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Since 2020, efforts have been underway here to combat an invasive alien species, the watercress (Crassula sylvestris), a small plant that can multiply explosively in bare conditions and outpaces all native seedlings. Keeping this alien species under control requires intensive and costly management. Moreover, the species suffocates all other native aquatic plants. Attempts are being made here to combat this alien species in a natural way. First, the watercress was removed from the pond bottom. Subsequently, native natural enemies of the invasive plant were planted. This reduces the watercress's chances of spreading to the surrounding nature. This is an experiment by the City of Hasselt and the Bio-Research research center at PXL University of Applied Sciences, but to date, it does not appear to be sufficient.

De Wijers is a unique nature reserve with approximately 700 hectares of water and over 1,000 ponds. The once artificial fishponds have developed into a valuable wetland with impressive biodiversity – home to numerous bird species, amphibians, and dragonflies. The area is part of the European Natura 2000 network.

Shortly after the Schoenbrouck Pond in the Kiewit nature reserve was redesigned, it became overgrown with an invasive alien species, watercress. This was a disaster for the pond's natural character. Originally, a solution had been devised that was better than the one normally used in such a situation. The usual solution was to completely fill the pond and re-dig it after five years. But apparently, the faster method hasn't been very successful so far. More information about this can be found at https://www.natuurpunthasseltzonhoven.be/watercrassula-natuurlijk-bestrijden/ Therefore, you usually won't see many waterfowl from the birdwatching hut.

Until further notice, the Schoenbrouck low-lying lawn remains. In short: no pond visible (which once stood in front of the bird hide), only grass.

In De Wijers you can walk quietly on good paths between all kinds of water features. De Wijers is therefore called the land of 1001 ponds.

Domein Kiewit is one of the gateways to De Wijers. More details and information about the possibilities of this gateway (and other gateways) on https://www.dewijers.be/nl-domein-kiewit

In the Maten you will find a piece of authentic wine landscape with beautiful ponds, connected by heads and tails. It is the area par excellence for bird lovers, as the Wijers are a breeding area for numerous water and songbirds. The Augustijnenvijver is a stopping place for countless birds during bird migration. The routes connect Genk with Diepenbeek and guide you past the ponds of the Maten to the Diepenbekerbos.

De Maten is located in the plain at the foot of the Kempen plateau. The alternation between dry dunes, heathland and ponds provides a large and fascinating wealth of plants and animals. When the ponds are dry, a typical vegetation develops with floating water plantain, needle water rush, glass ducks, egg-shaped water rush... This area is important for birds such as bittern, wood monkey, great egret, marsh harrier and gadwall. You will also find the tree frog and the garlic toad, two amphibians with a special way of life.