In 2024, Agiro planted 580 trees and shrubs at a former waste site in Quebec City. Today, surveys have found more than 160 plant species and 50 bird species are thriving around the recovering site

Restoring a degraded landscape can involve more than planting vegetation. At a former construction waste disposal site in Quebec City, Agiro is combining soil regeneration, native planting, habitat creation, invasive species management and community participation to help guide the property toward a recovering native ecosystem.

The 1.8-hectare site is situated at the foot of Mont-Brillant in the Saint-Charles River watershed, where Quebec City receives its drinking water. It sits within a municipal property spanning over 155 hectares that has been designated to become a nature reserve.

The restoration project obtained funding from The Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) Standards-based Restoration in Action program, in collaboration with Microsoft’s Datacenter Community Affairs team. Agiro is leading the work in partnership with Quebec City (Ville de Québec), which owns the Mont-Brillant lot and plays a significant role in facilitating project activities.

Restoring a former construction waste site

The project area was a construction waste disposal site that remained active until 2012. Its restoration presents many challenges, including compacted soil, invasive species and limited topographical complexity.

Mont-Brillant itself contains mature forests, riparian zones, wetlands and around 5 km of trails used by the community both on foot and in off-road vehicles.

Agiro is using natural ecosystems discovered in the area as references for the restoration. The project places specific emphasis on rebuilding soil conditions so native plants can establish and grow.

The restoration design uses 15 various native trees and shrubs to recreate different stages of ecological succession.

Improving the soil

Agiro worked with specialized agronomists to develop a soil restoration strategy tailored to conditions in the site.

Rather than applying one method everywhere, the team divided the restoration strategy as per the condition of the native soil. Regions with loose, nutrient-rich soil were prioritized for direct planting, while compact and nutrient-poor areas obtained imported topsoil.

Compost, mycorrhizae and mulch were applied throughout the site to enhance soil quality.

Creating different habitats

The project also launched greater variation into the site's physical landscape.

Ten islands of various shapes and sizes were created to increase topographical variety. Reference ecosystems representing different stages of ecological succession were then selected as per the conditions discovered on each island.

The plant communities chosen for the project include meadows, shrublands and forests dominated by either deciduous or coniferous trees.

Plant species and taxonomic groups were selected with wildlife habitat in mind. The project focused on plants that can attract local fauna including frugivorous birds, ruffed grouse, white-tailed deer, moose and pollinators.

Natural materials from the surrounding region were also used to construct shelters for small mammals and snakes.

Controlling invasive species

Invasive exotic plants are another focus of the restoration.

The project launched control and monitoring measures for species including Japanese knotweed, common reed and goutweed. These approaches include the use of impermeable tarps, targeted manual pulling and mowing, and the planting of vegetative barriers.

The goal is to minimize the presence of invasive species while giving native vegetation greater opportunity to establish across the recovering site.

Community participation is part of the project

Community involvement started with a bioblitz, in which residents worked under specialist guidance to conduct inventories of plants and wildlife before restoration activities began.

The citizen science effort generated baseline details that helped guide restoration priorities while also increasing awareness of the site's ecological significance.

Informal interviews with local residents were conducted to describe the project and its relevance. Microsoft employees also volunteered to plant vegetation, while Quebec City provided mulch at no cost.

Signage about the restoration project is planned for the site entrance to provide information to visitors.

The community activities have already produced major findings. The bioblitz identified over 160 plant species, nine amphibian species and nearly 50 bird species. Volunteers also planted close to 100 plants.

580 trees and shrubs planted

The restoration has already included substantial native planting.

A total of 580 trees and shrubs representing 24 species have been planted, along with seeding of a variety of perennials.

The planting is intended to increase the diversity of vegetation and offer additional habitat for wildlife. Better soil conditions are anticipated to support the establishment and growth of native species.

Long-term ecological recovery

The project is designed to establish a recovery trajectory in which the site can continue developing toward an appropriate native ecosystem with minimal intervention.

Project planners expect the restoration to improve biodiversity, minimize habitat fragmentation and strengthen ecological functions. Over the long term, they expect the site to become a resilient landscape capable of continuing natural succession and adapting to climate change.

Applying SER restoration standards

The project is being carried out as part of the SER Standards-based Restoration in Action program, and the restoration approach follows principles outlined in SER standards.

One element is the integration of diverse technical knowledge and local expertise. Specialists conducted comprehended analyses to guide soil restoration, while the bioblitz brought together community members and ecological inventory specialists to develop baseline information.

The project also highlights participation from various groups. Microsoft employees, students and local community members have opportunities to participate in restoration activities, while residents are being encouraged to become allies in protecting the site. Some community members have taken part in planting, while others have contributed to monitoring.

Another focus is addressing the direct and indirect causes of degradation. Soil improvement, habitat fragmentation reduction and sustainable recreational use are among the approaches incorporated into the restoration activities.

The project also seeks to strengthen biodiversity by removing invasive herbaceous plants, introducing native species and creating more complex topography and vegetation layers. Improvements to soil conditions and the creation of varied habitats are intended to support a broader range of plant and animal species and strengthen ecosystem resilience.

Building a recovering ecosystem

The restoration of the former disposal site is intended to address multiple environmental challenges at the same time. Soil conditions, invasive vegetation and habitat complexity are being addressed alongside wildlife habitat and community engagement.

The project combines technical expertise with local participation, using the surrounding natural ecosystems as a reference for restoration while involving residents and volunteers in documenting and improving the site.

By applying SER’s International Standards for the Practice of Ecological Restoration to the former landfill site as part of the Mont-Brillant nature reserve, the project seeks to improve Agiro’s and the City of Quebec’s ability to meet its restoration goals.

The initiative ultimately focuses on leaving the site with stronger ecological integrity, greater biodiversity and a trajectory toward continued natural recovery, while helping visitors understand the environmental value of the restoration.

Source: Society for Ecological Restoration

FAQs:

Q1. Where is the restoration project located?

The project is at the foot of Mont-Brillant in Quebec City. It is within the Saint-Charles River watershed.

Q2. What type of site is being restored?

The project involves a former construction waste disposal site. The site covers 1.8 hectares and was active until 2012.