Lakeside Park News - Kitchener · Lakeside Views Photos by Lakeside Bob (a.k.a. Robert Turvey, friend of Lakeside and nearby neighbour) Page 4 2016 ANSWER: This is the Swamp Milkweed

This newsletter has been produced by residents and neighbours of the

Lakeside Park community and is intended to be used to share information about happenings in the park including wildlife sightings, stewardship activities and any other events or information.

In This Issue:

What’s New in Lakeside Park 2

Lakeside Views 4

Celebrating Forests With Sarah Granskou 5

Tale of Two Lodges 8

Reflections of a Dog Walker 9

Shoemaker – What’s in a Name? 10

Connecting the Drops 14

Events and Activities at Lakeside 17

Upcoming Events 20

October 2016

Lakeside Park News

This _____ can be found growing along the

shore of Shoemaker Pond.

(Answer on pg. 4). Photo © Bob Turvey

Representatives from REEP Green Solutions join Lakeside residents along with members of the Mount Hope

neighbourhood in celebration of the launch of the RAIN Smart Neighbourhoods Project.

Check out the Lakeside website: https://www.kitchener.ca/en/livinginkitchener/Lakeside_Park.asp

2016 Page 2

What’s New in Lakeside Park?

Lakeside Park has had several enhancements since the time of our last newsletter.

Here is a sampling.

Removal of non-native invasive species Newly planted trees

(European Buckthorn)

Installation of safety barriers along Stirling Ave.

Photos © Mary Ann Vanden Elzen

2016 Page 3

Additional planting and enhancements to Shoemaker Pond

In early May 2016, community volunteers and city staff teamed up to continue habitat

improvement efforts in Lakeside Park. We added an additional 100 shrubs to the edge of

Shoemaker Pond. Thanks to everyone who helped out!

Also, in June 2016, professional restoration

company Quiet Nature was hired to begin

planting of water plants along the edge of the

pond to increase diversity and help reduce

bank erosion.

Preparing to create a meadow habitat

As part of our commitment to increase and diversify the type of natural habitats in Lakeside

Park, we are beginning to prepare the field for seeding of meadow species. To kill the grass, we

are mowing and then tilling the area throughout summer to prepare the site for seeding.

Photos © City of Kitchener

Photo © Mary Ann Vanden Elzen

Photo © City of Kitchener

Lakeside Views Photos by

Lakeside Bob (a.k.a. Robert Turvey, friend of Lakeside and nearby neighbour)

2016 Page 4

ANSWER:

This is the Swamp Milkweed plant which grows

along the edges of Shoemaker Pond. This plant

is also the host for the Monarch Butterfly larva.

The resident Shoemaker Pond mink. A mink is a

small mammal which belongs to the weasel family.

You can sometimes see the mink bounding along

the shoreline of the pond where it searches for fish,

frogs and other animals to eat.

2016 Page 5

Celebrating Forests with Sarah Granskou Interview by

Mary Ann Vanden Elzen

Born creative, there was never any question about artist Sarah Granskou’s career choice. She

describes her work as “…rooted in Norwegian tradition and branching out through music, story,

poetry and puppetry.”

Sarah brought her many artistic talents to Joseph Schneider Haus as the 2013 folk artist-in-

residence there, a position she shared with her husband, woodworker Trevor Ewert. We first

met Sarah at the May 14 Lakeside tree planting event where she set up two long display tables

of her felting creations and invited participants to help her fabricate leaves for a large tree

marionette. We were very fortunate to be included in her schedule of events this year as the City

of Kitchener’s 2016 artist-in-residence and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to ask her a few

questions.

Art has become your career choice. What first drew you into the world of art?

Growing up in a creative household, I’ve always been surrounded by and immersed in art. As a

kid, I occupied myself with creative expression – music, theatre, poetry – and, each year, was

excited about making the next round of Christmas presents.

Your artistic expression is very diverse. What form does it take?

As an “integrated artist”, I combine various forms of artistic expression into my performances.

From a young age, I had a background in theatre and became very interested in integrating

puppetry as the visual component. I first used puppetry to teach about the natural world during a

stint as a park ranger in Maine.

Your puppetry creations have a hobbit-like

appearance. How did that style come about? Quite by accident, actually. I was looking to

integrate Norwegian nature spirits – trolls,

dwarves, elves – into my puppetry to bring my

stories and songs to life. In this folklore, many

have a half human appearance, others seemed

more ambiguous. I fell in love with Norwegian

folklore and music when I travelled to Norway in

my twenties. My adventures there included

spending time with the indigenous Sami reindeer

herders of Lapland and working on farms.

Although born and raised in Waterloo, I am of

Norwegian heritage. My time in Norway

awakened my ‘genetic memory’. I felt a sense of

belonging there and absorbed the language and

culture.

City of Kitchener artist-in-residence Sarah Granskou.

Sarah Granskou Publicity Photo

2016 Page 6

Among your creations are articles of clothing: shoes, hats, skirts, cloaks. How did you

first become interested in textiles, and art using textiles?

My interest in felting came about quite recently as a result of my puppet-making. Supported by

funding by the Ontario Arts Council, I had started teaching puppet-making in schools. Then, in

the fall of 2015, I began making felt hats. My felting techniques continue to be refined.

As well, I became intrigued by the history of Kitchener’s Rumpel Felt Co. (formerly the Berlin

Felt Boot Co.) and, this past May, helped lead a Jane’s Walk there. This piece of local history

has inspired my experiments in shoe making.

How involved are you in the process of preparing textiles (i.e., sourcing fibres, cleaning,

carding, dyeing, spinning)? How did you learn these skills?

I was really broke! I needed to find a less expensive means of sourcing and preparing

materials. A holistic, local approach combining dyeing, gardening and ecology provided the

solution. Suitable wool fibre for felting garments generally comes from New Zealand or

Australia and is often processed in China. I was looking for a local raw source to process

myself. I discovered a reliable source of wool from a Shetland sheep farm in Orangeville and a

Rambouillet sheep farm in Saskatchewan.

You mentioned that your dyes are all natural. What are your sources?

Through on-line research and experimentation, I learned about naturally dyeing wool. I learned

that baking soda, vinegar and the type of pot used all play a role in determining the colour of

the dye. I regularly forage for Golden Rod, nettles and Black Walnut. Too, my interest in

vegetable gardening has expanded to include growing specific plants for dye. The City of

Kitchener has provided me with a garden plot this year. I will be growing various flowers for

their reds and oranges. Also woad. Its leaves are used to make a blue dye. A brassica, it was

widely grown in medieval Europe before being replaced, first, by indigo and, later, by

synthetic dyes. This plant is now making a comeback.

What was the inspiration for using the theme of nature in your works?

The inspirations are multiple. Firstly, I’ve always been interested in ecology. It grounds me.

I’ve worked in outdoor education and on farms. So, connecting with natural themes through

Norwegian folk tales and music was a natural step for me. This folklore demonstrates

reciprocity between humans and nature – a give and take relationship. I wanted to convey this

idea in my work.

Secondly, my original Norwegian family name was Granskogen meaning “pine forest” or

“spruce forest.” It is now the name of my line of felted items (shoes, hats, garments, puppets

and other whimsical creations).

My husband, too, has a business based in sustainable forestry. He makes cutting boards and

bowls using local sources of wood.

2016 Page 7

As well, I’ve become involved with the forest school project through the Kitchener Natural

Areas Program which my kids attend. Children now usually don’t take the time to explore like

we did when we were young. There’s a need to create awareness and to celebrate the

connection. I try to convey that in my artistic endeavours.

Tell us about your Giant Tree Project.

The large tree puppet is the focal project during my year as artist-in-residence. Once

completed, the giant tree will be displayed at Kitchener City Hall. I’ve been involved with

community engagement, going into schools and to public events to make leaves with

community members. The giant tree will be adorned with their leaves.

Everything on and in the tree will be inspired by Kitchener’s natural areas. I go out myself to

observe and get inspiration but people also send me photos of what they’ve observed. The tree

will be more than just leaves, though. It will include birds’ nests, moths, mushrooms and even

faces. People will have lots of opportunities to contribute.

What other projects are you involved in this year?

I have many interactive experiences planned for anyone who wants to get involved: going for

family forest walks; constructing play caves; creating natural dyes; making vegetable puppets;

designing hats, shoes and felt puppets. Everything is forest inspired. These activities will take

place at various locations throughout the city.

I will also be performing at various venues, such as the Kitchener Public Library, the Summer

Lights Festival and Kidspark.

What do you hope to achieve during your year as Kitchener’s artist-in-residence?

I’d like to create an awareness of and celebrate forests and all of Kitchener’s natural areas. I’d

like to ground myself and my work here – in addition to Norway – by working with locally

available and sustainable materials. I hope to grow as an artist by developing new skills,

intensely observing nature and increasing my repertoire of songs. All in all, an all-consuming

venture.

To learn about Sarah’s activities with the City of Kitchener’s artist-in-residence program, visit

https://www.kitchener.ca/en/livinginkitchener/ArtistInResidence.asp

To help Sarah create works inspired by Lakeside Park by being a Forest Watcher, visit:

http://sarahgranskou.com/blog/

Forest Watchers will be given credit in the December exhibit and will receive a small gift of

appreciation.

2016 Page 8

Tale of Two Lodges Article and Photos

by Mary Ann Vanden Elzen

Lakeside Park now boasts two lodges. The beaver lodge has been a prominent feature of the

east bank of Shoemaker Creek for several years. Last year, though, another lodge made its

appearance on the south bank of Shoemaker Pond. Both lodges appear similar in size,

dimension and general construction. The difference lies in the materials used. We are all

familiar with the fact that beavers build their homes out of sticks, branches and mud. A close

inspection, however, reveals that this second lodge is constructed of aquatic plants – mainly

cattails – and plastered with mud. This makes it a muskrat lodge.

In the muskrat lodge photo, note the nearby cattails. Many have been cut down for lodge

construction.

A muskrat. One more creature adding to Lakeside’s diversity.

Beaver Lodge

Muskrat Lodge

Diagram of a beaver lodge. Zoom in using zoom tool when viewing online.

https://www.oleanchorage.org/ole/files/term33/469_Beaver%20Presentation%20OLE.pdf

2016 Page 9

Snapping Turtle observed nesting in Lakeside Park on Turtle Beach.

Reflections of A Dog Walker Observations and Photos

by Clayton Klaver

It is largely because of my two dogs that I've gained an appreciation of Lakeside Park, and a

relationship with the park's beauty and splendor. Now, as Pippin and Pepsi age, and their twice

daily walks in and around the lake shorten, I recognize how lucky I am to be living a stone's

throw away from one of Kitchener's treasures.

Each time we go out to visit the park, the canine in the dogs, and human nature in myself, is

often peaked - by changes in the seasons, shifts in sunlight, growth and maturing and colouring

of the trees and so many of the daily events that occur in the park. Chance meetings with

wildlife are always a highlight: the occasional deer, fox, and coyote is truly unique; the cyclical

rhythms of turtles laying eggs, unique birds (Red-tailed Hawks, orioles, egrets); and the daily

reminders of robins, ducks and geese.

So my wife and I are uncertain about whether or not we will need a replacement dog in a few

years. It is a discussion I hope we won't need to have for a long while. In the meantime, the two

aging pets, and their (somewhat) mature-in-years owner will hopefully continue their daily

excursions into the grandeur of Lakeside Park.

To read about the success of Turtle Beach, check out the recent KW Record article.

2016 Page 10

Jacob D. Shoemaker, eldest son of George

Shoemaker and Mary Detweiler, was born Nov

24, 1799 on his grandfather's farm near the old

mill on Swamp Creek, Frederick Township,

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. His

boyhood days were spent in his father’s

woollen mill, carding and dyeing wool and

yarns. From age 15 to 18, he worked in grist

and oil mills while helping his father during

the busy wool season. At 18, he apprenticed

himself to John Funk who, during that time,

had the misfortune of having his house

destroyed by fire. Jacob lost all his earthly

possessions except for the clothes on his

back. He quit and began work in a tannery. In

the spring of 1819, he attended school for six

weeks. Beginning that summer, he laboured

six months for David Allebach at $12 per

month. From his wages, he paid out $50

annually to his parents until he became of age.

Six additional weeks of schooling brought his

formal education to an end.

For the next four years, he earned anywhere

between $70 and $80 a year under various

employers.

On Nov 18, 1823, he married Jane Dunbar of

Perkiomen Creek, Shippack Township,

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. The

following spring, the couple moved to Joseph

Lowery’s farm which Jacob managed for five

years. As wages for his labour and

management, Jacob received one third of the

harvest, approximately $80.

1829 became a pivotal year in Jacob’s life.

That was the year he and Jane, along with their

two children, his parents, his brothers Daniel

and Joshua, and sister Catharine, set out in a

covered wagon on the long trek to Canada

arriving in, what is now, Bridgeport. Here

Jacob worked in a sawmill for his cousin,

Jakob S. Shoemaker, who had arrived nine

years previous.

Also in 1829, Jacob bought a 224-acre piece of

land located on the southwest half of German

Company Tract lot No. 19 just south of, what

was then, Berlin. The south side bounded the

current Stirling Ave. Jacob did not occupy it

immediately; first he needed to build a

dwelling.

Shoemaker - What’s in a Name? by

Mary Ann Vanden Elzen

There’s

Shoemaker Pond

Shoemaker Creek

Shoemaker Ave. (until it was renamed Stirling)1

“Shoemaker.” Ever wondered about that name?

It all began with a centenarian whose life straddled three centuries.

2016 Page 11

While working in his cousin’s sawmill, Jacob

purchased pine tree trunks from Henry Erb. He

had them sawed during the winter and drawn

to his newly acquired farm lot where he had a

small shanty put up. Into this shanty the family

moved in April of 1830. In that first year, a

considerable section of the forest was cleared

and a two-storey log house, measuring 24x28

feet, erected. A log barn went up the year

following. In 1842, a large frame barn was

constructed and, in 1851, he built a stone

house.

Jane and Jacob Shoemaker had ten children:

Mary Ann - b. Nov 7, 1824 d. Jul 28, 1876

David - b. Jan 31, 1827 d. Oct 15, 1827

Elizabeth - b. Oct 2, 1828 d. Apr 4, 1854

Martha - b. Jun 9, 1831 d. unknown

George - b. Feb 11, 1834 d. Oct 6, 1910

Alexander - b. Feb 21, 1836 d. Aug 29, 1908

Naomi - b. Jun 2, 1838 d. Jul 30, 1931

Jane - b. Dec 30, 1840 d. Aug 20, 1860

Magdalena - b. Jan 16, 1844 d. unknown

Jacob - b. Jan 16, 1844 d. Jan 21, 1844

While still a young man, Jacob developed

epilepsy which occurred so often that he could

not be left alone. He earnestly prayed to God

vowing to fast every Good Friday. His

supplications were heard. He faithfully

fulfilled his promise for the rest of his life.

Section of Waterloo County May 1861 showing the plot of land purchased by Jacob D. Shoemaker and its location

relative to the town of Berlin2

2016 Page 12

In his senior years and before passing the farm

and stone house on to son Alexander, Jacob

had a frame house built for Jane and himself.

Here they lived until her death at 82 years of

age on Aug 9, 1880.

Following the passing of his wife, Jacob

Shoemaker moved back to the family’s stone

homestead. Here he resided for the remainder

of his days with Alexander and his family. It is

said they provided him with the best of care.

It was here in 1899 that festivities were held

marking Jacob’s 100th birthday – a rare

achievement in those days. Two hundred

relatives and friends gathered from near and

far to wish the old gentleman much happiness

on his day of celebration. Fifty to sixty people

shared in the noon dinner. His children and

grandchildren honoured “old Gross Dady”

with speeches wishing him well. Then they

presented him with a giant bouquet of 100

white roses. Other floral offerings were also

received, even one from Rochester, N.Y.

The old gentleman was happy and in good

health. Although somewhat hard of hearing

and with weak eyesight, he recognized

immediately most of the friends congratulating

him. Those whom he did not recognize, he

recalled as soon as their names were given. A

musical quartet provided the evening’s

entertainment.

His conversation was, in later years, mostly of

the period of time from 1815 to 1840. The

companions of his early life had all preceded

him. Notwithstanding, being still in full

possession of his mental faculties, he would

speak fondly of his many experiences to

family and friends when they came to visit him

at his home.

Jacob Shoemaker was extremely kind-hearted

and the attention and self-sacrifice shown him

by his children was always appreciated. He

often recounted stories to his visiting friends of

their kindnesses toward him.

Berlin’s well-known centenarian died at the

old homestead at three o'clock in the afternoon

on Wednesday March 12, 1902. Having been

stricken with illness and confined to bed

during his final year, he asked those who

visited him not to pray for his recovery but,

that if it pleased God, He should take him

home. About two weeks before the end, he had

a stroke, and thereafter, was no longer fully

conscious. He received every possible

attention until he passed peacefully away.

The funeral took place on Saturday afternoon

at one o'clock at the old homestead with a very

large number of people in attendance. Jacob D. Shoemaker in his senior years3

2016 Page 13

An interesting note: Jacob Shoemaker had

helped with the construction of the Christian

Eby Meeting House as it was being built in

1834, and his was the last funeral service held

there. Only a few days afterward, the

demolition of the building was begun in order

to make room for a new, bigger House of God,

to be built in the summer of 1902. First

Mennonite Church, 800 King St. E., Kitchener,

now stands at this site.

Information for this article was extracted from http://generations.regionofwaterloo.ca/showmedia.php?

mediaID=131&medialinkID=149

1That Shoemaker street name didn’t disappear, it just

moved. Shoemaker St. now runs off Strasburg Rd. just

south of Bleams Rd. in Kitchener.

2Map used with permission from the University of

Toronto Map and Data Library and the Ontario

Historical County Maps Project.

3Waterloo Region Generations, source Murray Fried

4Allan Dettweiler. “Jacob D. Shoemaker”. http://

www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?

page=gr&GSln=shoemaker&GSfn=jacob&GSiman=1&

GScid=1987761&GRid=42194453. Accessed July 5,

2016. Headstone located in the cemetery grounds of

First Mennonite Church in Kitchener.

5 From http://firstmennonitekitchener.ca/about-us/about/

Headstone: Jane Dunbar and Jacob Shoemaker4

The frame church built in 1834 (replaced in

1902), was known as Christian Eby Church.5

Connecting the Drops:

Stormwater Management at Lakeside by

Mary Ann Vanden Elzen

2016 Page 14

During the development of the Lakeside Park Management Plan, residents expressed concerns about the poor water quality of Shoemaker Pond. As a result several recommendations were made in the final Lakeside Plan to address these concerns. Residents became aware of the role they could play to make a difference. It was clear, too, that the City also had a role to play. The City of Kitchener is currently developing a new Stormwater Management Plan. Citizen input is being sought. My question: How could Lakeside Park fit into this new plan? I decided to attend the April 28, 2016 Integrated Storm Water Management Plan Public Information Consultation (ISWMMP PIC) at the Victoria Park Pavilion. I viewed the information display boards, listened to the presentations, and took the opportunity to discuss aspects of the plan with city engineers. A few days later, I wrote the following email:

Wed. May 4, 2016 Mr. Nick Gollan and Ms Melissa Ryan City of Kitchener Engineering Services P.O. Box 1118 Kitchener, ON N2G 4G7 Cc: Kitchener Mayor and Councillors RE: Integrated Stormwater Management Draft Plan ­­­­­­­­­ Mr. Nick Gollan and Ms Melissa Ryan I want to thank you and your team for providing an occasion for interested members of the public to meet with you at the April 28, 2016 ISWMMP PIC at the Victoria Park Pavilion. It was a good opportunity for citizens to find out more about the plan and to provide ideas and input. It’s been 15 years since the last SWM plan. Much has been learned about storm water management in the interim, and with climate change a reality, I agree that it is time for an updated plan. And, as we know, “everything is connected”, so an integrated watersheds approach is the most effective approach to take. After studying the April 28 PIC display boards and reading the draft plan, I commend you for your extensive review of local watersheds and the plans proposed. As an active member of the “Friends of Lakeside Park”, I take great interest in the plan. The reason: water is the central natural feature of Lakeside Park. The park is home to Shoemaker Pond as well as the source of Shoemaker Creek. I was pleased to see that work will be done to remediate Shoemaker Creek. However, I was disappointed that Shoemaker Pond received no mention whatsoever in the plan. For an “integrated” and “watersheds” approach, this is a glaring omission. Shoemaker Pond is the source for Shoemaker Creek. Water flows from the pond into the creek. This water eventually makes its way to the Grand River from which approximately 20% of Kitchener’s drinking water is drawn. It is in everyone’s interests to have Shoemaker Pond’s water enter into the Grand in as clean a state as possible.

2016 Page 15

According to the Lakeside Park Management Plan completed in 2014, http://www.kitchener.ca/fr/livinginkitchener/resources/lakeside_park_management_plan_final_draft__web_version_nov_2014.pdf water quality in Shoemaker Pond is very poor. Contributing factors include soil erosion and waterfowl fecal contamination. However, contamination from road salts, grit and oil also play a very significant role. If these chemical contaminants continue to enter into the pond as they do now, they will eventually lead to the demise of the pond with negative effects on Kitchener’s drinking water downstream in the Grand River. Already, the bottom layer of Shoemaker Pond does not sustain life. Road salts, grit and oil contamination enter into Shoemaker Pond from three sources:

1) from the bottom of Belmont Ave.; 2) from Lakeside Dr. outfall pipes; and, 3) from the St. Mary’s Hospital parking lot.

A fourth source of contamination is from lawn and garden fertilizers from nearby homes. These move slowly, gradually and naturally down the slopes – without pipes or water courses – into Shoemaker Pond and Shoemaker Creek. Historically, too, Shoemaker Pond’s water quality has been identified as an issue of concern. In the late 1960s or early 1970s, biology professor and local limnologist, Dr. Robert McCauley, along with Gareth Goodchild, an aquatic inventory biologist with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, in their paper titled The Little Lakes of Waterloo Region, indicate that Shoemaker Pond “now enjoys the dubious distinction of being one of the most eutrophic bodies of water in the province.” Yes, the province! This dubious distinction is confirmed by Derek J. Coleman, president of Ecologistics Ltd., Kitchener, in his 1974 study titled Ecology of an Urban Park. http://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/gtr/gtr_ne25/gtr_ne25_351.pdf “Eutrophication,” he states, “may arise through normal runoff and decomposition processes. The addition of storm sewage and runoff from fertilized lands accelerates the process.” And further: “The major source of contamination in the lake seems to be storm-sewer discharges during periods of runoff.” The current ISWM draft plan emphasizes bank erosion, flooding, and hazards to human life and property as major foci of remediation efforts. Although the plan mentions water quality, there appears to be less emphasis on remediation of chemical contaminants in the water. I feel that this, too, needs to be a major focus, and should apply to Shoemaker Pond which is listed as “Stormwater Management Pond #138” according to a sign recently erected at the site. At the April 28th PIC, there was an “Information Zone” and an “Ideas Zone”. The following are my ideas for the “Ideas Zone”:

1) Include Shoemaker Pond as a top priority for remediation in the ISWMMP; 2) Take steps to reduce – eliminate, even – roadway salt, grit and oil runoff into Shoemaker Pond by:

a) installing an oil and grit separator at the bottom of Belmont Ave.; b) reducing the amount of salt spread on Belmont Ave., Lakeside Dr., and the section of Stirling Ave.

crossing over Shoemaker Creek; c) approaching the Lakeside neighbourhood with the idea of partnering together on a salt reduction

pilot project. Through the City’s efforts, citizens, in general, are becoming increasingly aware of steps they can take to minimize contamination and runoff from their properties. Friends of Lakeside Park will do their part by reiterating these messages at park events and through their Lakeside newsletter which currently reaches approximately 150 households.

Pipes draining water from nearby

neighbourhood into Shoemaker Pond

2016 Page 16

Shoemaker Pond was formed over 10000 years ago as a glacial lake. Millennia later, it became the first source of public drinking water in the early years of the town of Berlin. Wouldn’t it be nice if steps could be taken now, in 2016, to improve the water quality of this iconic and historically significant body of water! Sincerely, Mary Ann Vanden Elzen I received an email response from Nick Gollan, the City of Kitchener’s Stormwater Manager which led to contact with REEP Green Solutions and Lakeside’s eventual selection, along with Mt. Hope, as “RAIN Smart” neighbourhoods. To read REEP’s news release, visit http://reepgreen.ca/news-release-helping-lakeside-mount-hope-become-rain-ready-neighbourhoods/

RAIN Smart Neighbourhoods Project

The following has been copied from the REEP website: http://reepgreen.ca/

what_we_offer/community-action/rain/rainready/

We are working with Kitchener’s Lakeside and Mount Hope neighbourhoods to

improve their readiness for major rain storms or sudden melts. They are

receiving support in landscaping and flood proofing their yards while simultaneously

capturing and soaking in rain water. By concentrating our efforts in these

neighbourhoods, not only will individual homes be rain ready but collectively the

whole neighbourhood will enjoy the benefit of being protected from the cumulative

effort.

Why should your home be rain smart?

Having a RAIN Smart home is important for several reasons:

It protects your home and your neighbours’ homes from water

damage;

As our climate changes, we’re experiencing more intense rains that

increase the threat of water invading our homes and flooding our

neighbourhoods;

Rain that flows into storm sewers carries pollutants into our rivers and lakes;

REEP Green Solutions offers RAIN Home Visits that gives you a comprehensive review of your property. We

also have consultations with our RAIN Coach to advise you on developing a Rain Ready plan for your home.

BEING RAIN SMART MEANS …

Your home can become rain ready by using ideas to slow it down, soak it up and keep it clean.

2016 Page 17

Events and Activities at Lakeside by

Mary Ann Vanden Elzen

2013 Wed. Jan. 23 Publication of newsletter #2

Sat. Feb. 16 *Great Backyard Bird Count ending at Lakeside

April Robert McCauley’s “Putting the Lake in Lakeside Park” and rych mills’

“Belmont Avenue Extension Timeline” are published in the

Waterloo Historical Society’s Volume 100 - 2012 edition

May to June Turtle monitoring

May to July Improvements to Greenbrook Demonstration Garden

May to August Butterfly monitoring

Sat. May 4 Clean-up and potluck lunch

Tues. May 14 “Celebrate Spring at Lakeside Park” outing with Josh Shea

Wed. August 7 Publication of newsletter #3

Sun. Oct. 27 Lakeside Park Community wins “Green Neighbourhood Award” at City of

Kitchener’s Festival of Neighbourhoods

Tues. Nov. 5 Lakeside Park Management Plan (draft) presentation and community input #1

at Forest Heights Community Centre

2014 Sat. Feb. 15 *Great Backyard Bird Count ending at Lakeside

Tues. Apr. 8 Preliminary Lakeside Park Management Plan meeting at 131 Goodrich Dr.

Sat. May 3 Clean-up and potluck lunch

Tues. June 24 Lakeside Park Management Plan (draft) presentation and community input #2

at Forest Heights Community Centre

Sun. Oct. 5 Official launch of Lakeside Park Management Plan, games, activities,

tree and shrub planting, falconry demonstration

Nov. Publication of newsletter #4

2015 Sat. Feb. 14 *Great Backyard Bird Count ending at Lakeside

Sat. Apr. 17 Lakeside featured in KW Record article “Kitchener to Address Changing

Nature of Lakeside Park ”

Sat. Apr. 25 Clean-up and potluck lunch

May to Sept. Butterfly monitoring at Lakeside Park

Sat. May 9 Tree and shrub plantings, snakes, turtles, face painting, kids’ crafts

Tues. June 23 Publication of newsletter #5

Wed. July 15 Turtle nesting habitat created (‘Turtle Beach’)

Wed. Nov. 4 55 young trees planted

Sept. to Nov. Construction and paving of section of new trail from Belmont St.

Oct. Construction of pedestrian crossing and placement of armour stones at Stirling

and Homer-Watson

Nov. Signage inside the park

2016 Jan. Removal of invasive Buckthorn undergrowth

Feb. 9 Publication of newsletter #6

Sat. Feb. 13 *Great Backyard Bird Count ending at Lakeside

Sat. Apr. 30 Clean-up and potluck

Sat. May 14 Tree / shrub plantings, live animals, face painting, kids’ crafts, storm

water table

May to August Butterfly monitoring

June to August Bat monitoring

Tues. June 28 “RAIN Smart in Lakeside” launch event

Mon. Aug. 22 REEP announces “RAIN Smart” grand prize winners

Tues. Sept. 13 Installation of Pollinator garden beside Turtle Beach

Thurs. Sept. 15 KW Record article “Hatchlings begin to emerge from Kitchener’s first

turtle beach”

Thurs. Oct. 29 *First meeting of Lakeside Working Group

All events with * were graciously hosted by Alan and Brenda Holvey at their home.

Marion Kelterborn generously offers the use of her home for the annual clean-up and potluck and some

other events.

In undertaking these events we have informally partnered with or been assisted by:

Cameron Heights Collegiate Key Club

Region of Waterloo

City of Kitchener

Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists / Waterloo Region Nature

rych mills of the Waterloo Historical Society

Harold Russell of the Waterloo Historical Society

REEP Green Solutions

Neighbours and friends gather for a post clean-up potluck.

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The successes of the spring Lakeside Park clean-up.

Photos © Marion Kelterborn

Kitchener’s Natural Areas Program (KNAP)

Discover nature in the city Kitchener's Natural Areas Program is an environmental program that is focused on the stewardship of natural areas in our community. In recognition that a healthy environment is critical to sustain the present and future population of the City of Kitchener, Kitchener’s Natural Areas Program works to fulfill the following:

Engage the community in environmental stewardship projects

Educate people about Kitchener's natural areas

Create opportunities for people to experience nature in the city.

With the belief that greater knowledge of the environment will enable more respect and friendlier habits, Kitchener’s Natural Areas Program provides educational and interactive opportunities for people of all ages to get in touch with nature. Activities include nature walks (left), tree planting (above), ecological monitoring, and restoration efforts. KNAP and Lakeside Park Over the past number of years, residents of the Lakeside Park neighbourhood have been working with the City of Kitchener on a number of projects and initiatives to help improve the natural environment and to engage neighbours, friends and families in the adoption and wise stewardship of their local park. Some of the past activities have included: annual educational hikes and events to learn about the ecology (plants and animals) of the park, restoration projects to increase native tree and shrub diversity, monitoring and protecting Painted and Snapping turtle nests and populations, and citizen monitoring of butterfly populations. Contact us to get involved and volunteer to improve this unique place.

For more information about KNAP:

Email: [email protected] Phone Number: (519) 741-2600 ext. 4177

www.kitchener.ca/knap

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2016 Page 20

Upcoming Events: 2016

Be sure to check this section for listings of all the upcoming events and

activities planned for Lakeside Park as well as other natural areas in

Kitchener. You can also check Kitchener’s Natural Areas website at

www.kitchener.ca/knap for information.

Upcoming Events

Saturday Oct.8, 9:30-11:30a.m.

Bring your family out to discover new ways to enjoy nature together.

This program will be led by a certified nature therapy guide who will

show you ways of experiencing the health and other benefits of nature.

Registration is required. Email [email protected] to register. Free.

Tuesday Oct 25, 10:30am. Tales and Trails Walk

Meet for a story and walk through Lakeside Park. Approx. 1.5hrs, Ideally

suited for children 5 and under. Meet at the playground entrance. Free.

Adults in Nature Programs

Are you looking to unwind, and recharge in nature on a more regular basis? Numerous studies

have shown the positive health benefits of spending time in nature. We have some new adult

programs being offered by Humans in Nature that will help you to slow down, relax and take in

the beauty of nature within a small group setting. More info: http://www.humansinnature.ca/

Community Stewardship

Stewardship has no age restrictions.

Photo © Mary Ann Vanden Elzen

Lakeside Newsletter We invite and encourage your comments, suggestions and/or submissions (photo or

written) to the Lakeside newsletter. Contact Information: 519-741-2600 ext. 4177 or [email protected]

The development of this newsletter is made possible through the contributions

and efforts of the following people:

Mary Ann Vanden Elzen, Marion Kelterborn and Josh Shea

You can find previous versions of the newsletter on the Lakeside website https://www.kitchener.ca/en/livinginkitchener/Lakeside_Park.asp

City of Kitchener Contact Centre For park related issues or concerns about unwanted activities that you observe

happening in Lakeside Park, you can phone the City of Kitchener Contact Centre 24hrs/day at 519-741-2345.

Yellow Iris growing in Shoemaker Creek. Photo © Mary Ann Vanden Elzen