A Greater Understanding of the Great Outdoors
News Release
Local environmental group offers educational opportunities in nature, sustainable forestry practices
July 13, 2017 – Orwell, PE – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Small patches of the original Acadian Forest native to PEI remain today, giving a glimpse into what much of the Island looked like centuries ago. For more than 25 years now, a group based in Orwell has been helping youth and adults learn about the region’s unique habitats while working to improve the health of Island woodlands. In rural communities across the country, the Government of Canada is encouraging an innovative and sustainable approach to our natural resources, supporting a skilled and creative workforce. From increasing tourism to expanding opportunities for business and recreation, communities benefit from infrastructure and educational programming built upon an appreciation of the land.
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Member of Parliament for Cardigan, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), along with the Honourable Pat Murphy, PEI Minister for Rural and Regional Development, today announced project support for Macphail Woods.
The Government of Canada, through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF), is contributing $55,100 (non-repayable) to support infrastructure and equipment upgrades, as well as expanded educational programming at Macphail Woods in Orwell. The Province of Prince Edward Island, through the Department of Rural and Regional Development is also contributing $20,000 (non-repayable) to the project.
The Macphail Woods Ecology Forestry Project is an initiative of the Environmental Coalition of Prince Edward Island. It began in 1991 as a native plant nursery, providing demonstrations on forestry restoration practices. The project has since grown into a comprehensive forest education facility with five trails and a four-acre plant nursery, offering a summer children’s program, school tours, and a series of workshops at the Macphail Woods Nature Centre.
Quotes
“Macphail Woods is a treasure in Eastern PEI. For years, Islanders have connected with our natural history and have been inspired to learn more, thanks to conservation efforts of Macphail staff. The Government of Canada is pleased to help the organization build on its programming and sustainable forestry initiatives. Expanding this rural community infrastructure will help showcase something unique to our region, and create new economic development opportunities.”
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food and Member of Parliament for Cardigan
"Forests provide us with clean air and water and are an important habitat for wildlife. They contribute greatly to the quality of Island life today and for future generations. As a Province, we will continue to support Macphail Woods and continued measures to ensure sustainable forest management in our province.”
The Honourable Pat Murphy, PEI Minister for Rural and Regional Development
“This funding is already increasing the quality and breadth of the programs we deliver. The Macphail Woods Nature Centre will be getting a facelift and we are developing new educational programming that will increase visitation. We are also expanding our woodlands operation. The support from ACOA and the provincial government is helping us to reach our potential in the fields of environmental education and forest restoration.”
Gary Schneider, Project Coordinator, Macphail Woods
Associated Links
Contacts
Chris Brooks
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-566-7569
April Gallant
Communications Officer
PEI Department of Regional and Rural Development
902-620-3084
Gary Schneider
Project Coordinator
Macphail Woods
902-651-2575