Centre for Boreal Research

We work with industry and communities to support best management practices and reclamation of the boreal forest. Our team of research scientists and technicians with professional designations in forestry, biology and agrology work primarily out of our Peace River applied research facilities.

Technology Access Centre

The Centre for Boreal Research hosts the Boreal Forest Plant and Seed Technology Access Centre at the Peace River applied research facility. ThisTAC helps Canadian-based businesses get their products, processes and services market-ready by:

  • Offering objective advice and specialized technical services
  • Providing training related to new types of equipment and processes

  • Conducting applied research to develop solutions that address company challenges.

Learn more about Technology Access Centres across Canada.

Research areas

Learn more about our research specializations and the impact we've made in these areas with our industry partners.

Forest reclamation
Forest management
Wetland restoration
Native plants and seeds
Tailings site remediation
Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions

Our experts

PhotoFull nameTitleSpecialization(s) 
Amanda SchoonmakerNSERC Industrial Research Chair for Colleges in Boreal Reclamation and Reforestation forest ecology, plant physiology vegetation management, novel nursery stock seedling approaches, reforestation and forest management.
Ba Thuong LeResearch Associatepeatland restoration, boreal peatland characterization, climate change effective assessment, soil erosion measurement, greenhouse gas exchange measurement, forest characterization and management, land use management
Bin XuNSERC Industrial Research Chair for Colleges in Peatland Restorationpeatland vegetation and community edology, ecological restoration and monitoring, climate change and greenhouse gas emissions, peatland restoration, peatland ecology, greenhouse gas modelling
Jared HorvathForest Ecology Research Assistantplant identification, vegetation management
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Labs and facilities

NAIT researchers have access to a range of specialized labs, facilities and equipment. The Centre for Boreal Research makes use of these and other world-class applied research labs.

Research Greenhouse

NAIT’s 2,600 square foot research greenhouse provides controlled conditions to support year-round growth of native plants and seedlings.

Soils Laboratory

NAIT’s soils laboratory is a 1,200 square foot preparation space for greenhouse related activities, including mixing soil and filling pots for seeding, as well as cold climate storage.

Clean Laboratory

NAIT’s clean laboratory is a 600 square foot space for sample analysis activities, including seed testing, biomass measurement, and soil and water chemistry analysis.

Latest from the centre

Apr. 08, 2021

How scientists are restoring boreal peatlands to help keep carbon in the ground

NAIT explains how mosses play a critical role in the fight against climate change.

Mar. 22, 2021

Bugs help vegetation grow on tailings

NAIT applied research centres combine efforts to develop novel ways to remove water from tailings more efficiently.

Explore technical notes, videos, field guides, publications and tools from NAIT's Centre for Boreal Research

Connect with us

If you would like to learn more about the work we do or have a challenge that we may be able to help you solve, please get in touch.

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