Collection, Propagation and Dispersion of Shrubs and Non-Vascular Species for Reclamation in Harsh Northern Environments

Assisted revegetation is intended to accelerate plant establishment and growth on
disturbed sites. Current reclamation practices are limited by lack of native plant material,
harsh environmental conditions, high costs and lack of previous regulatory
requirements. Many northern shrub species have low, unknown, or cyclic seed
production, which creates challenges for collection and storage. Due to the lack of
commercial seed suppliers in the north, propagation of shrub species by cuttings has
high potential to create a consistent source of plant material to reclaim large areas, if
timely root development can be promoted. Lichens, mosses and biological soil crusts
play key roles in harsh environments as they stabilize soil, modify infiltration, increase
soil fertility, and prevent erosion. However, only limited research has been conducted on
their use in reclamation due to their slow growth rates and historical perception as being
less important compared to vascular plants.
Researching innovative, cost effective and sustainable methods to reclaim disturbed
northern land and develop self-sustaining communities will create techniques to restore
disturbed land and assist with conservation of one of the few remaining natural
environments worldwide. The objective of this research program is to develop and
improve methods for collection, propagation and dispersion of native shrub and lichen
species in harsh northern environments.