Native Plant Producer, ESRS is committed to the collection and breeding of native plant species
indigenous to the province of Alberta. It is our goal to promote the
utilization of native species in the reclamation and agricultural industries
in order to further protect the delicate ecological balance in the province
and increase the productivity of the agricultural sector.
Native species have long-term competitive advantages over many tame
species due to their inherent adaptation to our environment. The main
obstacles to wide use of native species include cost and the limited
knowledge about these species. It is our goal to provide effective information
capable of reducing the costs associated with native species and increasing
usability through proper management of native species.
To address difficulties in producing and marketing native species
properly ESRS conducts specific research on the benefits of utilizing
native plants on a species by species basis. This research takes into
account areas of production, handling, weed control methods, and planting
methods for each species. This has allowed ESRS to maintain its position
as one of the most knowledgeable companies for restoration planning
in the reclamation industry.
ESRS has been growing native plant materials for over 25 years and is
currently operating 180 acres of land for native seed breeding and production
and more land in tame species. This experience in growing native plants
from seed and plugs has greatly increased the credibility of ESRS in
restoration planning and management as well in providing high quality
products to the consumer. ESRS has a team of professionals who encompass
some of the most skilled Botanists in Alberta with 71 years of experience
working as private consultants and in the government.
ESRS has recently added a large commercial green house in addition to
its experimental greenhouse, with plans for future expansions set to
be completed in 2008. This green house is devoted to production of native
plant materials through contract growing. Currently ESRS grows for contract
any native species in Alberta through wild collections or their breeder
plot selections. ESRS is specialized in grass and forb production as
well as woody species. This allows ESRS to establish fully functioning
plant communities in virtually any part of Western Canada.
ESRS is strategically positioned to complete all site selection, and
plant surveys including rare species, rangeland inventory, range health,
weed inventories and environmental impact assessments. This allows ESRS
to provide detailed background information critical to restoration and
reclamation projects which will allow for successful establishment of
new native plant communities on disturbed sites.
ESRS provides planning into what plants should be established and the
content of any seed mixes and live materials planted on a site. This
integration allows for fast and efficient selection of the proper plants
with the intention to establish cheaply and efficiently the proper plant
community the first time.
When working with native species planting failures are extremely common.
Therefore, it is essential that professional management and environmental
monitoring programs are enacted to maximize success rates. With 30yrs
experience in rangeland reclamation the staff at ESRS are well qualified
to provide the level of expertise you need.