Partnerships and Initiatives

The Friends of Wellesley Pond include representatives from the following organizations:

• The Township of Wellesley                         
• Wellesley and District Lions Club
• Residents of the Village of Wellesley
• Grand River Conservation Authority
• Wellesley Apple Butter and Cheese Committee
• Greenwood Rod and Gun Club
• Wellesley Horticultural Society

The Wellesley Pond Enhancement Project is a community collaborative working towards the enhancement of aquatic biodiversity, improvement of water quality within the reservoir, naturalization of the adjacent parkland shoreline and addition of pedestrian trails.  Wellesley Pond and the Albert Erb Conservation Area provide a tremendous resource for the community to reconnect with nature through recreation opportunities such as fishing, hiking, boating, and viewing nature.  The area is also a community focal point to celebrate local culture and history and has been the backdrop for hosting festivals such as Art Around the Pond, the Lions Fishing Derby and the Wellesley Apple Butter & Cheese Festival.

The objectives of the Wellesley Pond Enhancement Project include the following:

• Engage the local community in rehabilitation of the pond and provide a model for aquatic enhancements within small reservoirs.
• Develop options to address water quality and sediment accumulation while taking into account hydrology & hydraulic capacity, aquatic habitat, flood control and aesthetics.
• Improve pond productivity and enhance riparian (relating to wetlands and streams) diversity in Wellesley Pond.
• Establish native riparian plants and provide habitat enhancements for pond species such as amphibians, reptiles, birds and fish.
• Manage the nuisance Canada Geese and Common Carp populations.
• Consider opportunities that would enhance parkland trails in support of the Township's broader community trail initiative.