La Mesa Watershed Reservation, Protected natural area in Quezon City, Philippines.
La Mesa Watershed Reservation is a large forest reserve in the city containing multiple walking paths and viewpoints. The terrain includes picnic areas and rest spots where visitors can stop while exploring the woodland.
The reservoir was built in 1929 to supply drinking water to Manila during the American colonial administration. The surrounding woodland later became protected to safeguard the forest and water sources.
The reservation serves as a living classroom where visitors discover the connection between forests and the city's water supply. Communities gather here to understand why this forested area matters for the region's future.
Wear sturdy shoes and stick to marked trails to help protect the forest area. Early morning visits are best, especially on dry days when the paths are most accessible.
The reservation protects one of the last large rainforest areas in the metro region, where rare animals and plants survive that have vanished elsewhere. This forest matters because it preserves wilderness in a densely populated city.
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