The waterfront at the malecón in San Antonio Tlayacapan has been transformed over the last two weeks by the removal of tons of aquatic vegetation that cluttered sweeping views of Lake Chapala and encouraged the proliferation of mosquitoes.
The extreme makeover of the natural landscape was carried out by Chapala’s Public Works Department, under the supervision of Ecology Director José Jaime Ibañez. Truckloads filled with huge clusters of reeds and other water weeds have been hauled off to private properties, where they will be converted into compost material.
Large patches of the plants have been left intact on stretches of the shoreline located to the east and west of the site to ensure the survival of sufficient habitat to harbor wild birds and protect the reproduction of endemic fish, in accord with technical guidance provided by the Instituto Corazón de la Tierra, a non-profit organization committed to the sound environmental management of Mexico’s largest lake.
For many years, San Antonio villagers have clamored for a major clean-up of the town’s principal green zone and communal recreation spot. With that finally accomplished, local families are now gathering there more frequently to play sports, use exercise equipment, hold picnics and birthday parties and relax in a natural setting during their free hours.