Tree planting and biodiversity initiatives: three flagship MPA projects in 2025
The Montreal Port Authority MPA followed through in 2025 on its efforts to advance greening and preserve biodiversity through a range of projects that green, reforest and manage invasive plants.
Invasive exotic aquatic plants: diagnosis and action plan
The MPA supported a project to better understand the presence of invasive exotic aquatic plants (IEAP) in the channels between the islands in the Tailhandier tidal flats—an area it manages—to the Îles-de-Boucherville National Park.
Conducted by the Jacques-Cartier ZIP (the French acronym for priority intervention zone), this characterization study was supported by the provincial wildlife foundation, the FFQ, and the MPA. The government agency that manages Quebec’s natural territories, Sépaq, and the City of Boucherville also played an important role in making it happen.
The data collected will be used to develop an action plan to enhance this territory while ensuring its long-term protection.
Control of invasive buckthorn: a hands-on project to preserve local ecosystems
The MPA supported a project to control common and alder buckthorn, two species identified as priority invasive alien species by MELCCFP, Quebec’s ministry of the environment, the fight against climate change, wildlife and parks.
Carried out on the Tailhandier tidal flats, this initiative to preserve local ecosystems threatened by these invasive shrubs targeted about seven hectares. The project led by the Jacques-Cartier ZIP continued work begun in 2024 and was supported by Fondation de la faune du Québec and the MPA .
Last summer, the initial phase made it possible to control existing colonies. This involved manually pulling up young buckthorn plants to limit their early spread, while also cutting down large plants. Geotextile fabrics were then put over the freshly cut stumps to prevent regrowth.
In the fall, a second phase began with the planting of 1,249 native trees and shrubs to compete with future buckthorn regrowth and strengthen local biodiversity. Of note, 31 trees planted in 2024 that didn’t survive were replaced.
We highly commend our partner, Urgence Marine Environnement, for getting involved by managing the transport logistics of moving teams and equipment.
3,000 trees in 5 years = mission accomplished 2 years ahead of time!
Three years ago, the Port of Montreal committed to planting 3,000 trees in five years, working with the city’s NPO that leads greening efforts, the Société de verdissement du Montréal métropolitain (Soverdi). The MPA is pleased to announce that not only has this commitment been met but it was achieved two years ahead of schedule! Even though the plan is now done, the MPA will continue the program in 2026.
This past year, 1,976 trees and 425 shrubs were planted in various areas next to Port of Montreal facilities, helping to green industrial, residential and conservation areas. This means that over three years, the MPA planted 3,415 trees.
In collaboration with Soverdi: 1,002 trees and 150 shrubs were planted on Port of Montreal territory, on the:
- Port of Montreal’s Grand Quay
- Viau embankment
- Embankment along sections 36 to 40
Plus, in collaboration with the Jacques-Cartier ZIP, 974 trees and 275 shrubs were planted on the Tailhandier flats.
Our thanks go to Soverdi and Jacques-Cartier ZIP for their valued contribution to these ambitious projects!
December 16, 2025