We Merge UAV Technology, Automation, and Ecological Science to Reforest Post-Wildfire Areas on a Global Scale: Bryce Jones, CEO of Flash Forest

Flash Forest is an innovative reforestation company that uses drone technology to rapidly and efficiently plant trees at scale. Founded with the mission to tackle climate change, the company has developed a system that automates the planting process, making it faster, cost-effective, and accessible to areas that are difficult to reach through traditional methods. Flash Forest’s drones deliver seed pods that are designed to restore ecosystems and combat deforestation, aiming to increase carbon sequestration and support biodiversity. Flash Forest uses advanced technology to address the growing need for reforestation, working toward a future where large-scale restoration is not just possible, but a reality. 

SME Business Review spoke with Bryce Jones, founder and CEO of Flash Forest, about the company’s innovative reforestation efforts and use of drone technology to fight climate change. Here’s what Mr. Jones had to say.

Interview Excerpts

Could you tell us about Flash Forest and how the company came to be?

Flash Forest was born out of a desire to make reforestation faster and more efficient. We saw that traditional reforestation methods were slow and often too expensive to scale. My co-founders and I wanted to find a way to make large-scale reforestation feasible, and that’s when we decided to use drones. Our approach combines cutting-edge technology with the natural solution to climate change—trees. We realized that by using drones to plant trees, we could plant at a much faster rate, reduce costs, and get trees into places that were previously difficult to reach.

What exactly does Flash Forest do to help with reforestation?

Flash Forest focuses on using drone technology to plant trees. We use drones that are equipped with seed pods to plant trees in areas that are hard to access, like remote forests, areas impacted by wildfires, or regions with difficult terrain. The drones are able to plant thousands of trees in a fraction of the time it would take with manual labor. This approach helps us to scale up reforestation efforts and plant trees at a much faster rate, which is crucial in combating climate change.

What makes your approach to reforestation different from traditional methods?

Traditional reforestation efforts often involve human workers planting trees by hand, which can be time-consuming, labor-intensive, and costly. We use drones to automate this process, which drastically increases speed and reduces costs. Our drones are also able to plant trees in areas that are difficult or even dangerous for humans to access, such as places impacted by wildfires or located in remote regions. This gives us the ability to scale reforestation efforts and plant trees in areas that need them most.

How does the use of drones benefit both the environment and society?

The environmental benefits are clear. Forests are essential for absorbing carbon dioxide, and reforestation helps restore ecosystems that have been damaged by deforestation. By planting trees at a faster rate, we can help remove carbon emissions from the atmosphere and contribute to fighting climate change. For society, our approach also reduces the cost of reforestation efforts, which means more resources can go into protecting our environment. Additionally, we work closely with local communities and governments to ensure that our reforestation efforts align with their needs and support long-term sustainability.

Flash Forest is focused on more than just planting trees. How do you ensure the long-term success of the trees you plant?

Our mission doesn’t stop at planting the trees. We’re committed to ensuring that these trees survive and grow. That’s why we don’t just focus on planting as many trees as possible. We work with experts, researchers, and local communities to develop the best methods for planting in different environments. We also take care to ensure the trees are planted in locations that support long-term sustainability. Our approach is about restoring ecosystems, which involves not just planting trees but nurturing them to grow into healthy forests that contribute to biodiversity and carbon sequestration over the long term.

Flash Forest has already planted thousands of trees across Canada. How do you plan to expand your efforts internationally?

We’re definitely focused on scaling up our efforts. We’ve already made significant strides in Canada, and we see the potential to bring our technology to other countries. There are many regions around the world that need reforestation, particularly areas affected by deforestation or natural disasters. As we continue to grow, we plan to work with international partners, governments, and organizations to scale our technology globally. The goal is to make large-scale reforestation accessible everywhere, not just in regions where it’s easier to plant trees. There are still so many places that need reforestation, and we want to be a part of the solution.

How does Flash Forest’s drone technology make reforestation more efficient compared to traditional methods?

The efficiency of our technology lies in its ability to plant trees quickly and at scale. Traditional methods require manual labor, which takes time and resources. Our drones can cover large areas in a fraction of the time, which means we can plant thousands of trees in one day. The drones are equipped with seed pods that contain the right nutrients, ensuring the trees have the best chance of survival. This allows us to reforest larger areas more efficiently than traditional methods, especially in regions that are difficult to access.

What are some of the challenges Flash Forest faces in reforestation, and how do you overcome them?

One of the challenges is ensuring the survival of the trees we plant. While drones help us plant quickly, the success of the project depends on factors like the type of soil, weather conditions, and the local ecosystem. We’ve worked with experts to develop solutions to address these challenges, like ensuring we plant the right trees in the right places and using the best possible seed pods. Another challenge is funding. Large-scale reforestation requires significant investment, and while our technology is cost-effective, there are still financial hurdles to overcome. We’ve built strong partnerships with organizations and governments to help fund our reforestation efforts and make sure we can scale effectively.

What do you think is the future of reforestation, and how does Flash Forest fit into that vision?

The future of reforestation lies in large-scale, efficient solutions that can be implemented quickly. As climate change accelerates, we need to find ways to restore ecosystems faster and at a larger scale. I believe that technology like drones will play a major role in this, allowing us to plant trees faster and in areas that are otherwise inaccessible. Flash Forest is at the forefront of this movement, and we’re committed to continuing to improve our technology and processes to help reforest the planet. In the future, we see a world where large-scale reforestation is not just possible, but the norm, and we’re proud to be part of that solution.

What message would you like to share with businesses and individuals looking to make a difference for the environment?

My message would be simple: every effort counts, and we all have a role to play. Whether you’re a business looking to invest in sustainable solutions or an individual looking for ways to contribute, there’s always something you can do. We believe that through collaboration and innovation, we can make a meaningful difference. At Flash Forest, we’re working hard to create a future where large-scale reforestation is a reality, and we invite others to join us in making that happen. It’s time to act, and together, we can make a significant impact on our planet’s future.

Bryce Jones, Founder & CEO, Flash Forest

“We’re an aerial reforestation company that uses a data-driven, biodiversity-centric approach to rebuild healthy resilient forests at scale.”