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"It has been a wonderful experi- ment in interconnectiveness. The city, who owns the land, wanted to beautify the park and the residents wanted to beautify their neighborhood. The key was rind- ing a way to bring all the dime rent ngendas together." Whaley, whose home borders the land, says he has been trying to rind a use for the land that would satisfy everyone. Once he decided on a plan, the next step was pulling all the interested parties together. But, on May 18 a group of Waterloo residents will be turn- ing that vacant land into Water- loo’s Met urban forest complete with 139 native trees, shrubs and bushesrand strategically placed park benches. Mark Whaley, the organizer of the project, says the new forest will be a refuge for animals, birds and people. "The forest will beautify the neighborhood, attract songbirds and other animals and provide a place for people to escape their busy lives. The result will be a beautiful sanctuary off of one of the busiest streets in the city" Right now it’s a smell triangle of vacant land along University Avenue separated from the rest of Willowdale Park by Laurel Creek, unused and 'i'ltt except for the occasional stro er. Volunteers turn vacant lot Into urban forest Kano Adtteeuy Chronicle Staff _it'iiiii?ilry5 And'that Ire; was rmding a WE CARE SCHEFFLER about the environment owhile servicing your car, proper waste management is Important. We Recycle engine oil engine coolant (Glycol) 'AIR CONDITIONING REFRIDGERANT 'batterles 'tires 'metaI waste 885-2800 135 Lexington Court, #2, Waterloo AUTOMOBILES MW may Whaley says the forest will serve as a model for other neigh. borhoods and community groups interested in doing something "This project has really taught me how something like this can be done, how the average citizen can pull something like this together and make it happen," "tll Ttoyak. _ With the help of University of Waterloo student Marg TYoyak, an environmental resource stu- dent recruited by the city to help on the project, Whaley secured private funding for the project from the Canada Mat Friends of the Environment Fund. “This type of project is a r1rst in the community. The residents put their own time, money and ideas into this and the city just had to provide the guidance and the support.', - sponsor for the project and volun- teers who were willing to devote the time and energy needed to build and care for the forest. 19ftteltiarttiuamr "tttttttttinthe-ion Willowdale Park that they Jllrhl Into an urban tom. "It's not a grand project of great environmental significance, such as saving the rain forests. But it’s a good little neighborhood driven project that will enhance one little corner of the city and act as a reminder that the average person can do something to make a difference." "This is something that is not only of benerit to our neighbor- hood, but the whole community. School boards, for example, can use it as a teaching tool, a natural classroom right in the middle of the city. And the best part is, it’s not costing taxpayers a penny," says Whaley. The neighbors will act as ste- wards of the forest, ensuring that it is maintained, something that will be a labor of love, says Wltaley, 7 similar in their as. The city is making a video mm project and TYoyak is writing a stepby-step guide so others will have the benefit of their wisdom. NO MONEY DOWN tL till0 M/ll'. ti) 49 King Street North, Waterloo 884-0114 Hourw. 'a?rtiii?:31? fp - 5:30 pm; Mt SYSTEMS LTD. L Install up to a 2 Ton (iiiriiiir"'_ p,', s j"'"""", " W- _', F" mark": sl' I" ' m _ Happy Mother's Day Sunday May 12 :EENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM FOR AS LITTLE AS ENTER Sat.: 10.00 - S.00 pm WATERLOO CHRONOCLE WEDNESDAY, MAY 1. V991 . PAGE A5 885-2740 DELTA gilt tr; LENHOX . ' DELUXE I 24 Hour Service I Ask About Planned Service I Call Kelvin OAC. H Chocome Hus lulled wrth Thames Ill t' “mummy: Hum crafted Pewter Granttrnottter Mouse my“ w rm, In" " w. mm‘gnwm we (nun I "now worming atom Plan! to mu W! (”l tc 01)} hr 1r " owns has 272-0066 has) d