The frog and fish ponds, located near the entrance of the forest, will now allow visitors to get closer, and maybe even catch a few of the many aquatic creatures that live in the wetland area.

A bridge, joining the two ponds together, will allow disabled children and adults better access to the pond. Extended poles, with nets, mean everyone can test their luck catching some of the frogs and fishes.

The constructed bridge will be unveiled at the annual Pumpkinfest, which takes place Saturday, Oct. 25, from 12 to 4 p.m., and welcomes costume-clad children and adults to carve pumpkins, make crafts, take a hayride, and scavenger around a trail of treats. Photographers will also be on site and every family will receive a free photograph from the day.

According to Bouwman, it not only creates a fun atmosphere for young and old alike, it also allows disabled children, who may not be able to trick-or-treat, an opportunity to take part in Halloween fun.

There is no cost to attend the event, but Bouwman will accept donations to help offset costs.

Bouwman recently received his third award in as many months for his work constructing and operating the Heartland Forest.

On Friday, he journeyed to Toronto, to receive the 2008 Award of Merit for Barrier Free Design from the March of Dimes Canada. Bouwman says he's just an "average" guy, who continues expanding the forest for the children, not the recognition.

"I always question myself, 'what is the purpose of me receiving these awards?' I'm not one of those guys. I don't sit here with a suit and tie, even though financially I could. I do it for the kids. No doubt. For the adults, specifically with disabilities."

Bouwman admits the awards help for sponsorship on future projects. He hopes to open a wheelchair accessible nature education centre on the forestland, and perhaps in the future, a wheelchair accessible hotel in the downtown core.

"I don't want to brag about myself. But, it shows these people (sponsors) that I'm not a fly-by-night dreamer because I've been on this since 2000."

Other recent additions to the forest include a large hand carved wood bear, welcoming tourists down the trail, and another hand carved wood turtle.

The forest is located off of Kalar Road.

For a map of the area or for more information visit www.heartlandforest.org.