How to move without legs or wings: Helping trees migrate to new regions

• While it is true that individual trees are immobile, as a species they can actually move and migrate as well as birds do!
• We hope you have a pleasant — and informative — walk through the forest!
• This is what we will explore in this article, the first in our new summer series.
• As researchers in forest ecophysiology, we study basic tree physical functions and relate them to broader ecological dynamics.

The moving forest

• After some time, these seedlings will start producing new seeds and contribute to this slow geographical expansion.
• However, new seedlings require years, often decades to grow and produce seeds that can migrate further than their parents.

Fast changes, slow trees

• No natural warming event in the past has occurred at a comparable rate.
• Such rapid changes are putting great pressure on forest ecosystems, particularly by modifying habitat conditions.
• The migration speeds of the vast majority of tree species are slower than the shift of favourable habitats.

Helping trees migrate

• This motivates researchers and forest managers to consider new approaches to solving this problem, including assisted migration.
• Artificial seed transfer and planting can accelerate the natural migration process and help overcome geographical barriers, such as mountain ranges or large water surfaces.
• Since the latter presents higher ecological risks, it is generally only considered for the conservation of endangered species.

A Canadian example

• At the same time, researchers have found that areas near the northern limit of maple’s range are becoming increasingly suitable for this species.
• In this case, assisted migration could help northern forests adapt faster to new conditions, and provide valuable services such as maple syrup production.

Pioneers

• In 2019, the University of Québec in Chicoutimi (UQAC) established an experimental sugar maple plantation at the northern edge of its range, in the Saguenay region of Québec.
• In a few decades, excellent maple syrup may be produced here, in addition to all the valuable scientific data collected up to that point.

Trials on migration

• Here, the effects of factors such as microclimate, herbivore browsing and plant competition on tree establishment and growth can be tested.
• This type of experimental study provides valuable information on the characteristics that can help or hinder the success of assisted migration projects.
• Implementing scientific trials today can help us fully understand the dynamics and risks of assisted migration, so that we can make the best forest management choices for future years and generations.
• She has received funding from the Green Economy Plan of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks of the Government of Quebec.