Work is well underway on several habitat and restoration initiatives at Westheights Pond as part of our multi‑year natural area management plan. Here’s what has been completed so far in 2026, and what’s coming up this spring and summer.

What we’ve completed recently

Phragmites management

Crews have completed the removal of standing dead phragmites stalks to improve access and visibility for future control methods. Crews will follow up with herbicide treatment on new growth when appropriate, monitor these areas to confirm successful control, and guide the next steps in restoring the pond ecosystem.

Habitat enhancements

Two wood duck nesting boxes – built in partnership with a local high school – are ready and scheduled for installation early this spring. These habitat structures support nesting waterfowl and help increase biodiversity at the pond

What’s happening this spring

Wood duck nesting box installation

Installation will take place in early spring, as conditions allow. This is part of our broader habitat enhancement work, which also includes planning for turtle nesting areas and pollinator habitat improvements later in the year.

Improved educational signage

New natural area signage is being developed to help visitors understand the difference between a natural pond and a stormwater pond, while still maintaining important safety information. Design and installation will take place over the next one to two months.

Community clean‑ups

A spring cleanup is planned to support trail, woodland, and pond edge stewardship. These events help remove litter and improve habitat quality for wildlife. Dates will be added to this page once confirmed.

What’s coming later this year

Pollinator meadow enhancements

Several areas within the meadow will be planted with native, flowering perennials to support bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. This work will take place during volunteer planting days in summer.

Turtle nesting habitat

Staff will identify suitable areas for a turtle nesting beach close to the pond. Installation is expected later this spring or early summer, followed by seasonal maintenance each spring and fall.

Woodland restoration

Invasive species will be removed from targeted woodland areas and replaced with native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. Volunteer days will be organized throughout the year to support this work.

Get involved

We are hosting volunteer stewardship opportunities throughout the year, including:

• litter clean‑ups
• invasive species removal
• planting days for pollinator and woodland restoration
• support for habitat enhancement projects

We’ll announce dates as they become available.

iNaturalist is still active!

You can continue to help track biodiversity at Westheights Park using iNaturalist. Local schools will also be participating in an upcoming guided walk that includes training on how to use this tool. Your observations help us monitor ecological change over time.

Any questions? Reach out to Rachel Voros, Natural Area Project Manager, by email or phone 519-741-2345 (TTY: 1-866-969-9994).