2026 Amaolo Stream Restoration Campaign

Help us revive a floodplain and renew an ecosystem in 2026! Donate now.

In the 1940s, the stream at the nature sanctuary was channelized (straightened) as a way to improve drainage in the surrounding landscape but it disrupted the natural processes of the waterway. We now have a clear, science-based path forward to restore the stream and its floodplain – but we need your help to raise the remaining funds needed to complete the project!

Overview

Amaolo Nature Sanctuary is a 39-acre property located in west Ancaster. The property is forested or regenerating, both naturally and aided by Mr. Amaolo who planted thousands of native trees and shrubs. The property is gently rolling upland to flat valleyland, with two seasonal streams, five on-line ponds, and one larger stream that was channelized around 1940. All of the streams are tributaries of Fairchild Creek within the Grand River Watershed. The southwest part of this valley includes a well established natural riparian vegetation community which continues downstream to the southwest.

History

The Amaolo Nature Sanctuary was created in 2010 through a generous donation by George Amaolo who wanted to permanently protect his land. The HNC is working to restore abandoned fields at the sanctuary to a natural state, following the naturalization precedent set by Mr. Amaolo. We are grateful to Mr. Amaolo for his generosity and patience with the donation process and value the faith he has in our ability to care for the land.