Wetland gets a diversity makeover
Area in Taylor Creek Park slated for habitat improvement
A wetland in Taylor Creek Park is being expanded and enhanced to create a more diverse natural space.
The City of Toronto, in partnership with Toronto and Region Conservation, is to begin the work this month on the area in the eastern area of the park.
"It's an existing wetland, but it's pretty uniform in topography so what we're looking to do is make it more diverse," said Janette Harvey, natural environment specialist with the city.
The work was to begin in the spring, but was delayed.
Harvey said the project will incorporate new habitat features including a basking area for turtles. There will also be plantings of natives species, trees and shrubs, and a small lookout and trail will be added to enhance public interaction and understanding of the area.
The area had been suggested for improvement a number of years ago and the funding to do it was made available this year.
Friends of the Don East had been involved in the restoration report for the area.
"We certainly think public engagement is important," said James McArthur, executive director of Friends of the Don.
He said the organization is pleased to see the addition of more wetland as it's the habitat with the greatest biodiversity.
"It's always good when we can get new wetland," he said.
The area was largely a mowed picnic space in the 1970s, but was found to be consistently wet and not often suitable for its intended purpose. During the 1980s the picnic tables were removed and the area was allowed to naturalize. A variety of native and non-native plant species slowly began to grow in the area, but it has never reached its full potential. The enhancement project will help it do just that.
"Wetlands are great for flood protection and prevention because they act like sponges," Harvey said. "They also provide wildlife habitat and they provide educational opportunities for people in the area."
The improved area could also attract new birds and amphibians. The work is expected to be completed by the fall.
