Overview

Hayesland Swamp Nature Sanctuary is a 21-ha property located north of Concession 6 W and west of Highway 6 within the Hayesland Swamp Provincially Significant Wetland. The Environmentally Significant Area consists of a large 1183 ha crescent-shaped forested wetland straddling the Grindstone and Spencer Creek watershed boundary.

History

 Acquisition of the property was made possible thanks to the generosity of HNC members and donors who donated to the Wildlands Acquisition Fund, and especially Helene and Barney Dutka who established the Anita Dutka-Buchin Memorial Trust Fund. The former landowners also generously donated a portion of the purchase price.

Ecology and Highlights

The sanctuary is a forested swamp with scattered patches of open marsh. HNC has conducted some acoustic biomonitoring at the nature sanctuary to better understand the diversity of species present, including Rusty Blackbirds and Barred Owls. As it is mostly inaccessible, it will remain a true sanctuary for nature.