Diving into Drone Reforestation Pilot Projects
In the wake of a transformative year, it’s time to unravel the strides we have made in enhancing reforestation in British Columbia. We wrapped up our Fall 2023 pilots at the Alex Fraser and Malcom Knapp Research Forests, as well as UBC. Our dedicated team has been working tirelessly, putting our hearts into this season’s efforts.
Our Journey with 15 Species (Trees & Shrubs)
2023 has been a significant milestone for Tree Track. By completing four pivotal pilot projects, we tested the viability of a diverse set of tree and shrub species (15 in total!) as we gear up for our upcoming Spring 2024 reforestation projects. At the core of our mission is habitat and ecological restoration, especially in the aftermath of devastating wildfires.
Rebuilding in the Aftermath of Wildfires
In the aftermath of the most destructive wildfire season in British Columbia, with over 18 million hectares burned (equivalent to 45 million football fields!), our drone reforestation approach has demonstrated its strong potential for repairing the large-scale damage. By incorporating diverse plant species into our pilots, we’ve laid the foundation for a new method of restoring heavily-impacted environments in shorter timeframes. Our improved proprietary drones can easily reseed even the most hostile or rough terrain, going where no human planters can safely go. As we continue our journey, we remain committed to nurturing the rich biodiversity of British Columbia and fostering a sustainable future for all.
Seedpod Development Breakthroughs
Recent reports by the United Nations paint a concerning picture of the state of the world’s forests. Since the 1990s, there has been a net decrease of 50% of forest cover around the globe due to a variety of climate change-driven impacts, such as wildfires and infestations, with secondary effects on biodiversity and habitat fragmentation.
To help mitigate the rate of deforestation, we have developed an innovative technology that is fast, easily scalable, and more affordable to deploy: seedpods. Seedpods are small capsules comprised of a unique mix of materials surrounding a seed. The seed is protected and nourished until it can germinate in even the most barren environments.
Our brilliant research team has formulated a new and improved seedpod formula, one that promises to improve their vitality and encourage even more robust growth, ultimately enhancing the long-term resilience of reforested areas. This development marks a crucial step forwards in seedpod technology, and we can’t wait to deploy this new technology in our reforestation projects next year!