Wetlands | Municipality of West Perth

The West Perth Wetlands include 65 acres featuring 3 rehabilitated ponds, 10kms of walking trails, and over 4700 trees and shrubs. Each part of this lush area is unique and provides wildlife and rare bird species with natural habitat.

What Is a Wetland?

Wetlands are areas covered by shallow water. They are vital to the health of our landscape and provide a transition between land and open water. The trees, shrubs, animals and marsh of a wetland act as a natural filtration system that improves water quality, reduces flooding, moderates climate conditions and provides a habitat for many rare animal and bird species.

Features

A 3km stretch of path that circles around 3 main pond landscapes
Mowed grass trails for easy walking
Home to rare species of breeding and migratory birds
Slight rise in elevation offers the perfect vantage point to see
A picnic area
Lots of open space for large birding groups to enjoy taking pictures
Connected to the West Perth Thames Nature Trail that winds along the scenic Thames River

What Species of Birds Will I Find There?

Over 200 rare species of breeding and migratory birds have been seen at the Wetlands this year so far. What species will you add to the list?

Pond Habitats

Only 0.03% of Perth County is available to waterfowl as a wetland marsh. The West Perth wetlands double the available wetland habitat.

Stays shallow to allow shorebirds to stand on the sandbars and dig to catch small organisms
Attracts dabbling ducks who feed off the plant life

The biggest of the two
Deeper than the first pond
Designed to retain water that is drained from the front pond
Provides more water for birds such as ducks, swans and geese to swim in safety
A municipal drain prevents the wetlands from flooding during heavy rain

Location

3871 Wellington Street, Mitchell, ON N0K 1N0

The Wetlands are at the south end of Mitchell, Ontario. Proceed down Frank St until you see Kinsmen Park and a baseball diamond. Turn right at the diamond and follow the road to the end where you can park.

Accessibility

The North and middle sections of the trail are accessible for baby strollers, motorized scooters and wheelchairs while the southern section is more rugged and naturally scenic.

View our West Perth wetlands and trail map for details.