Benjamin Park, Waterloo, ON

31 March, 2026

     Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa) is usually the first butterfly of the spring, and this year was no exception.

     It is often seen feeding on sap flows or decaying matter. 

     We are always overjoyed when the first one crosses our path.

     Brown Creepers (Certhia americana) seemed to have staged a general arrival, and we saw several of them.

     As might be expected American Robins (Turdus migratorius) were ubiquitous.

     This Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) was working hard to penetrate the shell of a seed to get to the nutritious core.

     Colt's-foot (Tussilago farfara) is a bright punctuation mark in a sea of brown and beige.

     Fungi (class Agaricomycetes) in all their glorious diversity enhance the forest in ways both functional and aesthetic.

     In a touch of whimsy, children seem to be having fun erecting little bird houses and feeders, nearly all completely non-functional, but indicative of a creative spirit.

08 April, 2026

     Yellow Archangel (Lamium galeobdolon) was popping up everywhere.

     Wide Leek (Allium tricoccum) is often sought after by alleged gourmets, but we prefer to leave it in the forest where it belongs.

     So often, people who forage for wild food have no idea how to harvest it sustainably and destroy the plant with their butchery.

     A Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) hitched its way up a trunk.

     Brown Creepers were still active, this one uncharacteristically stationary on a fallen log.

     Not surprisingly, American Robins were seen throughout our walk.

     Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa) is known for its frenetic activity as it gleans for insects; this individual rested at the side of a concreted watercourse for a moment or two.

     A male Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is an extraordinarily handsome bird.

14 April, 2026

     This plant is a species of Bittercresses and Toothworts (genus Cardamine).

     Siberian Squill (Scilla siberica) is invasive, well-established and beautiful. 

     Despite its name it is not native to Siberia.

     Lesser Periwinkle (Vinca minor) is yet another invasive plant. Originally introduced as ground cover in home gardens it has become established in woodlands and forests, where it has the potential to swamp the native plants of the forest floor.

     Sharp-lobed Hepatica (Hepatica acutiloba) is one of the earliest plants to flower in spring.

     Common Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) will grow just about anywhere.

      Here is Japanese Pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis).

     The following plant was new to me, but I have discovered that it is Fortune's Spindle (Euonymus fortunei).

     It is native to east Asia and is highly invasive. In the United States it has caused the death of trees and forests in urban areas. Perhaps it is a recent colonizer in Ontario, and hardly welcome it would appear. 

     I find Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis) exceptionally attractive.

     It is always an early splash of spring colour.

     Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum) is coming along nicely.

    I don't think I was ever out of earshot of American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) but they can be frustratingly hard to see in the emerging foliage.

     Perky, lively, vocal Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) are much easier.

     Daffodils (genus Narcissus) are found throughout the park and it remains a bit of a mystery how they all got there, sometimes being found in deep recesses of the woodland, far from houses.

     I am always reminded of William Wordsworth's immortal poem:

I wandered lonely as a cloud

That floats on high o'er vales and hills,

When all at once I saw a crowd,

A host, of golden daffodils;

Beside the lake, beneath the trees,

Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

     Virginia Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum virginianum) is very common.

     Yet another American Robin.

     Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Corthylio calendula) is a difficult bird to photograph, especially when trying to capture its eponymous ruby crown.

    Dark-eyed Juncos (Junco hyemalis) are moving out of our area and soon all will be gone. In the meantime we get to enjoy those that remain.

     Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) is "bustin' out all over.”

     Several Downy Woodpeckers (Dryobates pubescens) enlivened the scene.

     Yet another Brown Creeper.

      I saw my first female Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) of the season, the males having been present for a couple of weeks.

    A half dozen or so Myrtle Warblers (Setophaga coronata) were feeding on insects.

     This is usually our earliest warbler due to its ability to switch to berries as food to ride out a cold snap.

     Bathing was the order of the day for chickadees and robins.

     Due to the incessant rains of late the trail was muddy and waterlogged in spots, and there was a lot of standing water, perfect for a Mallard (Anas platyrynchos).

    A Hairy Woodpecker (Leuconotopicus villosus) was a very agreeable sendoff as I made my way home.

     I consider myself fortunate to be able to enjoy this park any time I wish. It is a mere five minute walk from my front door.

Lakeside Park Annual Cleanup and Potluck Lunch

11 April, 2026 

     Nestled in the heart of Kitchener, Ontario, surrounded on all sides by housing and urban development, lies Lakeside Park.

         This precious oasis of calm is cherished and loved by citizen and visitor alike, and is well used by naturalists, dog-walkers, hikers, cyclists, families, seniors, residents and visitors, by young and old, well-to-do and not so-well-to do, by all who seek momentary escape from the rigours of urban life. It is a place to recharge and reconnect, a haven of peace to wind down and breathe deeply. 

     The Friends of Lakeside Park have been exercising stewardship of this urban jewel for twenty-five years, with some people serving for that entire time. The commitment of these volunteers is both heart-warming and remarkable. They pledge their time with enthusiasm and dedication, a commitment to excellence, and each individual becomes an ambassador for the park.

     I do not live in Kitchener and I am not a member of the Friends of Lakeside Park, but some of their members are close friends, and very precious to me, and Miriam and I have spent many happy hours there.

     It was with gratitude, humility and no small measure of pleasure, that I participated in the 25th annual cleanup and potluck lunch.

      Kudos are first of all due to Marion Kelterborn, whose house is right next to the park, for hosting the event every year. If I were to go on about Marion's spirit of community, and concern for the welfare of the people she knows and loves (and even those she doesn't), you would be reading for a week!

     The day was pleasant, with bright sun at times and the temperature climbed to 8 degrees.

      All was in readiness, and people started to arrive.

     Mary Ann Vanden Elzen was there to greet them.

     Bob Williams was all about the business of the day, and was soon equipped with everything he needed to go and tackle the garbage.

     You will note that he has a black trash bag for garbage and a blue bag for recylables.

     I should also mention that Bob is a key member of Birds Friendly City, Kitchener, dedicated and relentless in his pursuit to safeguard nature.

     Kevin Dance is a well-known local environmentalist, and he was there with his family to help out, in the process teaching his children the all-important lesson that one should give back to the community that nurtures you.

     My good friend, Josh Shea, came to help with his son, Mason. 

     Everyone was getting their supplies and receiving appropriate instructions.

     Let me present the unrivalled "star of the show." This is my dear friend, Brenda Holvey, whose house abuts the park. In a few days Brenda will be ninety-seven years old, still living in her own home, with help from her grandson, Matthew, and from Marion Kelterborn who you have already met, who lives a couple of houses down the road.

      Brenda is as sharp, witty, au courant with world affairs and as charming as ever. She and her husband, Alan, who passed away just a few years ago, lived in many parts of the world in Alan's role as a senior executive in the textile industry, finally deciding to call Canada home. He would have reached a hundred years of age in February.

     If I remember well a male cardinal singing merrily attracted her attention. Matthew is on the right of the picture and Clayton Klaver is on the left.

     Heather Bagg left, ready for action.

     Later I caught up with her in the underbrush, reaching for every last piece of trash.

     Overall, I am happy to report, there was not a huge amount of garbage to be collected. The provision of bins appropriately located has no doubt helped, and could it be that people are becoming a little more responsible? I hope so!

     Denise Leschak was busy.

     I think that Mason was directing his dad rather than the other way around!

     This team had done well; I believe the boys are Wes and Trey, unfortunately I don't have their dad's name.

     Ken and Sheila Beckner were industrious.

     Morgan Regehr was dedicated and determined and didn't miss a thing.

     There was time to sit and chat.

     Megan Davis and her friend, Rachelle, claimed the title for the most recycling gathered up. Bravo, ladies!

     Hot coffee was welcomed by everyone when we returned to the house.

      The volume and variety of food was impressive and no one left hungry.

     Brenda's appetite has not waned with the years!

     Clayton is enjoying lunch.

     A few extra words are needed about this remarkable and noteworthy volunteer.

     Here are remarks supplied by Mary Ann -

     "We've had a recycling program at Lakeside Park since Sept. of 2018. The idea was to reduce the amount of litter in the park while promoting the idea of recycling, and stewardship of the park. To the best of my knowledge, aside from Victoria Park, it's the only city park with recycling bins. Supported by the Lakeside Working Group, Clayton did all the legwork and paperwork to secure a Love My Hood grant from the City of Kitchener. This money enabled us to purchase 3 large blue metal recycling bins. Each is located beside a large garbage bin at 3 different locations within the park.

     Clayton organizes the volunteers - currently, 13 individuals / families - into a schedule over an entire year to collect the recyclables from each of the 3 bins. These materials to be recycled are set out to the curb by Marion's house for pickup on the regular recycling pickup day. In the spring, summer and fall, when more people access the park, the park's blue recycling bins are emptied every 2 weeks. In the winter, only once a month. Each volunteer records how many items they have collected, the number of blue boxes filled, and the amount of volunteer time it took, onto a data sheet. 

Here are some figures as of January 1, 2026:

·         currently 13 dedicated volunteers

·         over 16,000 items collected

·         175 large blue bins filled, and

·         over 130 hours of volunteer time

     This must surely be the very definition of commitment, efficiency and love of community. I am in awe!

     To properly mark this auspicious anniversary we were delighted to have local politicians join us. Their presence enhanced the day and we appreciated their involvement.

     Here is Kitchener Mayor, Berry Vrbanovic, chatting with Heather. 

     Kitchener Ward 8 Councillor Margaret Johnston was a welcome official to join our commemoration.

     Matt Rodrigues, Regional Councillor, Kitchener also enlivened the gathering, seen here with Berry.

     One could be forgiven for wondering whether hair deprivation is a condition of public office!

     Certificates of appreciation were presented to the dedicated volunteers of The Friends of Lakeside Park, all richly deserved.

     Here are just a few of our solid citizens receiving due recognition for their service to the community.

     Mary Ann looked on with pride as other volunteers were honoured.

     Brenda didn't miss a thing.

     Actually, the best was saved till last. A certificate of appreciation was presented to the Friends of Lakeside Park as an organization, and who better to receive it than Brenda, a stalwart since very early days and still a firm supporter. 

     It was a wonderful day, well organized, the weather cooperated, and many people turned out to help.

     I am indeed blessed to be part of the fellowship of naturalists. There are no better people anywhere.

     Now it's time to put this blog aside and head back down to the park. There are birds to be seen, after all!