Restoration and stewardship efforts continue at Westheights Park Natural Area as part of the site's multi-year natural area management plan. Building on the work completed earlier this year, staff, volunteers, students, and community partners are helping improve habitat, manage invasive species, and enhance the ecological health of the natural area.

Recent highlights

Community stewardship

The Kitchener Nature Stewards have been actively removing invasive plant species from targeted areas throughout the natural area. These efforts help create space for native plants to thrive and improve habitat for local wildlife.

Earth Day restoration event

This spring, Forestry and Natural Areas staff welcomed more than 50 Grade 6 and 7 students from Westheights Public School for a day of environmental education and stewardship.

Students learned about the history and ecology of the natural area before helping plant 100 native trees and shrubs along the forest edge. The event also included a guided walk where students explored local wildlife, plants, and ecosystem management practices.

Habitat Enhancements

The wood duck habitat project is now complete, with a nesting box installed to support local waterfowl and increase habitat diversity around the pond.

New Signage

New educational pond signage has been installed to help visitors learn more about the natural area's ecological features and ongoing restoration work.

What's happening now?

Phragmites management

The next phase of the Phragmites Management Plan is underway and scheduled to continue through the fall. This work builds on earlier invasive species control efforts and supports the long-term restoration of native wetland habitat. Earlier phases included the removal of standing dead phragmites to prepare for future control and restoration activities.

Continued invasive species removal

Kitchener Nature Stewards continue to remove invasive species in priority restoration areas, helping prepare sites for upcoming native planting and habitat enhancement projects.

Coming this fall

Several restoration projects are planned for the fall, including:

• Installation of native understory plants in woodland areas where invasive species have been removed.
• Addition of native wildflower plugs to enhance pollinator habitat.
• The first phase of restoration planting in areas undergoing phragmites management, including native seed, shrubs, and perennial plants.
• Installation of artist-designed interpretive signage highlighting important species and features of the natural area.

A guided walking tour is also being planned to celebrate the new signage, with an opportunity to hear directly from the artist about the stories and natural features reflected in the artwork.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support the restoration of Westheights Park Natural Area. Stay tuned for more updates as work continues throughout the year.