With April behind us, our teams have wrapped up another successful spring planting season—putting over 2.3 million seedlings into the ground. This work is part of an ongoing commitment that sees Western plant an average of over 4 million trees annually across B.C.’s coastal forests.

At the heart of this effort is a team of skilled silviculturists, foresters, planners and planters—people who combine deep expertise with a shared dedication to long-term forest health. Their work is rooted in science and guided by a vision to support biodiversity, preserve wildlife habitat and build climate resilience.

Supporting this team are local contractors who carry out the planting on the ground, and regional nurseries that supply many of the high-quality seedlings essential to the program’s success. The balance of seedlings began their journey at Western’s own Saanich Forestry Centre, where decades of research inform the selection, collection and storage of resilient, high-performing seeds.

When it comes time to plant, we match tree species to each site, reflecting the area’s natural profile and ecological condition. In all locations, we also incorporate climate-adapted variants taking into account future conditions. By prioritizing a mix of genetically diverse, regionally adapted seeds, we help maintain ecological integrity and strengthen long-term resilience. Once trees are in the ground, we continue monitoring their progress for up to 20-years, making site-specific adjustments as needed to support healthy growth.

It’s a long-term process, carried out by people who understand the importance of seeing both the forest and the trees.

Thanks to all our partners who help make this possible!

Local Contractors: Timberline, Guillory Emery and Associates, Loki Reforestation, Timberline, Blackfish, Nootka Reforestation, Sitka Silviculture, Heartwood Silviculture, Guillory Emery and Associates

Regional Nurseries: Arbutus Grove, Sylvanvale, PRT