A large-scale restoration project is underway in Gros Morne National Park, where Parks Canada is working to bring back natural forests once devastated by moose overgrazing. Nearly 300,000 seedlings are being planted this year on grassy ridges behind Sally’s Cove, with the goal of planting a total of one million trees over time.

In the 1980s and 1990s, booming moose populations in the park stripped away young trees and shrubs, creating what locals now call “moose meadows.” Species like black spruce, balsam fir, and white spruce were eaten before they could mature, leaving vast open landscapes where forest should have thrived.

Planting Back the Forest
To reverse the damage, tree planters have been flown in by helicopter with massive palettes of seedlings. Each worker plants around 2,000 trees per day across the rugged terrain.

“It’s really, really hard work,” said planter Mike Downden, one of the few from Newfoundland and Labrador taking part in the project. This summer marks his third season planting trees for Parks Canada.

The ambitious program is expected to restore natural forest cover to Gros Morne’s backcountry, strengthen biodiversity, and reshape the park’s ecosystem for future generations.