This is a community volunteer initiative supporting wetland restoration and habitat recovery at Heartland Forest. Wetlands are among the most important ecosystems in Ontario. They help improve water quality, reduce flooding, store carbon, provide wildlife habitat, and support biodiversity.

Our goal is to restore healthy wetland ecosystems that support native plants, pollinators, amphibians, birds, turtles, and other wildlife while creating opportunities for community involvement, environmental education, and long-term stewardship.

Originally developed in 2016, the site was designed to provide habitat and educational opportunities centered around wetland ecology and native wildlife. The area includes a shallow wetland pond with deeper turtle habitat, a boardwalk and observation tower, pollinator plantings, and specialized habitat features for turtles, snakes, bats, chimney swifts, and barn swallows. As the habitat continues to mature, restoration and stewardship efforts are needed including:

• Wetland habitat restoration and enhancement including turtle nesting area and snake hibernaculum
• Native planting and pollinator habitat support
• Ecological monitoring and citizen science
• Volunteer restoration days and community events
• Photography, videography, and project documentation
• Social media storytelling and educational outreach

• Habitat restoration and native planting
• Photography and videography
• Social media and communications
• Event support and volunteer coordination