Westminster Ponds Centre

This morning & staff stopped for 20 minutes to clean up the Westminster Ponds Centre in support of 💚🌳

It is amazing to see the impact that can happen in such little time with a group of dedicated individuals. 🌱🌎

Take 20 minutes out of your day today to help clean and green the space around you. 🌲🌳

🌎

Look at this stunning view from the Volunteer Training Centre this morning! Wouldn't it be the perfect backdrop for your next meeting or event?

Our facility has all the amenities you need to ensure a seamless and sustainable user experience for hybrid and in-person meetings. Plus, you get the unique bonus of being surrounded by the beautiful natural scenery of the woods.

The Volunteer Training Centre comes fully stocked with chairs, tables, guest WiFi, and a projector & screen, all free of charge for your use.

By renting the VTC, you are committing to having a successful meeting that is good for your team and the environment.

So why wait? Book the Volunteer Training Centre today and enjoy a productive, eco-friendly meeting experience.

Click below to reserve your spot!

https://westminsterpondscentre.ca/volunteer-training-centre

ReForest London Board member Tom Cull was featured in a CBC London story on this past weekend's clean-up at Westminster Ponds.

Check it out!

Londoners spring up to help with outdoor cleanups | CBC News Tom Cull doesn't mind taking out the trash, especially when scores of helpers arrive to roll up their sleeves and help.

🌳🌷🌱 On Sunday March 26, Londoners came together to make our city a cleaner and greener place to live! Over 180 volunteers spent two hours cleaning up the Westminster Ponds ESA along Wellington Rd on a beautiful spring day.

This incredible effort was led by ReForest London and Antler River Rally , with support from the City of London. The Westminster Ponds ESA is the largest in and is home to over 200 species of plants and animals. Thanks to the hard work of these volunteers, this important habitat is now cleaner and healthier for all.

But the work doesn't stop here! With spring in full swing, there are plenty of opportunities to continue volunteering and making a difference. Consider joining ReForest London, Antler River Rally, or London Clean and Green to help make our city a better place for everyone. Together, we can create a more sustainable and thriving community! 🌿🌎

Spring is coming and now is the time to join in community action for the environment.

Join Reforest London and Antler River Rally in the second annual 2-hour blitz clean-up of the Westminster Ponds ESA, Sunday March 26th 2-4PM.

Register today to join fellow Londoners as we work to divert waste from a biodiversity hotspot.

All supplies needed will be provided at the event.

Register now at https://westminsterpondscentre.ca/event/westminster-ponds-spring-clean

The Native Plant Sale is back!

From now until May 13th, order from a large selection of native shrubs and perennials, and pick up from the Westminster Ponds Centre on May 27th.

All proceeds support five local environmental nonprofits and a pollinator garden.

Don't wait. Order today by following the link below!



Order form: https://form.jotform.com/223264643554053

With a new year upon us, the Westminster Ponds Centre is launching a brand new website!

Check out the new site for the latest information on events, renting space for your next meeting or event, and to learn more about our many initiatives. Big thanks to rTraction for building this great new website and being amazing to work with! https://westminsterpondscentre.ca/

Thanks to the generous support of community volunteers and their furniture assembly skills, the Westminster Ponds Centre has two brand-new picnic tables for the Bruce Pavilion porch.

Next time you stroll at Westminster Ponds and need a break, stop by the Bruce Pavilion and check out how comfortable these new tables are!

“We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.” – Cynthia Ozick

As a place where veterans returned from WWII to heal and rehabilitate, Remembrance day holds a special place at the WPC.

We are grateful for the many sacrifices of our veteran heroes who sacrificed their lives for peace. At the 11th hour, we take a moment of silence to honour and remember.

Today we reflect on and honour all the children that did not return home, survivors of residential schools, their families and communities.

As we learn and grow in our reconciliation journey we encourage to reflect and work alongside for a better more sustainable future

Volunteer with us Saturday, October 1st from 11:00 to 1:00 pm as we embark on a seed collection hike through the Westminster Ponds!

Learn the foundations and ethics behind seed collection while getting a hands-on experience in the field.

This event is family-friendly so bring the kids for an evening of fun!

Need volunteer hours for high school? We would be more than happy to sign off!

Register today at westminsterpondscentre.ca.

Tomorrow is the day the doors of the Westminster Ponds Centre are wide open as we design the Forest City with the Community. This one day event offers something everyone can enjoy as we have a day of celebration and community. We can't wait to see the community throughout the day having fun and sharing their ideas on designing a sustainable London!

Saturday September 17
10am-4PM

944 Western Counties Rd.
London, ON.
N6C 6A9

Volunteer Training Centre Launch Ceremony at 11am
TVDSB Open House: 12:30pm-2pm
Tree Giveaways 11:30am-1PM & 2PM-3:30PM

The in two days and there will be activities for all Londoners to enjoy! Check out the many vendors, activities, and displays there are to offer through the gracious support of Fanshawe College Bachelor of Interior Design students, Thames Valley District School Board Environmental Leadership Project, London Arts Council, Reimagine Co. the London Environment Network, Childreach, and the London Lions Club.

Saturday Sept. 17
10am-4pm

944 Western Counties Rd.
London, ON
N6C 6A9

What's a great day without a Tree Giveaway! 's Neighbourhood Tree Giveaways Program will be onsite to give away trees to the community and answer all of your tree-related questions.

Species Available Include:
Multiple species of oak
Yellow birch
Ironwood
Kentucky coffee tree
Basswood
Some fruit trees (i.e. peach, apple, pear, etc.)
And More...

Come check it out Saturday September 17 at 11:30am-1pm OR 2PM-3:30PM

At 11am the Westminster Ponds Centre unveils the newly renovated Volunteer Training Centre (VTC) in a celebratory launch ceremony. Attend and learn more about this new community asset and the development of the Westminster Ponds Centre.

The VTC is perfect for your next in-person or hybrid meeting, retreat, or workshop. With all the amenities needed for a seamless and sustainable user experience. The unique bonus is you can do it all in the center of nature. Renting the VTC is a commitment to having a successful meeting that is also good for the environment.

Through the gracious support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, City of London, London Community Foundation, the Government of Canada, Sifton Family Foundation and the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph the renovations of the VTC and accessibility upgrades to the Bruce Pavilion are made possible.

Have you ever thought about the bigger picture for a greener and more Forest City?

Through Doors Open London, join ReForest London at the Westminster Ponds Centre for a day of celebration and community, as we ‘Design the Forest City’ together.

Saturday September 17th, 10am-4pm the Westminster Ponds Centre will have a bevy of activities and ceremonies to showcase accomplishments and renovations; share ideas; and have a family-friendly fun-filled day!

Most importantly the WPC, will be hosting a public consultation activity to learn how Londoners envision designing a more sustainable Forest City through the ongoing development of the Westminster Ponds Centre as a community asset.

Introducing SeedCycle! The program that makes use of the unwanted seeds from your backyard and puts them back into the community.

Seed donations are widely accepted and encouraged! Donations help increase genetic diversity within our parks and throughout London, all while creating a healthier, more resilient Forest City!

Please remember, permissions are always required when collecting seeds anywhere outside of your property.

To donate seed, head to westminsterpondscentre.ca/the-seed-hub, download and fill out the donation form and email the completed form to [email protected], or print and bring the completed form with you and your donated seed.

Questions? Email [email protected]

Volunteer with us Thursday, September 15th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm as we embark on a seed collection hike through Warbler Woods!

Learn the foundations and ethics behind seed collection while getting a hands-on experience in the field.

This event is family-friendly so bring the kids for an evening of fun!

Need volunteer hours for high school? We would be more than happy to sign off!

Register today at westminsterpondscentre.ca.

Volunteer with us Thursday, September 8th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm as we embark on a seed collection hike through Celebration Forest!

Learn the foundations and ethics behind seed collection while getting a hands-on experience in the field.

This event is family-friendly so bring the kids for an evening of fun!

Register today through the link in the bio or at westminsterpondscentre.ca.

Join us Thursday, September 1st, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm as we embark on a seed collection hike through Kilally Meadows!

Enjoy an afternoon hike while getting hands-on seed collection experience in the field.

Seeds collected from this event will go towards future naturalization projects and play a major role in educational workshops on all things seed.

This event is family-friendly so bring the kids for an evening of fun!

Register today at westminsterpondscentre.ca.

Join ReForest London at Westminster Ponds Centre for Doors Open London on Saturday, September 17th for one fun-filled day only from 10 am - 4 pm.

There will be lots of great activities to take part in including site tours, design-related displays, family-friendly activities, refreshments, a tree giveaway, music, prize draw, games, and more! For more information visit https://www.londonheritage.ca/doorsopenlondon and scroll down to ReForest London's description.

The Seed Hub is excited to head into collection season!

Join us each week this fall as we collect native tree and shrub seeds throughout London parks.

Learn all about seed collection best practices and how our efforts contribute to future naturalization projects and educational workshops for all ages!

Due to the nature of maturing seeds, locations for each event will be determined no less than one week prior to the date.

Register today at westminsterpondscentre.ca.

Westminster Ponds Centre is proud to present: The Seed Hub!

The Seed Hub is a volunteer-driven program that focuses on ethical seed collection from native trees and shrubs all while increasing public education on all things seeds!

Numerous events are held throughout the year from spring forecasting and fall seed collections, to seed processing and planting.

To learn more about the program head to westminsterpondscentre.ca.

Get involved with events by checking out the Events tab at westminsterpondscentre.ca.

Have questions? Email [email protected].

Join us on a short seed forecasting hike through the Warbler Woods trail!

Seed Forecasting is the action of scoping out the flowering and fruiting structures of a tree which help direct collection efforts in the fall.

On this hike you will learn all about seed forecasting best practices and how our naturalization projects can be enhanced by growing trees and plants well adapted to our region.

This event is child-friendly so bring the whole family for the fun!

Accessibility Note: This trail is uneven and with moderate hills and therefore not wheelchair or stroller accessible.

Register today at westminsterpondscentre.ca or at reforestlondon.ca.

One week left to give us your feedback on the Signal Boost Initiative! Please access our survey here: https://forms.gle/o84dW5vUeB9EXLUz8

Whether you participated in a Signal Boost Initiative event or are just learning about us now, we need your feedback to get a better understanding of our community’s level of awareness and to improve our programming to better meet the needs of Londoners

Please consider completing a short survey (5-10 min) by July 12th to let us know your thoughts on the program. Your participation in this survey will contribute to improving our initiatives in the future to grow the quantity and quality of environmental education within the Forest City. Thank you!

Join us on a short spring seed forecasting hike through Snake Creek trail in Medway Forest!

Seed Forecasting is the action of scoping out the flowering and fruiting structures of a tree which help direct collection efforts in the fall.

On this hike, you will learn all about seed forecasting best practices and how our naturalization projects can be enhanced by growing trees and plants well adapted to our region.

This event is child-friendly so bring the whole family for the fun!

Register today at westminsterpondscentre.ca or reforestlondon.ca.

Reforest London is proud to present a great new opportunity for Teachers in London and the surrounding area.

The Trees for Teachers program equips participating teachers with resources, interactive activities, experiential learning opportunities, and professional development all designed to improve student learning through environmental education.

Start the 2022/2023 school year off right by preparing with the Trees for Teachers program. You can participate in any number of the three activities which include:

1) Professional Development
2) Schoolyard Tree Planting
3) Seedling Growing Kits

To learn more check out www.reforestlondon.ca and fill out the Expression of interest form.

No matter how you choose to commemorate today, we wish all of our friends and community members a safe and nature-filled day.

Make sure to get outside and enjoy the wonders of nature that surround us.

We love receiving testimonials from our community!

As the Westminster Ponds Centre's Signal Boost Initiative reaches an end, we are looking for feedback from the London community. Whether you attended a Signal Boost Event in the past, or are just hearing about us now, we would really appreciate your feedback! Please follow the link below to participate in our survey.

https://forms.gle/tYMhfMkNHwPGtpSRA

Your contribution will help the Westminster Ponds Centre improve its programming in the future, to better meet the needs of the London community!

POSTPONED: Why a Right to Repair Matters

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances the workshop Why a Right to Repair Matters has been postponed.

Please keep an eye out on your email and our social media for updates on the new event date.

Sorry for the inconvenience!