Tree planting and biodiversity initiatives: two flagship MPA projects in 2024

 Controlling invasive species: focus on invasive buckthorn

As part of its environmental commitments, the MPA launched an extensive project to control buckthorn and borage, two priority invasive alien species identified by the Ministère de l'Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs. The initiative, covering about five hectares in all, was conducted on the Tailhandier Flats in the Boucherville Islands, a territory managed by the MPA, to preserve local ecosystems threatened by these invasive shrubs. The project is part of the St. Lawrence Marine Biodiversity Program, supported by the St. Lawrence Action Fund (SLAF), and was carried out in collaboration with the Jacques-Cartier priority intervention zone (ZIP).

Over the summer, the first phase of intervention consisted of controlling the colonies by manually uprooting young buckthorn shrubs to limit their early spread, and cutting back large shrubs, followed applying a bioherbicide to cause progressive dieback of the cut shrubs.

In autumn, a second phase was implemented with the planting of 450 native trees selected to compete with future buckthorn regrowth, helping to enhance local biodiversity while compensating for the cuts made to shrub coverage.

Initial results show a significant reduction, and in some areas virtual disappearance, of these colonies. This is an important step towards restoring the affected ecosystems. Next steps include:

• Monitoring plantings, regrowth and biodiversity on the island
• Reinforcing planted areas with targeted interventions to densify native vegetation
• Ongoing management of remaining colonies to prevent reinfestation

An ambitious tree-planting program

At the same time, the MPA is continuing its five-year project to plant 3,000 trees in collaboration with Soverdi, the Société de verdissement du Montréal métropolitain. This year, 768 trees were planted in various areas around the Montreal and Contrecoeur port facilities, helping to green industrial and residential areas.

465  trees planted on Port of Montreal territory, specifically:

• Parc de l’Hôtel-de-Ville park in the east end of Montreal

• Tailhandier Flats in the Boucherville Islands

303 trees integrated into the surrounding community, with plantings carried out in key locations such as:

• Grace Dart Extended Care Centre

• CAP Saint-Barnabé community centre

• Louise-Trichet school

• Hôtel-Dieu de Sorel hospital

We thank Soverdi For their invaluable contribution to this ambitious project to improve the urban canopy, make urban space more beautiful and minimize heat islands.

December 16, 2024