Building a better forest after Fiona

Last fall’s post-tropical storm an opportunity for healthier habitat, says expert

ORWELL, P.E.I. – The Macphail Woods Nature Centre hosted members of the public on May 27 to discuss damage to woodlands in P.E.I. from post-tropical storm Fiona.

Guests were then guided around the property for a nature walk to observe various kinds of plant life and growing practices.

Gary Schneider, founder of the Macphail Woods Ecological Forestry Project, saw a silver lining to Fiona, which ripped across P.E.I. in late September 2022.

“I hate to be too optimistic about this, but I think there’s real potential to do good things,” said Schneider. “If we can go in there and plant … red oak, hemlock, yellow birch, stuff like that, then we’ll have better wildlife habitats and better forests in the future.

“I think there’s a possibility that we’ll come out of this better than we went into it.”

Schneider said he blames the extensive tree loss from Fiona partially on Prince Edward Island’s history of replacing forests that were cut down with plantations of only one or two species of trees, such as white spruce.

“Fiona is not the problem – the problem is how we’ve handled our forests.”

Gary Schneider Founder of the Macphail Woods Ecological Forestry Project

PRESENTATION

During his presentation, Schneider said the response to Fiona should not be more white spruce plantations because they are shallow-rooted trees that will continue to blow over.

He also emphasized the lack of biodiversity among trees in P.E.I. as a key issue.

“Fiona is not the problem – the problem is how we’ve handled our forests,” said Schneider to the audience.

Schneider showed those in attendance a picture of a red pine plantation with the trees spaced out evenly and little other vegetation in sight.

“This is not a forest. This has absolutely nothing to do with a forest,” he said.

In contrast to that photo, Schneider showed a much greener image of a more natural forest with downed trees and a variety of plant life sprouting on most surfaces.

“I think people should be appalled

when they see trees in lines. I love chaos in a forest, right, that’s how good, healthy forests are – different plants all over the place. You could never predict what’s going to happen there. But they tend to be stable and healthy.”

LOOKING TO LEARN

Sandra Rodd, one of the guests in attendance, was there to learn about what to do with the forest on her property which sustained significant damage from Fiona.

“It’s like the game of pick-up sticks, you know, they’re all on top of each other in every which way,” said Rodd.

“And I did make a list of trees – trees that are native … and trees that are probably recommended if I was to do some re-planting.”

Rodd also appreciated the education and work the Macphail Woods Ecological Forestry Project provides.

“I think what they’re doing here at Macphail Woods is pretty amazing. It’s a big help to the whole Island,” she said.

In addition to helping with postfiona cleanup in ways that promote forest regeneration, Macphail Woods Ecological Forestry Project offers summer programs for kids. It also grows trees in its nursery that can be sold to the public.