Forest Gardeners part 1

A story about tree and men.

The boreal forest is the largest forest ecosystem on the planet. Three nurseries located in Saguenay specialize in the growth of tree species that will be used for the reforestation of the most important forest region in Québec.

The volume of softwood from the forest is mostly composed of black spruce (85%), a tree essence that is highly sought-after for its qualities of resistance not only for lumber, intended for construction, but also for pulp and paper production from shavings.

For the first part of this long-term series on tree life and forest growth, the photo report focuses on the workers inside these nurseries.

The work is demanding and long hours are spent outside, regardless of the weather. Women, for the most part from the region and employed for several years in the nurseries, need to slip into small spaces to work. With concentration, they must control the little sprouts and decide which ones will live to become trees under their supervision. Thoroughness, rigor and judgment are required qualities for this work which, in our time, is vital for the good of our planet. Men, as far as they’re concerned, ensure the set up and the delivery of the seedlings.

These men and women are part of the forest gardeners.