ALT Infographic: Factors influencing post-fire regeneration in peatland-adjacent upland forests. Large peatlands could help buffer the effects of climate change on surrounding forests by providing a stable water supply. This additional moisture could help nearby trees to withstand more frequent wildfires and a warmer, drier landscape. This project examines the localized refugia effect of peatlands across a range of fire, drought and soil conditions. Hypothesis and expected results: Forests near peatlands on fine-textured soils will be buffered from warming, drought and more frequent wildfires, as their soils retain moisture. Preliminary findings: Forests on fine-textured soils directly next to peatlands remained cooler than those farther away. As this study progresses, we expect to gain further insight into how Alberta's boreal forest will respond to a warming climate. This will help inform conservation planning and riparian buffer zoning practices.