The Location‍

📍 Greater Sudbury, Ontario, Canada

Once heavily scarred by decades of mining and logging, the land surrounding Greater Sudbury was left bare—devoid of vegetation, degraded by erosion, and contaminated by industrial activity.

The region's sand hilltops and exposed rock were a direct result of nickel and copper ore extraction, making Sudbury one of Canada’s most dramatically impacted urban environments.

But since 1978, Sudbury has undergone an ambitious urban restoration effort, transforming contaminated landscapes into green spaces.

Today, this work continues—with a focus on rebuilding forest ecosystems, increasing biodiversity, and enhancing public health and access to nature.

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The Problem‍

The environmental legacy of Sudbury’s industrial past is significant:

• Decades of logging and mining left the land stripped and toxic
• Vegetation loss contributed to soil erosion and poor air quality
• Biodiversity declined sharply as native habitats disappeared
• Residents were left without access to clean, natural spaces

Restoration is not only ecological—it’s personal. Restoring Sudbury improves health outcomes, boosts local pride, and reconnects people with the land.

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The Solution‍

This project supports the rehabilitation of Sudbury’s unique landscape by planting native, hardy species that can thrive in harsh soil conditions and assist with long-term ecological recovery.

Our strategy includes:

• Planting 25+ native species including Tamarack, Ironwood, Jack Pine, Red Pine, Eastern Hemlock, Mountain Maple, Oak, and Spruce
• Using remote IoT sensors and geospatial data to monitor forest growth, soil health, and local climate impacts
• Partnering with the City of Sudbury to plan, plant, and track restoration progress
• Transforming degraded hills into community green spaces for hiking, recreation, and nature appreciation

Restoration here supports not just biodiversity, but community well-being and urban climate resilience.

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Partners

City of Sudbury and local ecological restoration teams

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What is Terrestrial Restoration?‍

Terrestrial restoration is the process of bringing degraded or deforested land back to life through reforestation and ecosystem recovery. In Sudbury, that means healing land that was once barren due to mining—replacing it with thriving forests that cool the city, filter the air, and bring back native wildlife.

Restoration benefits include:

• 20–40% increase in biodiversity within 10 years
• Reduction in local temperatures by 3–5°C
• Soil erosion reduced by up to 90%
• Cleaner air and water for city residents

By planting resilient tree species and monitoring recovery with advanced tech, we’re planting the seeds of long-term transformation.

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The Impact

• 0.67 tonnes of CO₂ sequestered per tree
• 75% estimated survivability
• 80 work days created per 10,000 trees planted
• 16 hectares restored per 10,000 trees
• Wildlife supported includes Canada Goose, Red Squirrel, Ringneck Snake, and White-tailed Deer

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Planting Timeline‍

🌱 May – June and September – October

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Sustainable Development Goals Supported‍

🌍 Climate Action
🌲 Life on Land
💧 Clean Water and Sanitation
⛑️ Good Health and Wellbeing
🌆 Sustainable Cities and Communities

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How You Can Help‍

Ecodrive gives your business the power to turn everyday actions into meaningful restoration in places like Sudbury.

Tie purchases, customer reviews, or other business touchpoints to reforestation projects that clean the air, boost biodiversity, and transform urban environments for future generations.

Plug in with Ecodrive through your Shopify store or existing e-commerce platform, and gain access to automated reporting, verified impact, and marketing tools that help your brand grow sustainably—with transparency your customers can trust.

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