Forests are home to more than trees, and Domtar helps support biodiversity efforts to keep plants and wildlife plentiful in the areas where we operate. Our company has partnered with nurseries, fish and wildlife organizations and landowners to create rich habitats for a variety of plants and animals.
A recent initiative brought together Domtar, the Four States Timberland Owners Association, Hunter-Wasson Inc., and Love Creek Nursery in Okolona, Arkansas, to help beautify wooded acres with an array of wildflowers.
The seed mix will provide landowners with seven to 12 wildflower species, both annuals and perennials.
“Each box will provide enough native wildflower seeds to plant up to a 1,500-square-foot patch, which will benefit butterflies and pollinator species,” says Cathrine Jackson, wood and fiber procurement administrator at our Ashdown Mill. “We aim to provide habitat for species in need and colorful beauty on landowners’ properties. We can’t wait to see the blooms in the near future.”
She says the wildflower project may become an annual effort if it proves successful.
Wildflowers Support Biodiversity
The flowers will provide more than a dose of color, says Doug Teale, who manages fiber procurement at the mill.
“They provide seeds, nectar, pollen and leaves as a source of food and life for pollinators and birds that have small home ranges,” he says. “In addition, they provide shelter and habitat to various pollinators, including bees, butterflies and birds. They can also improve soil health and prevent erosion as they are established.”
This is just one way Domtar, part of the Paper Excellence Group, helps support biodiversity. We joined the Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society (RGS & AWS), American Bird Conservancy (ABC), Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) and Audubon Mid-Atlantic (AMA) to improve habitats for game and non-game wildlife, using a unique approach that creates landowner income and jobs in rural Pennsylvania.
Domtar’s support of American Forest Foundation (AFF) biodiversity conservation initiatives is helping protect at-risk or endangered wildlife, especially in the Southeastern United States.
“These partnerships support biodiversity and enhance the beauty of the land in our communities and provide healthy habitat for a number of species,” says Paige Goff, vice president of sustainability at Domtar.
“We value the broader benefits of forestland and work to be good stewards of it.”
Read more about how we support biodiversity across the Paper Excellence Group.
- Resolute Forest Products: Building a Better Fishway for the Vulnerable American Eel
- Resolute Forest Products: Helping the Turtles that Help Our Forests
- Resolute Forest Products: Sustainable Forest Management in Action – Protecting Baby Bats
- Paper Excellence Canada: Championing Change for Salmon Habitat Restoration
