A Visit to Lakeside Park, Kitchener, ON

"Nature isn't separate from us, and part of our salvation as a species depends on respecting, if not rejoicing in, that simple companionable truth."

Diane Ackerman

                                                                                                                                 

     Lakeside Park is a noteworthy little oasis in the midst of urban development and Miriam and I made a couple of recent visits. Here is an account of the first one.

26 July, 2026

     For a naturalist, patrolling the park with eyes wide open, there is a never-ending source of discovery and joy.

     This Topiary Grass Veneer (Chrysoteuchia topiarus) was spotted quietly resting and we took a picture without disturbing it.

     Loxocera cylindrica is a species of Rust Fly in the family Psilidae.

     Virginia Stickseed (Hackelia virginiana) looks labyrinthian and vaguely sinister embraced by clinging vines.

     Ants in the subgenus Lasius are often detected foraging above ground.

     Predictably, Common Red Soldier Beetles (Rhagonycha fulva) were seen "everywhere."

     Adults feed on aphids, and eat pollen and nectar. Larvae prey on ground-dwelling invertebrates, such as slugs and snails, and live at the base of long grasses. The adults, which are active between June and August, spend much of their short lives mating and can often be seen in pairs.

     In Britain they are commonly referred to as Hogweed Bonking Beetles!

     Condylostylus is a genus of flies in the family Dolichopodidae. It is the second largest genus in the subfamily Sciapodinae, with more than 250 species included.

     It is far from easy - at least for me - to separate one species from another, but here are two of these scintillating little creatures.

     I think this is a Virginia Creeper Treehopper (Telamona ampelopsidis), but I am not sure.

     Jagged Ambush Bugs (genus Phymata) are easy to find.

     Carrot Seed Moth (Sitochroa palealis) was first spotted in North America in 2002 and has become well established.

     It manifests a distinct preference for Wild Carrot (Daucus carota) as seen above.

     This attractive flower is probably Lesser Burdock (Arctium minus).

     Common Motherwort (Leconurus cardiaca) is introduced and widespread.

    The specific epithet cardiaca refers to the belief in the 17th Century that  motherwort is useful for removing "melancholy" vapors from the heart.

     I am always happy to see Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), an excellent native pollinator plant.

     Eastern Calligrapher (Toxomerus germinatus) is one of our most common flower flies.

     Dragonflies are often difficult to photograph because they dart around at high speed and seldom land. Autumn Meadowhawk (Sympetrum vicinum) is a little more cooperative than many other common species.

     There are those who refer to Chicory (Cichorium intybus) as a weed. How dare they? The flower is as close to perfection as one might attain.

     Eurasian Drone Fly (Eristalis arbustorum) is a very attractive hoverfly.  In North America, the species was introduced near Toronto around 1885 and is now ubiquitous throughout much of Canada and the United States.

     Perennial Sow Thistle (Sonchus arvensis) is ubiquitous and (as are all thistles) quite beautiful.

     Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) is an invasive plant that causes serious issues in native ecosystems.

     

     It has spread rapidly across North America and is present in nearly every Canadian province and almost every U.S. state. This plant has the ability to produce as many as two million seeds in a growing season, creating dense stands of Purple Loosestrife that outcompete native plants for habitat. These populations result in changes to ecosystem functions, including reduced nesting sites, shelter, and food for birds, as well as an overall decline in biodiversity.

     White Meadowsweet (Spiraea alba) is delicate and fragrant, and exceptionally beautiful.

     Fungi are not easy to identify without specialized education and practice, but based on my limited ability with these taxa I believe this specimen is Bearded Fieldcap (Agrocybe molesta).

     A Common Eastern Bumble Bee (Bombus impatiens) was foraging on Common Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)

     I am utterly entranced by Miriam's whimsical captures of Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolata).

     This Red-belted Bumble Bee (Bombus rufocinctus) was busy sipping nectar from White Clover (Trifolium repens), having already garnered a substantial quantity of pollen.

     What a handsome creature it is!

     We visited Lakeside Park just a few days later when my daughter was spending time with us, and I had originally planned to combine the two sessions into one report. This is already quite long enough, however and there will be more to follow.

     Lakeside Park forever!

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!