The document summarizes improvements made to 14 wetland interpretive facilities across southern Ontario through a partnership between Ducks Unlimited Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Specific projects at several conservation areas are described in 1-2 paragraphs each, highlighting improvements like new boardwalks, trails, signage, and facilities that aim to enhance access and the educational and recreational experience for visitors. The overall goal is to increase public awareness of wetlands and promote wetlands as vital for healthy communities and ecosystems.

1. HealthyWetlands,
HealthyCommunitiesA Ducks Unlimited Canada/Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Partnership

2. By investing in improvements to key interpretive facilities,
MNR and DUC are making it easier and more fun to learn about
the important role wetlands play in ensuring healthy,
sustainable communities and ecosystems.

3. Introduction 2
Baxter Conservation Area 6
Bowmanville Westside Marshes Conservation Area 8
Charlottenburgh Park 10
E.C. Brown Conservation Area 12
Herb Kebbel Wetland 14
Kortright Centre 16
Laurel Creek Nature Centre 18
Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area 20
Longwoods Road Conservation Area 22
MacSkimming Outdoor Education Centre 24
Sifton Bog 26
T.J. Dolan Natural Area 28
Westminster Ponds/Pond Mills Environmentally Significant Area 30
Wye Marsh 32
HealthyWetlands,HealthyCommunities
frontcover,right:UpperThamesRiverConservationAuthority

4. 2
The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and
Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) have long recognized that
wetlands are crucial to conserving Ontario’s biodiversity and
maintaining healthy communities and natural environments.
In 2004, they joined forces to launch and fund the Healthy
Wetlands, Healthy Communities (HWHC) initiative – a $1.25
million, three-year partnership to improve 14 key wetland
interpretive facilities across southern Ontario.
The HealthyWetlands,
HealthyCommunities Initiative
above:CataraquiRegionConservationAuthorityaboveleft:BobAdamson
trumpeterswan:AndrewMcLachlan

5. The initiative focused on funding
improvements to high-priority conservation
areas. Many of these areas had declining
attendance due to poor access or dangerous
facilities. Some, like Charlottenburgh Park,
were in the initial stages of development.
Most are near population centres that are
cumulatively home to over six million people
– half of Ontario’s population. In southern
Ontario, where 70 to 90 per cent of wetland
habitat has been lost due to human impact,
the HWHC initiative was a much-needed
and valued partnership effort.
By investing in improvements to key inter-
pretive facilities,MNR and DUC are making
it easier and more fun to learn about the
important role wetlands play in ensuring
healthy, sustainable communities and eco-
systems. Each of the areas has benefited
significantly from HWHC improvements
that ranged from parking, boardwalk, trail
above:DUCanadaorchid:ClaudePonthieuxaboveright:RobbertHut

6. and signage development and upgrades, to
ensuring wheelchair access.
As part of HWHC’s goal to create shared
interest and participation in the conservation
of Ontario’s wetlands,a public education web-
site,“Down at the Pond,” was also created.
This educational website is an interactive
tool for teachers, students and all enthusiasts
interested in learning about wetland habitats
and the animal and plant species that inhabit
them.The site also hosts a message board
that invites postings of wildlife sightings and
other wetland experiences.
The HWHC initiative has received hearten-
ing responses from hundreds of Ontario
teachers and students. It has given Ontario
residents the opportunity to discover first-hand
experience of the natural wonders and values
of wetlands.With the many improvements,
combined with various marketing and
Ecological ignorance breeds indifference:
what we know, we may choose to care for.
What we fail to recognize, we certainly won’t.
Robert Michael Pyle
kayaker:AndrewMcLachlanothers:DUCanada

7. education campaigns, attendance at the key
areas is expected to increase significantly
over the next few years.
This unprecedented collaboration between
MNR and DUC reflects the commitment
that both organizations share for improving
the quality of life for Ontarians.With the
improvement of outdoor facilities and acti-
vities across southern Ontario, MNR and
DUC are reinforcing that wetlands are a vital
component of a healthy landscape.Promoting
HWHC sites through local municipal and
tourism partnerships and the “Down at the
Pond” website will increase public awareness
and participation in outdoor activities while
stimulating economic benefits.
This report highlights the many accomplish-
ments of MNR and DUC’s HealthyWetlands,
Healthy Communities initiative and the success
of their partnership effort to ensure Ontario’s
precious natural resources are available for
future generations.
The DUC/MNR Healthy Wetlands, Healthy
Communities initiative was nominated for
the MNR PRIDE Award, special recognition
for a program within MNR that represents
people recognizing innovation, dedication
and enthusiasm.
5

8. The 68-hectare Baxter Conservation
Area, on the west bank of the Rideau River
and within the City of Ottawa, is one of the
finest remaining public wetland forest and
riverine marsh areas in eastern Ontario. Its
network of more than five kilometres of
trails through wetlands,forests and nut groves,
provides educational opportunities for 8,000
youth and recreational opportunities for
another 12,000 adult visitors annually.
Through the HWHC partnership, improve-
ments have been made that will not only
help secure the ecological integrity of the
area, but also strengthen educational and
recreational opportunities.These improve-
ments included:
• Teaching platform and student work
tables at the edge of the marsh;
• 300 metres of new boardwalk;
• Installation of an observation tower;
• Better year-round access;
• Composting toilets;
Baxter Conservation Area
snake:MichelBlachasleft:DUCanadaothers:RideauValleyConservationAuthority
Left: Baxter’s new teaching platform turns wet-
lands into outdoor classrooms for these students.

9. • Interpretive self-guiding equipment,
including signage; and
• Trail upgrades, including stonedust, cul-
vert and crib installation.
The Baxter Conservation Area is well known
for its scenic views and riverside vistas that
do not exist elsewhere in eastern Ontario.
Because of the improvements made possible
with HWHC funding, public attendance is
expected to increase by about five per cent
annually.
7
Right: (From left) Jamie Fortune, DUC, Jofre Cote,
MNR and John Miller, RideauValley Conservation
Authority, at the official opening of the Baxter
Conservation Area in June, 2006.
The Baxter Conservation Area’s overhaul now offers inner-city
students a greater opportunity to experience wetland wildlife in
ways that are not generally available to them. Visits to the area open
up a whole new world for our youth and are always one of the
highlights of the school year.
Michelle Richardson, elementary school teacher

10. The provincially significant Bowman-
villeWestside Marshes Conservation Area is
located south of Bowmanville and north of
Lake Ontario.The Area consists of two wet-
lands totaling 64 hectares – with nine hectares
of agricultural land and three hectares of
forest – managed by the Central Lake On-
tario Conservation Authority.The land use
surrounding the marshes includes residential,
commercial and industrial, and is subjected
to both road and marine traffic.
The purpose of the Area is to provide oppor-
tunities for wildlife and wetland education,
outdoor recreation and public access for
over 20,000 annual visitors.This is accom-
plished through a series of trails, interpretive
signs, viewing platforms and habitat resto-
ration and enhancements. Habitats include
wetlands, agricultural lands and deciduous
forests that provide visitors with a diversity
of ecosystems and wildlife viewing oppor-
tunities.
BowmanvilleWestside Marshes
Conservation Area
CentralLakeOntarioConservationAuthority(2)

11. Area improvements to the site made possible
with funding from the HWHC partnership
included:
• Five-panel trailhead kiosk and signage;
• Two-kilometer trail;
• Viewing platform and mound;
• Interpretive signage;
• Nest boxes; and
• Parking for 20 cars.
With the support of HWHC funding, the
Area will continue to offer its many visitors
a safe and accessible outdoor experience
while educating about the importance of
Ontario’s wetlands. Benefits from HWHC
funding will also help to demonstrate the
crucial link between healthy communities
and healthy natural areas in one of the
greater Toronto area’s fastest growing
communities.
Left, right: Local community groups and corp-
orations were invited to tour the Area as part
of the HWHC opening.
9
Thanks to the efforts of MNR and DU, local youth have been spend-
ing more time fishing in the Westside Marsh and exploring the entire
Bowmanville marsh wetland area. I hope MNR and DU will continue
their involvement and vigilance to maintain and improve wildlife
habitat in these marshes for years to come.
Iain Maciver, local residents’ association

12. In 1990, Charlottenburgh Park’s 95
hectares along the shore of Lake St. Francis,
near Cornwall, closed due to funding con-
straints. But by 2003, the Raisin Region
Conservation Authority was prepared to
re-open the Park with the goal to educate
visitors about their natural environment
through example, signage and experience.
Situated in a moderately developed area,
Charlottenburgh Park is a natural sanctuary
for wildlife.
The Park hosts a variety of habitat types,
including a white pine and spruce plantation,
mixed hardwood forest, meadows, wetlands
and a certified Forest Stewardship Council-
managed forest. Re-opening the Park meant
rebuilding and extensive cleanup.The main
access roads, picnic and swimming areas and
construction of a trail system to better access
the Park’s Class 2 Provincially Significant
Wetland were completed.
Charlottenburgh Park
blackduck:ClaudePonthieuxmuskrat:BrianWolitskiothers:RaisinRegionConservationAuthority
Left: Trails and boardwalks provide safe passage
to otherwise inaccessible areas of Charlotteburgh
Park’s provincially significant wetlands.

13. Improvements made possible by HWHC
funding included:
• Trails and boardwalk; and
• Signage: interpretative, directional, trail-
head and front entrance.
Fourteen years ago the park averaged 11,000
visitors per season.With the recent improve-
ments, these numbers are expected to not
only return but escalate.The support of the
HWHC program was key in helping to put
Charlottenburgh Park back on the map.
11
Above: Charlottenburgh is home to wildlife like
black ducks and muskrats. Right: The Park now
features interpretive signs that challenge visitors
to participate in the conservation experience.
Charlottenburgh Park’s new interpretive panels guide visitors along
well planned and maintained trails. The Park’s association with DU and
MNR is encouraging and I am pleased to see such strong emphasis
placed on the conservation of our wetlands.
Brian Crewe, park camper

14. Adjacent to the Welland River, the six-
hectare E.C. Brown Conservation Area is
located seven kilometres outside the city
of Welland. It is one of 36 areas managed
by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation
Authority. A major goal of the Conserva-
tion Authority is to double the amount of
wetland cover managed on their lands.The
expansion of the E.C. Brown Conservation
Area to include an 8.5-hectare restored
wetland is a key addition toward achieving
that goal.
Funding received from the HWHC partner-
ship has been instrumental in the completion
of this project. Improvements carried out at
the site included:
• Construction of a new parking lot;
• Boardwalk repairs and development;
• Interpretive signage; and
• Trailhead/partner signage.
E.C. Brown Conservation Area
Left: The E.C. Brown Conservation Area is being
prepared for construction of a boardwalk that
will lead visitors through a series of ecosystems.
killdeer:BrianWolitskiothers:NiagaraPeninsulaConservationAuthority

15. The E.C. Brown Conservation Area will
serve as a demonstration site showcasing
various techniques for re-establishing and
restoring wetlands, riparian buffers and nat-
uralized areas. It is an important addition for
helping to educate landowners, school chil-
dren and the general public about the value
of protecting and restoring wetlands.
Right: A new parking lot installed under the
HWHC partnership is expected to entice more
visitors to the area.
13
The Healthy Wetlands, Healthy Communities partnership with DU
and MNR has enabled the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority
to leverage an additional $255,000 in partnership funding. We are
pleased to be working with so many other project partners; without
their support, the E.C. Brown Conservation Area would not be a reality.
Jocelyn Baker, watershed restoration coordinator,
Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority

16. The 10-hectare Herb Kebbel Wetland
Project, part of theYarmouth Natural Heri-
tage Area (YNHA), located east of theVillage
of Sparta, officially opened in May 2006.The
wetland is part of the 85-hectare natural area
owned and managed by the Catfish Creek
Conservation Authority located along Cat-
fish Creek.The area has been extensively
disturbed and managed but it is still consi-
dered to be an excellent remnant example
of Carolinian valley slopes, bottomland and
flood plain deciduous and mixed forests.
The Herb KebbelWetland is the centrepiece
of theYNHA, which is one of the most
important natural refuges in southwestern
Ontario. Ecological Land Classification
surveys have documented 492 species of
vascular plants (including 11 rare or imper-
illed species), 86 species of birds, 13 species
of mammals, 10 species of amphibians, 55
Herb KebbelWetland
frog:AndrewMcLachlanwoodcock:MichelBlachasothers:YarmouthNaturalHeritageArea
Left: A dedication plaque has been installed at
the Herb Kebbel wetland.

17. species of insects (two significant) and 47
species of fish.
A newly established trail network was made
possible through HWHC.These trails pro-
vide area access while protecting numerous
significant and sensitive species of flora and
fauna.The Herb KebbelWetland is another
excellent example of positive results coming
from the MNR and DUC partnership,under
the HWHC banner.
15
Right: New signage has been installed at the
entrance to the Herb Kebbel Wetland in the
Yarmouth Natural Heritage Area.
Seeing MNR and DU working together to improve the Herb Kebbel
Wetland is a testament to the importance of partnerships when it
comes to furthering wetland conservation in Ontario.
Ric Wellwood, fundraising/communications coordinator,
Catfish Creek Conservation Authority

18. The Kortright Centre is a 325-hectare
area of rolling landscapes along the East
Humber River and managed by theToronto
and Region Conservation Authority. Kort-
right area abuts a region that is quickly being
engulfed by urban sprawl.It’s predicted that in
five years there will be over 50,000 residents
living on the east boundary of the property.
Kortright offers 16 kilometres of hiking trails
and boardwalks that lead visitors through
fields, meadows, wetlands, rivers, creeks and
forests.Along with Kortright’s many natural
attributes, it is also home to a variety of cul-
tural remnants, including an aboriginal arch-
aeological site and old farm homesteads.
As an educational centre, Kortright creates
innovative experiences designed to inspire
people to think and act sustainability, and to
improve the quality of life for individuals,
communities and wildlife.This is accom-
plished by providing more than 50 curri-
culum-based school programs, as well as a
variety of guided and unguided environ-
mental programs for Boy Scouts,Girl Guides
and the general public.
Kortright Centre
Left: Thousands of students visit Kortright Centre
each year as part of 50 curriculum-based school
programs.
mallardbrood:DUCanadaleft:BobAdamsonothers:KortrightCentre

19. Improvements carried out at Kortright with
the HWHC funding partnership are expected
to dramatically increase access to its wetland
habitats and present wetlands in a much more
integrated and holistic manner.These im-
provements included:
• Constructed and enhanced permanent
and seasonal wetlands;
• Trails, including boardwalk;
• Floating docks for critter dipping;
• Interpretive signage;
• Promotional and education materials,
including a colouring book and children’s
wetland story booklet;
• Educational structures, equipment; and
• Storage facilities.
Attracting over 135,000 people annually,
Kortright is the flagship education and
interpretation facility for theToronto and
Region Conservation Authority.The new
improvements will not only enhance on-site
wetland habitat, but also improve public
understanding and appreciation of wetlands.
17
Right: Bill Murch, MNR communications coordi-
nator; Alex Waters, Kortright general manager
and Natalie Zalkind, Kortright education pro-
grams supervisor at the official opening of the
improved Kortright Centre.
Kortright Centre visitors are impressed with our new interpretive
signs because they appeal to many ages and interests facilitating
a more participatory experience for the entire community.
Alex Waters, general manager, Kortright Centre

20. The Laurel Creek Nature Centre is
located on 48.5 hectares of land within the
291-hectare Laurel Creek Conservation Area
inWaterloo.The area is designated as an inter-
pretive facility attended by 10,000 students
annually.All programs hosted by the centre
are developed in conjunction with school
board staff and meet criteria of the Ontario
New Curriculum.
Laurel Creek supports a variety of habitats,
including wetland, creek/stream, upland
hardwood,plantation and succession/meadow.
Wetlands are one of the teaching modules.
As such, an interpretive pond was created
to demonstrate the important role wetlands
play in the watershed.
As with any outdoor facility, regular main-
tenance and upgrades are inevitable.The
trail system at Laurel Creek, originally con-
structed in 1977,was due for major upgrades.
Through the HWHC partnership, much-
Laurel Creek Nature Centre
GrandRiverConservationAuthority(2)
Left: A new interpretive kiosk and exhibit was
erected as part of much-needed improvements
to the Laurel Creek Nature Centre.

21. needed funds were made available for the
following improvements:
• Bridge repairs;
• Boardwalk repairs; and
• Installation of a study platform.
The Grand River Conservation Authority
facilities were designed and built as outdoor
education sites – Laurel Creek is currently
one of five permanent and three seasonal
sites that welcomes 40,000 students from
within the watershed’s six school boards
every year.At 291 hectares, the conservation
area and nature centre constitute a significant
natural area in an increasingly urbanized
part of Ontario.
19
Right: The study platform at Laurel Creek is
visited by over 10,000 students during the
spring, summer and fall months.
Thanks to the Healthy Wetlands, Healthy Communities initiative, we
now have access to a beautiful wetland habitat where we have seen
and heard several bird species that had not previously been sighted
in the area. We have also caught water boatman, backswimmers and
minnows, and have seen and heard numerous frogs including spring
peepers, gray tree frogs, green frogs and leopard frogs.
Mary-Anne Cain, resource interpreter

22. The Little Cataraqui Creek Conser-
vation Area is a 394-hectare property located
just north of Highway 401 at Kingston.The
facilities are used for both environmental
education and recreation and are important
assets to the local community.The facility
holds educational conservation programs
that emphasize wetland education for schools
and the general public, as well as a summer
day camp.The facility is also available, at
a cost, for community group meetings,
weddings and other events, including the
local Ducks Unlimited Greenwing program.
Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area
Left: One of the
biggest challenges
for visitors to the
Little Cataraqui
Conservation Area
has been finding it;
the installation of a
sign at the entrance
should solve that
problem.
CataraquiRegionConservationAuthority(2)

23. Little Cataraqui has diverse habitat,including
forests, fields and wetlands adjacent to a
large reservoir.The wetland habitat is pre-
dominately marsh but has characteristics
of both lacustrine and riverine systems.
There are 14 kilometres of hiking and cross-
country ski trails, a demonstration sugar
bush, canoe rentals, warming huts, picnic
areas and an outdoor centre.
Funding through the HWHC partnership
included:
• Signage, including entrance, trail markers,
directional maps and interpretive signs;
• Map kiosk;
• Boardwalk and trail improvements;
• Brochures and displays;
• Observation deck repairs; and
• Wetland deck/educational dock.
Little Cataraqui Creek hosts upwards of
30,000 visitors each year. In addition, over
7,000 students participate in its educational
programs.
Right: (From left) Bret Colman, MNR, Lynne
Kenny, Cataraqui Conservation Foundation,
Bob Morrison, Cataraqui Region Conservation
Authority and Lynette Mader, DUC, participate
in the unveiling of the map kiosk.
21
Thanks to the DU and MNR partnership, we have made tremendous
enhancements that offer visitors better access and the opportunity
to learn more about the importance of the Little Cataraqui Creek
Conservation Area.
Bob Morrrison, chair,
Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority

24. The Longwoods Road Conservation
Area lies 32 kilometres west of London and
consists of 63 hectares of forest, meadows
and a provincially significant wetland located
entirely within the Carolinian Life Zone.
It is managed by the LowerThames Conser-
vation Authority to provide environmental
and cultural information to the public with
educational components ranging from native
studies to science.
The more than 26,000 annual visitors are
made up of students, camping groups such
as Boy Scouts and Girl Guides, locals and
tourists.Visitors may take advantage of six
kilometres of trails that now include a safe
and convenient boardwalk for close explo-
ration of the water’s edge. Recent visitors
have reported better access to view some
of the marsh’s more elusive species such as
damselfly nymphs, giant water bugs and
Longwoods Road Conservation Area
left:DavidLavalleewoodduck:ClaudePonthieuxothers:LowerThamesValleyConservationAuthority
Left: Children who learn the beauty and fragility
of nature through actual experience are more
likely to appreciate the importance of conser-
vation as adults.

25. bullfrog tadpoles, not to mention waterfowl
and aquatic mammals.
The Longwoods Road Conservation Area
is a facility where visitors can be inspired by
their wetland education through discussions
and experiences surrounding wetland wild-
life and their habitat.Thanks to the HWHC
initiative, generous funding was made avail-
able for a new boardwalk by which visitors
can experience the Longwoods Road
Conservation Area.
The marsh boardwalk gives visitors hands-on learning experiences
associated with wetlands, conservation, soils, plants and wildlife.
23
Jerry De Zwart, Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority
Above left, right: The new boardwalk at Long-
woods has been a hit with visitors.The marsh
itself is home to wood ducks (above) and other
wetland denizens.

26. The MacSkimming Outdoor Education
Centre is located on the south shore of the
Ottawa River, about 25 minutes from the
heart of Ottawa.The Centre is part of Beck-
ett’s Creek Migratory Bird Sanctuary and
has been designated as a Class 1 Provincially
SignificantWetland. Notable wildlife species
in the area include American bittern, black
tern, green heron, hooded merganser, bald
eagle, eastern bluebird, beaver, northern
leopard frog, painted turtle and the common
garter snake.
The Centre is operated by the Ottawa-
Carleton District School Board and hosts
approximately 18,000 visitors annually to its
four field centers.With the recent improve-
ments,staff now have facilities that will allow
them to deliver programs in a safe and envi-
ronmentally friendly manner.The improve-
ments made to the MacSkimming Outdoor
Education Centre through HWHC partner-
ship funding included:
MacSkimming Outdoor Education Centre
Left: The outdoor classroom allows wetland
education classes to proceed, rain or shine.
heron:MichelBlachasothers:MacSkimmingOutdoorEducationCentre

27. • Floating docks;
• Outdoor classroom;
• Interpretive signs;
• Road upgrades to the waterfront; and
• Four outhouses.
The HWHC initiative ensures that students,
community groups and the general public
have better access to natural science education,
especially relating to wetlands.The site
improvements support delivering hundreds
of wetland programs annually,thereby advan-
cing outdoor education in the Ottawa area.
Above left: One of four new outhouses built for
visitors to MacSkimming’s new wetland educa-
tion site. Above: Green herons are one of many
species spotted at MacSkimming. Right: Floating,
interchangeable docks provide access for“critter
dipping”along the water’s edge.
25
It was a pleasure to take our grade two students to such a lovely,
well-constructed outdoor educational facility. Before we even
returned to our school I rebooked the facility for next year.
Wayne Lapointe, teacher, Carson Grove Elementary School

28. The 58-hectare Sifton Bog, located
within the City of London, is a provincially
significant wetland.It is London’s most unique
natural area as it is one of the most southerly
bogs in Canada, with habitat characteristics
that are more typical of northern Ontario,
such as bog, marsh, woodland and shrub
features.
Sifton Bog contains many regionally rare bog
plants and vegetative communities. Biological
studies and inventories have identified 477
species of vascular plants, including 56 that
are considered nationally, provincially or reg-
ionally rare; 124 species of birds; 19 species
of mammals and 19 species of reptiles and
amphibians.
The area receives approximately 11,000 local
visitors, students and tourists annually.Area
schools use the bog as a teaching tool for
their outdoor curriculum and the Upper
pitcherplant:ClaudePonthieuxothers:UpperThamesRiverConservationAuthority
Left: Sifton Bog is one of the finest examples of
northern bog-type habitat, located in the heart
of London; it is popular with visitors (above left)
and home to flora like pitcher plants (above right).
Sifton Bog

29. Thames River Conservation Authority has
adopted the site for their wetlands interpre-
tative program.
To improve recreational, interpretative and
educational values and help protect the en-
vironmental integrity of the site,a boardwalk
extension project was built as part of the
HWHC initiative. Providing better public
access to the marsh via the new boardwalk
will offer visitors much needed access to
Sifton Bog for continued educational and
recreational opportunities. Paul Hubert, Ward 8 councillor, City of London
Right: Thanks to Sifton Bog’s new boardwalk,
visitors can meander through the area without
disturbing the natural landscape.
The new boardwalk at Sifton Bog was well used this past weekend
as part of“Doors Open London.”Over 700 people visited the board-
walk to see one of the most southern bogs in all of Canada. London
residents appreciated the opportunity to see this unique natural
feature and that the City is protecting the fragile ecosystem.
27

30. The City of Stratford, a premier tou-
rist destination in Ontario, has a long history
of environmental awareness. In 1832, the
original town planners located the railway
away from the river corridor to preserve
park and natural areas.Today, with funding
supplied through the HWHC initiative, the
T.J. Dolan Natural Area in the heart of town
has a new kiosk showcasing the importance
of the Avon River’s riparian zone.
T.J. Dolan Natural Area
Left: Stratford’s Avon River is a central attraction and the site of local activities and announcements.
Above: T.J. Dolan provides urban habitat for riverside residents like the common yellowthroat.
top,right:UpperThamesRiverConservationAuthorityleft:DenisFaucherfarleft:LynetteMader

31. TheT.J. Dolan riparian area is a focal point
in the community for aesthetics, leisure and
outdoor experience.With the addition of
the new kiosk, the area’s 25,000 annual visi-
tors will have the opportunity to be better
informed of wetland and wildlife issues along
the historic Avon River.
The HWHC initiative has been instrumental
in helping to advance Stratford’s conservation
goals. It has enabled the community to install
a kiosk along the river that promotes the
benefits of natural landscapes and sustainable
practices in the Stratford community.
The new entrance kiosk at the T.J. Dolan Natural Area has increased
awareness of the history and naturalization of this site. The Ontario
Ministry of Natural Resources and DU have helped create a trail that
informs and provides the residents of Stratford with opportunities
for passive recreation.
Dan Martin, director of community services, City of Stratford
Right, opposite (top): T.J. Dolan’s new entrance
kiosk will help to educate visitors about the Avon
River ecosystem.

32. The Westminster Ponds/Pond Mills
Environmentally Significant area is a 240-
hectare provincially significant wetland lo-
cated in the heart of London. It is a complex
of five kettle lakes consisting of marshes,
swamps and bogs. Recent biological surveys
have identified an impressive 757 species of
plants, including 30 that are considered nat-
ionally and/or provincially rare; 232 species
of birds; 20 species of mammals; 18 species
of fish; 12 species of amphibians and seven
species of reptiles.
The area has approximately 25,000 visitors
plus an additional 25,000 students from
kindergarten to grade 11 annually. It is
serviced by two adjacent outdoor education
centres that rely on the area for delivering
their conservation programs.
On-site facilities include a dock which is
used extensively, three kilometres of trails,
boardwalks and educational facilities. It is
Westminster Ponds/Pond Mills
Environmentally Significant Area
UpperThamesRiverConservationAuthority(2)
Left:The South Pond boardwalk gives access to
one of the best interpretive walks in London.

33. also home to archaeological digs, yielding
artefacts dating back to 2500 and 1000 B.C.
Funding through the HWHC partnership
helped make the following improvements
possible:
• 400 feet of new boardwalk;
• Two structures that double as a shelter
and sign kiosk; and
• A teaching platform.
This project is an excellent example of com-
munity stewardship. By engaging the local
community, from school clubs to businesses,
a sense of community ownership and res-
ponsibility has been fostered.This approach,
along with HWHC funding, will go a long
way toward encouraging continued environ-
mental awareness and education.
Bob McLeod, local advisory committee member,
Westminster Ponds/Pond Mills Environmentally Significant Area
Right: The official opening of the HWHC-funded
Westminster Ponds upgrades had visitors gath-
ering around the new kiosk at South Pond in
London in June 2006
The new entrance kiosk and boardwalk at Westminster Ponds/Pond
Mills Environmentally Significant Area have improved access to this
environmental jewel and increased awareness of its importance.
Ducks Unlimited Canada and MNR have created a site that balances
environmental protection with opportunities for passive recreation.
31

34. The Wye Marsh is an ecological gem,
located on the edge of Midland in Canada’s
historic resort destination on Georgian Bay.
The marsh, designated as a NationalWildlife
Area and an Important Bird Area, forms part
of the flood plain of theWye River before it
enters Georgian Bay.
Public visitation to Wye Marsh has been
steadily growing over the past few years.With
the combination of increased usage and the
lack of maintenance and development fund-
ing,the infrastructure was deteriorating to the
point where it had become nonfunctional
and a safety concern.The number one com-
plaint was lack of directional and interpretive
signage and the ramshackle look of existing
signs.The boardwalk was in such poor shape
that if repairs were not made immediately,
it would be closed.
Funding was desperately needed to upgrade
interpretative facilities.Through the HWHC
initiative, funding was secured and the fol-
lowing improvements were made:
Wye Marsh
Left: Volunteers lend a helping hand building
the boardwalk at Wye Marsh.
left:DeniseBropheyabove:RobbertHutswans:AndrewMcLachlanright:LaurieSchutt

35. • Installation of over 70 interpretive and
directional signs;
• Purchase of cameras for archiving;
• Upgrades to the exhibit hall, including
an interactive wetland exhibit;
• Installation of a frog call board;
• Tree Challenge Program; and
• Reparation and raising of the existing
boardwalk.
Wye Marsh is one of the few places near
Midland where visitors can get up close to
nature.Although the marsh is a managed
unit, it is still an excellent example of a
naturally functioning system.Thanks to
HWHC partnership funding,Wye Marsh
now offers a safer, more accessible environ-
ment to learn about wetlands and wildlife.
Visitors are impressed by the attractiveness, versatility and safety
of our rebuilt boardwalk. The new interpretive signs not only direct
visitors along the trail, but teach them about the marsh and its wildlife
in both English and French, another wonderful feature.
Irene Berry, volunteer
Right: The 200-metre section of the new Wye
Marsh boardwalk meanders down to an open
water area where a floating section allows visi-
tors to experience the thrill of close-up viewing
of nesting and foraging waterfowl.
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36. For more information about the Healthy Wetlands, Healthy
Communities initiative, visit www.downatthepond.ca or
contact Ducks Unlimited Canada at (705) 721-4444.
Ducks Unlimited conserves, restores and manages wetlands
and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl.These
habitats also benefit other wildlife and people.