Wetlands are essential ecosystems in the fight against climate change. These areas, including ponds, marshes, peatlands and more, play a crucial role in absorbing and sequestering significant amounts of carbon. This carbon storage takes place mainly in the organic soil and surrounding vegetation. Some peatlands, for example, have stored carbon for thousands of years, capturing it through the plants that grow there.

This carbon storage helps regulate the climate over timescales ranging from a few decades to several millennia.

As part of a large-scale environmental study led by the Government of Quebec and academic researchers from UQAM, eight regional environmental councils—including the Laval REC—are conducting field sampling on sites across Quebec. This initiative aims to:

• better understand the carbon storage capacity of wetlands;
• produce detailed carbon stock maps for southern Quebec.

We invite landowners interested in contributing to this innovative project to welcome a team from the Laval REC onto their land. The data collected—including plant identification, tree measurements and soil sample extraction—will help accurately estimate the amount of carbon stored in your wetland. Sampling is done using a manual probe, which means it will not cause any damage or leave ruts on your land.

How does the sampling process work?

A specialized team will visit your site and outline a 10-by-10-metre study area. Experts collect vegetation and soil data by measuring tree diameters and taking soil samples to assess the organic layer rich in carbon. This process is repeated at several stations to ensure the accuracy of the results.

This data, which is key to understanding the ecological functions of wetlands, directly supports conservation and sustainable land-use planning. By participating, you help preserve these carbon reservoirs that are vital to our shared future.

Why participate?

By welcoming the Laval REC team, you play an active role in monitoring climate change, while contributing to studies that influence land-use planning policies in Quebec. This research also forms a key part of the 2030 Plan for a Green Economy.

Interested?

If you’d like more information or would like to explore collaboration opportunities, feel free to contact our natural environment project management team.