On September 8, 2026, Arboris team members Jamie Poulin and David Labonté helped plant approximately 100 deciduous saplings in Hollow Glen, Chelsea, Québec. Working with Forêt Capitale Forest, our arborists contributed to a local initiative to increase tree diversity and strengthen forest connections across the MRC des Collines-de-l’Outaouais.
Forêt Capitale Forest needed professional support to complete a busy schedule of planting projects before the end of fall. Arboris was pleased to lend a hand and put our team’s skills to work on this community project.
Supporting Forest Connections in Hollow Glen
The planting site in Hollow Glen forms part of the Breckenridge ecological corridor, which connects Gatineau Park to the Ottawa River. The land is owned by the Nature Conservancy of Canada, which acquired it in 2024 in part to help protect habitat for the western chorus frog.
This planting was one part of a broader initiative led by the Wakefield-based non-profit Eco Echo. The initiative brings together Forêt Capitale Forest, municipalities, conservation partners and private landowners to plant trees at 15 sites across the MRC des Collines.
The sites were selected to help reduce ecosystem fragmentation and introduce a more diverse mix of trees to the local canopy. At Hollow Glen, our contribution focused on getting the young trees into the ground and helping establish the next generation of forest.
A Diverse Mix of Deciduous Trees
According to Forêt Capitale Forest’s project manager, the species planted at the Hollow Glen site included Canadian serviceberry, butternut, hickory, ironwood, northern red oak, paper birch, white oak and yellow birch.
Rather than relying on just one or two familiar species, the project brought together a varied selection of deciduous trees. This diversity was central to the initiative’s goal of developing stronger, more resilient local forests.
For our team, it was an opportunity to contribute practical arboricultural experience to a project with a long-term purpose: supporting a diverse canopy in a valuable ecological corridor in Chelsea.
Protecting Young Trees as They Establish
Planting is only the beginning. Young saplings also need protection while they establish, particularly where deer and other wildlife may browse or damage them.
At Hollow Glen, protective mesh was installed around the young trees. Forêt Capitale Forest explained that this protection would remain in place for up to two years. The photographs from the project show our team preparing planting spots, positioning saplings and installing their protective enclosures.
These steps are an important part of the work behind a planting project, even when the trees themselves are still small.
Featured in The Low Down
The project was covered in the September 23–29, 2026 edition of The Low Down to Hull and Back News. The article, “MRC des Collines forests to get some diverse additions,” describes the wider initiative and includes a photograph of Jamie Poulin and David Labonté at the Hollow Glen planting site.
We appreciate the opportunity to support Forêt Capitale Forest and contribute to the work of Eco Echo and its partners. Projects like this bring together local knowledge, conservation goals and hands-on work to help shape the future of our forests.
Planning a Tree Planting Project in Chelsea?
If you are considering planting trees on your property in Chelsea, contact Arboris to discuss your site, your goals and the support you need.
Whether you are adding trees to an established landscape or planning a larger planting project, we would be happy to hear about it.
