The Task Force, working with the City of Toronto, Parks and Recreation and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), embarked on a project to naturalize two floodplain ponds at Riverdale Farm. The Sanctuary and Lower Ponds are a remaining river oxbow. Before the Don River was straightened and channelled in the late 19th century, the Don flowed through the area now occupied by these ponds.
The hard concrete and stone shorelines of the two ponds were removed to create a more natural topography. After the excavation work, hundreds of volunteers from schools and the local community planted nearly 2000 trees and shrubs and 3000 wildflowers and wetland plants.
Riverdale Farm Ponds officially opened on August 27, 1998. This naturalization project has created valuable wetland habitat for local and migratory wildlife. It also provides an exceptional opportunity to educate the public about wetlands. Viewing platforms allow visitors to get close to the water and pond life without trampling the vegetation.
Work continues at the ponds with regular monitoring and site maintenance. The Riverdale Farm Ponds Monitoring Report, prepared with funding from Shell Canada, indicates the great value of restoring sites like this one.
