Nova Scotia's Thriving Forests

Individuals and organizations who own, hold rights to or care for at least 2.5 hectares (about six acres) of suitable land for planting in Nova Scotia are eligible to apply. This includes:

• Private landowners and/or two or more private landowners with adjacent land.
• Governments (Indigenous, federal, provincial, municipal)
• Organizations and companies (not-for-profit and for-profit)
• Indigenous organizations and communities
• Community land trusts

Suitable land refers to areas with favourable conditions to support healthy tree growth over the long term, based on the type of tree species and project goals.

Our Thriving Forests team includes members certified in forest ecosystem classification, who will assess the soil quality, terrain and proposed land use as part of our intake process.

In coordination with the federal 2 Billion Trees program, all tree planting projects must comply with provincial and federal laws that have authority over the management of most forested land in Nova Scotia.

Examples of common planting project areas include:

• Retired agricultural land or grassy fields.
• Decommissioned road areas.
• Locations where trees may improve biodiversity and habitat.
• Regions where wildfire, pests or other natural disturbances have impacted a critical habitat.

Examples of land that is not suitable for planting include:

• Land actively used in business-as-usual forestry activities or for participation in existing silviculture funding programs. To learn more, visit these resources:
  • Association for Sustainable Forestry
  • Nova Scotia’s Wood Acquisition Plan Summary
• Bogs, marshes, watercourses, or areas where water regularly collects.

Yes! Planting new trees within an established forest area—called underplanting—can make for a successful project. For example, after a hurricane causes widespread blowdown or in instances of an aging forest, underplanting can help promote forest regeneration and restore biodiversity.

This method involves planting different native species—often hardwoods like maples, birches or oaks—among the existing trees.  

Thriving Forests operates under the same provisions as the federal 2 Billion Trees program. Planting activities cannot take place on lands where other ecosystems provide unique habitats for plants and animals, or as part of business-as-usual commercial forestry.

Thriving Forests does not provide trees as part of streetscaping projects or for landscaping purposes.

Business-as-usual commercial forestry refers to land being managed primarily for timber production and is not eligible for Thriving Forests planting projects. The program does not fund projects that help organizations meet their legal obligations to regenerate forests.

Nova Scotia’s Thriving Forests is committed to restoring Wabanaki-Acadian and Maritime Boreal forests by planting a mix of native tree species, sourced from seeds in Atlantic Canada. These include red maple, sugar maple, red oak, yellow birch, white birch, white pine, white spruce, red spruce, eastern larch and more. Each project and site are assessed to ensure that the most appropriate species are planted for the site conditions.

Please note, we do not plant shrubs, fruit trees or other non-native tree species.

The Thriving Forests Program covers the full cost of trees and planting. Site preparation, monitoring and maintenance costs, including grass seed (or other ground cover) and deer prevention may also be included under these categories on a case-by-case basis. When possible, participants are encouraged to assist with an in-kind donation, such as mowing the site ahead of planting.

Our team is committed to minimizing any disturbances or undesirable impacts to the land throughout all phases of a Thriving Forests planting project. We work with trusted local service providers to prepare sites and carry out planting. On planting day(s), crews typically arrive with trucks and enter the project site on foot. If the area lacks clear entry points, crews may create access trails using ATVs. Occasionally, additional machinery is used to get the site ready for planting.

Site preparation can look different depending on the site location and its existing conditions. Typical tasks may include mowing, plowing or trenching. In rare cases, access trails may need to be cut.

Before planting occurs, we will connect with you to review existing access points and discuss any site preparation services that may help the project succeed. As the participant, you’ll have the opportunity to review and approve the planting plan.

A participation waiver is required to be signed before any site work or planting begins. Signing this waiver confirms that you understand the project details, agree to the plan and permit our team and partners to access the site and carry out the work.

Project participants are encouraged to help steward the land and support the growth of newly planted trees so they can thrive. Proper aftercare is key for the long-term survival and health of the trees. This may include:How

• Minding weeds.
• Spraying natural deer deterrents.
• Mowing between trees.

Please avoid harmful practices, such as applying chemicals without guidance, relocating or cutting down trees. Take caution when mowing or trimming around the trees.

Participants will receive follow-up instructions after planting, along with resources to guide ongoing care. Service providers may visit the site from time to time to check on the success of growth after planting. Additionally, our team is available to answer any questions that may come up.   

Early detection can prompt quick intervention to support the tree’s recovery and help keep surrounding forests areas healthy and enjoyable for all. If you suspect signs of disease, invasive pests or stress, please get in touch with our team.