Overview

Sheelah Dunn Dooley Nature Sanctuary is a 21.4-ha property located in Aldershot within the Cootes to Escarpment EcoPark System, forming an important north-south ecological corridor for wildlife. The nature sanctuary is a mix of steep wooded ravine, open seasonally wet meadow, and shrub thicket habitat. A multitude of stewardship activities are underway at the sanctuary, including invasive species management, native species plantings, development of a seed orchard, erosion control, wetland creation, and monitoring efforts.

History

Acquisition of the property was possible thanks to the generousity of Sheelah and Martin Dooley who entrusted the HNC with the funds to purchase, permanently protect, and steward these important lands. The HNC appreciated the good stewardship of the previous landowners, Mr. and Mrs. Bajaoritis, who owned the land for over 60 years and wished to see it remain natural.

Ecological Importance

The sanctuary is a mix of steep wooded ravine, open seasonally wet meadow, and shrub thicket habitat. Located in Aldershot, in the middle of the Cootes to Escarpment EcoPark System, it is part of the Bridgeview Valley Environmentally Significant Area (ESA). The ESAs in the urban area of Aldershot are valuable and vulnerable. Like Anita Dutka-Buchin Nature Sanctuary, this property also protects important north-south corridor that helps wildlife move between Cootes Paradise and the Niagara Escarpment.

Nature Sanctuary in the Landscape

The property lies in the middle of the Cootes to Escarpment EcoPark System which is a collaboration between nine local government and non-profit organizations who work together to protect and restore our natural lands and secure additional natural lands to create ecological corridors. In addition, the partners work together and with other local environmental groups to deliver sustainable recreation and education opportunities. The Sheelah Dunn Dooley Nature Sanctuary is a key part of an important north-south connection in the EcoPark System.

Stewardship Activities

The HNC stewards the nature sanctuary with a focus on managing invasive plant species that are hindering the growth of native plants and reducing habitat quality. Some of the invasive plants include Common Buckthorn, Invasive Honeysuckles, Dog-strangling Vine, Multiflora Rose and Phragmites. A variety of management techniques are being used including mechanical and chemical.

Goats are increasingly being recognized as invasive species management champions. The HNC was the first in the region to employ goats to help manage these invasive shrubs over an extended period of time.  After two seasons of the project, HNC found volunteers to be more productive than the goats and will continue to work with volunteers to manage invasive plants, although it is also felt that goats could be useful at other sites.