We work with industry and communities to support best management practices and reclamation of the boreal forest. Our team of research scientists and technicians with professional designations in forestry, biology and agrology work primarily out of our Peace River research facilities.
The Centre for Boreal Research hosts the Boreal Forest Plant and Seed Technology Access Centre at the Peace River facility. This TAC helps Canadian-based businesses get their products, processes and services market-ready by:
Conducting applied research to develop solutions that address company challenges.
Learn more about Technology Access Centres across Canada.
Learn more about our research specializations and the impact we've made in these areas with our industry partners.
NAIT Applied Research Lead Dr. Bin Xu
Partners and collaborators Alberta Regional Caribou Knowledge Partnership (ARCKP), Portage College
Purpose The project aims to address the decline of Canadian woodland caribou populations by restoring their critical winter forage habitat, specifically terrestrial lichen communities, which have been significantly disturbed due to factors such as predation, habitat loss from fire, and industrial development. The slow natural re-establishment of lichens (taking up to 100 years) necessitates exploring alternative restoration methods like lichen transplantation and seeding to expedite habitat recovery. Project Overview Spring 2025
Project Overview The project will investigate the feasibility of using lichen transplantation and seeding techniques to restore harvested forest areas for woodland caribou habitats. The key activities include:
The findings will provide practical guidance for restoring terrestrial lichen habitats, contributing to the conservation of woodland caribou.
Partners and collaborators Government of Alberta
Purpose To restore legacy well pads in boreal peatlands to their natural state. This includes the complete removal of mineral fill and the application of the Moss Layer Transfer Technique (MLTT) to ensure the re-establishment of peatland vegetation. The project aims to enhance ecological functionality and biodiversity within the wetland areas, improving their capacity to provide ecosystem services.
Expected Completion Date March 2028
Project Overview The project involves the restoration of two well pads and an access road built in a peatland complex near Entwistle, AB. Key activities include the removal of mineral fill, adjustment of buried peat, collection and transfer of moss donors, and planting of trees in the first two years, followed by extensive monitoring of vegetation establishment and growth over the next four years. The findings will help improve the effectiveness of removing well pad footprints and restoring ecological functions and services provided by boreal peatland ecosystems across Alberta.
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NAIT researchers have access to a range of specialized labs, facilities and equipment. The Centre for Boreal Research makes use of these and other world-class applied research labs.
NAIT’s 2,600 square foot research greenhouse provides controlled conditions to support year-round growth of native plants and seedlings.
NAIT’s soils laboratory is a 1,200 square foot preparation space for greenhouse related activities, including mixing soil and filling pots for seeding, as well as cold climate storage.
NAIT’s clean laboratory is a 600 square foot space for sample analysis activities, including seed testing, biomass measurement, and soil and water chemistry analysis.
Explore technical notes, videos, field guides, publications and tools from NAIT's Centre for Boreal Research
CBC features NAIT Applied Research's Centre for Boreal Research and their innovative approach to indigenous engagement.
NAIT explains how mosses play a critical role in the fight against climate change.
Polytechnic receives $771,638 grant from Future Skills Centre