Sudbury, Ontario, Looked Like a Moonscape, Then It Planted 10 Million Trees

Greater Sudbury, Ontario, offers a look at what happens when a community commits to environmental restoration. Once defined by its status as the primary source of sulfur dioxide emissions from local nickel mining, the city once resembled a moonscape with bare, blackened rock. Starting in 1978, the city launched a massive effort to reverse this damage. Since that time, more than 10 million trees have been planted, transforming the landscape into a hub for outdoor recreation and local tourism.

Jane Goodall acted as a long-term advocate for these efforts. She spent over two decades highlighting the program as a model for nature recovery. In 2022, she joined the federal government at Bell Park on Ramsey Lake to plant the project's 10-millionth tree. Today, visitors can walk the Jane Goodall Reclamation Trail, which details the specific restoration history of the region. The trail shows how liming and planting converted land that held no vegetation into the greenery seen now.

The city now hosts significant science centers like Science North and Dynamic Earth, both of which provide education on the local mining industry and environmental science. Dynamic Earth is famous for the Big Nickel, a replica coin that marks the city's mining history. These attractions draw people from across Canada to explore how technological shifts in mining accompany the region's green success.

Beyond the environmental history, the local hospitality scene has grown. Independent breweries like 46 North Brewing and distilleries such as Crosscut Distillery operate in the city, using local water and foraged ingredients. Food options range from casual staples like the local burger scene to high-end Italian restaurants. This blend of industrial history, restoration, and modern amenities makes the city a destination for those interested in Canadian history and environmental change.