Peatlands are sensitive yet globally important wetlands because of their role in the planet’s carbon-cycle. Peatlands in Canada and elsewhere have been impacted by mining and smelter operations, with the eradication of Sphagnum being a potential consequence of metal contamination. Smelting activities in Sudbury, Ontario, once the world’s largest point source of SO2 and particulate Ni and Cu emissions, denuded the regional landscape of vegetation as well as severely disrupt freshwater ecosystems. In 1986, a study on the peatlands of Sudbury was conducted, and found that the peatlands neighboring a smelter contained flat, black, and barren peat, while Sphagnum mosses were not observed until 12 km from the smelter. 35 years after this report and decades after pollution controls, we have re-surveyed and analyzed these same peatlands. Chemical analysis of peat samples show trends of decreasing total Ni and Cu concentrations with increasing distance from the smelter, similar to what was found in 1986. Though, total Ni and Cu concentrations in surface peat are now considerably lower, a reduction of roughly 90% and 80% respectively. Additionally, Sphagnum moss had re-colonized as close as 4 km to the smelter. While these findings present evidence of natural recovery, there has been minimal active restoration efforts on Sudbury’s peatlands. We have conducted a novel transplant experiment, placing healthy Sphagnum and peat plugs into a contaminated peatland in Sudbury. Results show success of Sphagnum species S. fuscum and S. fallax after two years, as well as changes in peat and Sphagnum microbiomes.