canada with experience sourcing, growing, and supplying hardwood species such as willow, poplar, aspen, birch and alder–which are critical to restoring wetlands, riparian zones, and transitional habitats. Previous reclamation sites have been replanted with up to 10 different species, paving the way for increased habitat complexity, landscape connectivity, and ecological resilience.
When it comes to the planting itself, we focus on holistic ecosystem management. We draw from decades of forestry expertise, knowledge of forest successional dynamics, and site-specific needs to support biodiversity, stabilize soils, and accelerate ecological recovery. We train every team member to follow rigorous quality standards in handling and planting, recognizing that long-term success depends on what happens in those few seconds when a tree enters the ground.
Shakti by TELUS crews on site (top); nature-based reclamation techniques including cuttings for riverbank restoration (bottom left) and seedling planting (bottom right).
Co-benefits beyond reclamation
Nature-based solutions such as tree planting offer a multitude of benefits beyond the regulatory checkmark. Biodiversity, water filtration, carbon storage, land productivity, and cultural connection are increasingly valued, and these co-benefits are front of mind as we design restoration projects. By reclaiming boreal landscapes, stabilizing soils affected by wildfire, planting shelterbelts, and restoring watersheds and riverbanks, we deliver on nature-based projects that enhance Canada’s diverse bioregions and support long-term climate resilience.
The biodiverse landscapes we work with, including: grasslands in Southern Alberta (top left); aspen parklands in Manitoba (top right); boreal forests in Northern Alberta (bottom).
Let’s talk about your landbase
With over two decades of experience in tree planting, seed collection, and native species propagation, we are committed to preserving and enhancing Canada’s unique landscapes. If you are looking to reduce your closure liabilities, enhance social and environmental impact, or fulfill your commitment to restore the land, we are here to help.
Every site has a story, and we design reclamation and restoration plans accordingly. Contact us at telusenvironment@telus.com to discuss how we can support your next project.