ESRS: Leaders in Cost Effective Land Reclamation in Western Canada
Since 1980 Eastern Slopes Rangeland Seeds Ltd has been working closely with government and the reclamation industry to develop more efficient strategies for restoration. Historically, restoring native ecosystems proved to be very difficult and resulted in limited success. In more recent years the research and development by ESRS scientists has improved reclamation methods greatly and their introduction of Foothills Rough Fescue plugs has garnered them a great reputation as leaders in the industry.
Restoration of a Native Ecosystem can be extremely difficult
Each species has its own required optimum growing conditions and plant communities. It may have taken thousands of years to develop the environmental conditions that now facilitating the existence of a plant community.Many species are long lived and are not adapted to establishing in highly disturbed environments. These species though dominant in many ecosystems have poor seed production, germination and establishment. Some species of grass can take up to four years to reach maturity. Invasive species can easily take advantage of week seedlings and dominate the environment. Erosion can further damage the environment before these species can successfully be established. For this reason planting plugs started in a greenhouse or sprigs (living roots) into the ground can greatly improve your success while significantly reducing the establishment time required.
Establishing long lived grasses
Rough Fescue and other species such as Giant Wild Rye or Sweet Grass are slow growing and have very low viability from seed. For this reason these grasslands have rarely been successfully re-established.Restoration and Reclamation Monitoring programs
In order to ensure the successful reclamation and restoration of delicate ecosystems after major disturbances it is critical that a proper environmental monitoring system be put in place. Without adequate monitoring the reclamation attempt may well fail resulting the project being a waste of money.Having specialized in this type of restoration for 30 years ESRS, our consultants are well equipped to provide comprehensive management strategies and monitoring programs to greatly improve the prospects of a successful restoration. We are happy to provide monitoring or create programs to be followed by professionals.
Tree Planters form an essential part of our Reclamation Team
We have access to highly trained tree planters who fulfill all your planting needs. For more details contact us or contact Jim Logan at Folklore Contracting LtdEstablishing Shrubs and Forbs
These species can have difficult to handle seed or produce very little seed so alterative methods of planting may be required. Lists of some of the species we produce can be found here: Shrubs, Forbs.Establishing a forested ecosystem
These ecosystems require many species of shrubs and forbs that may not have readily available seed or may be difficult to establish from seed. This again is where plugs and sprigs can be very beneficial.Please direct consulting enquiries to Consulting@easternslopesrangelandseeds.com
or Call us at 1-403-637-2473
