Westheights Park Natural Area provides a daily enjoyment of nature

For over 36 years my family and I have enjoyed the pond and stretch of forest in our neighbourhood. I particularly keep watch for the majestic heron who visits the pond. We hope we can clean up the pond as well as the entire natural area of the garbage and excess/invasive species of weeds that are choking out native plants or at least the potential for native plants. We support the pond clean up in stages to keep the wildlife and pond ecology from further harm. At the community meeting, there were good ideas to try to improve oxygen at bottom of the pond with a fountain/aerator and removal of the things clogging the pond. If all efforts fail to keep the pond/natural area in good health, then a cost/benefit analysis of dredging would need to be considered.

We would like to see more seating areas whether it is the restoration of the granite stones that have tipped into the pond or more benches along the trail that enable community members to enjoy the view. We noticed in our daily walks that new trees are not checked for stakes/ties and water bags being filled. New trees need extra care to get a good start. The other item we noted was the use of such fine gravel for the pathways. Each heavy rain moves the small particles into the marsh area and into the vegetation. Is there a better gravel to use that will assist with water flow and not loss into the forest?

We look forward to working with the City of Kitchener team to improve this natural treasure.