ORWELL – The times, they are a changin,' says the manager of the Macphail woods ecological forestry project.
While Bob Dylan first sang the words to that iconic song in 1963, Gary Schneider has been sounding a similar anthem since he started the ecoproject about 20 years ago.
At that time, protecting and preserving ecosystems were not at the top of people’s minds.
“Now there are tons of people interested in birds and native plants and conservation,” he said while working in the woods Friday.
Schneider was joined by half a dozen volunteers to clean up the forest April 22, which is known internationally as Earth Day.
The day is co-ordinated globally by the Earth Day Network and is celebrated in more than 175 countries every year. The goal is to spread awareness and appreciation for the natural environment.
UPEI biology student Curtis Penny was one of the volunteers at Macphail Woods.
After finishing an internship with the project earlier this year, Penny said it was an easy decision to help during the Earth Day event.
“I like what they’re doing. They have a different way of thinking than most do with the ecosystem,” said Penny.
“A lot of people look at the woods in how much timber there is, or from an economic standpoint.”
Penny said preserving ecosystems and diversity is how he and Schneider view the wildlife on the lot.
The volunteers showed their appreciation for the woods by spending the afternoon planting, pruning and general trail maintenance.
“It’s just a matter of pruning up,” said Schneider. “You want people, when they come in, to see things that look nice and healthy.”
The group worked in an area of 140 acres at the Macphail Homestead in Orwell.
It is where Schneider holds classes and activities for all ages on forest restoration and conservation.
The project also includes about 2,000 acres owned by the province.
The project is managed between the Environmental Coalition of P.E.I. and the Sir Andrew Macphail Foundation.
