Establishment of Native Boreal Plant Species on Reclaimed Oil Sands Mining Disturbances

Historically, research on revegetation in disturbed oil sands sites has focused on tree species with little time devoted to detailed studies on the establishment of other boreal vascular plant species. A field trial was developed in 2007 to better understand success in establishing boreal shrub and herbaceous species in Northern Alberta. The goals of this project are as follows: 1) Determine which species emerge and the effect of sowing season and propagule type on the emergence and establishment of up to 40 native boreal plant species, 3) To provide site-specific information regarding the establishment of individual species, and 3) To fill knowledge gaps in the literature used by practitioners to effectively grow and establish locally harvested native boreal plant species (i.e. propagule harvest and cleaning methods, germination and pre-treatment requirements, seed and fruit weights and measures).

Detailed trial results for individual species are presented in the final report. Seedling emergence was generally higher on the Aurora site compared to Mildred Lake, likely due to warmer soil temperatures and lower competition from weedy species, with Suncor showing intermediate results. Emergence rates were low and highly variable, suggesting that specific site conditions strongly influence success. Long-term monitoring is needed to assess survival, compare seeding with transplanting methods, and better understand the factors that maximize establishment.