Centre for Boreal Research

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.

Technology Access Centre

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:

  • Offering objective advice and specialized technical services
  • Providing training related to new types of equipment and processes
  • Conducting applied research to develop solutions that address company challenges.

Learn more about Technology Access Centres across Canada.

Research areas

Learn more about our research specializations and the impact we've made in these areas with our industry partners.

Our Projects

On-Going Projects
A sample of a lichen transplant being grown in our research greenhouse

Terrestrial Lichen Transplantation and Seeding Technology

NAIT Applied Research Lead 
Dr. Bin Xu

Partners and collaborators
Alberta Regional Caribou Knowledge Partnership (ARCKP)Portage College

A man with a hard hard and hi-vis vest holds a clumb of peat and is standing in front of a vast peatland

Legacy Well Pad Restoration in Boreal Peatland

NAIT Applied Research Lead 
Dr. Bin Xu

Partners and collaborators
Government of Alberta

Ready to Create Your Impact?

Reach out to our team of scientists and business development professionals to start a project and create your impact on Canada's landscapes. If you'd like to learn more our Centre, projects and initiatives, sign up for our free newsletter.

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Labs and facilities

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.

Research Greenhouse

NAIT’s 2,600 square foot research greenhouse provides controlled conditions to support year-round growth of native plants and seedlings.

Soils Laboratory

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.

Clean Laboratory

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

Our experts

PhotoFull nameTitleSpecialization(s) 
Amanda SchoonmakerNSERC Industrial Research Chair for Colleges in Boreal Reclamation and Reforestation forest ecology, plant physiology vegetation management, novel nursery stock seedling approaches, reforestation and forest management.
Andrés RolhauserResearch Associate forest ecology, land reclamation
Ba Thuong LeResearch Associatepeatland restoration, boreal peatland characterization, climate change effective assessment, soil erosion measurement, greenhouse gas exchange measurement, forest characterization and management, land use management
Bin XuNSERC Industrial Research Chair for Colleges in Peatland Restorationpeatland vegetation and community edology, ecological restoration and monitoring, climate change and greenhouse gas emissions, peatland restoration, peatland ecology, greenhouse gas modelling
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Latest from the centre

Where Innovation meets Tradition: CBC showcases the Centre for Boreal Research

CBC features NAIT Applied Research's Centre for Boreal Research and their innovative approach to indigenous engagement.

Read the article
Apr. 08, 2021

How scientists are restoring boreal peatlands to help keep carbon in the ground

NAIT explains how mosses play a critical role in the fight against climate change.