Deep under layers of sand and clay at abandoned oil well pads, the peatlands, a natural solution to carbon storage, lie waiting to be restored.

Murdoch McKinnon is trying to figure out the best way to bring them back to life.

McKinnon, a PhD candidate in the department of geography and environmental management at the University of Waterloo, told The Tyee he was drawn into the squishy lands of brightly coloured moss, tamarack and black spruce trees because they are where water and land ecosystems meet.

“It’s certainly a challenge to walk through them, but they’re just absolutely beautiful, beautiful places,” McKinnon told The Tyee.

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Applications are open for Alberta’s Wetland Replacement Program, an $8.7 million fund for constructing new wetlands and repairing damage to existing ones.

Wetlands act like sponges, soaking up water during heavy rains and slowly releasing it during dry periods, thus helping to protect against floods and droughts while supporting plants and animals.

The fund is intended to help naturally protect Alberta from future droughts and floods, improve water quality and create healthier ecosystems throughout the province.

“Wetlands are one of Alberta’s best natural defenses against droughts and floods, protecting people, the environment and ecosystems for our wildlife,” commented Rebecca Schulz, minister of environment and protected areas. “Our wetland replacement funding is safeguarding clean water, biodiversity and the well-being of our communities for generations to come.”

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