Short Hills Nature Sanctuary

Description History Ecological Significance Management and Access

Location: Niagara Region, northwest of Fonthill

Dates of Acquisition: 1967 and 1999

Area: 42 acres (17 hectares)

Description

The Short Hills Nature Sanctuary is located within the Fonthill Kame Morraine, a unique landscape consisting of glacial sands and silts highly dissected by the Twelve Mile Creek and its tributaries. Between the nature sanctuary's forested hills are the headwaters of Effingham Creek (a tributary of Twelve mile Creek) and associated riparian wetlands. The site contains a rare example of old growth Carolinian forest known locally by the name "Valley of the Big Trees".

History

The original 23 acres (9.3 hectares) of the Short Hills Nature Sanctuary was purchased by the HNC as a Nature Sanctuary in 1967 centennial project. Soon after, footpaths were established through parts of the sanctuary to facilitate nature study. The nature sanctuary was included in the Niagara Escarpment Plan Area, designated as Escarpment Natural Area and subsequently recognized as a core area of the Niagara Escarpment World Biosphere reserve. With donated funds and support under the Province of Ontario's Niagara Escarpment Program, the HNC was able to enlarge the nature sanctuary in 1999 through the purchase of an additional 19 acres (7.7 hectares) from the Upper family.

Tuliptree at Short Hills

Ecological Significance

The Short Hills Nature Sanctuary makes up almost half of the North Pelham Valley Area of Natural and Scientific Interest, a provincially significant earth and life science ANSI. From an earth science perspective the site is significant for its representation of Fonthill Kame features as well as the location of the site in the upper reaches of the physiologically significant Twelve Mile Creek glacial re-entrant valley. The sanctuary's location at the headwaters of Effingham Creek, a cold water stream, and the many seeps and associated wetland areas present make it hydrologically significant.

The Short Hills Nature Sanctuary is noteworthy for its high concentration of significant flora and fauna and the diversity of vegetation communities, including Carolinian and northern elements within a relatively small area. The site's old growth forest, including huge Tulip, Oak and Beech trees is also significant. The sanctuary provides habitat for several species at risk including Cucumber Tree, Broad Beech Fern, Hooded Warbler, Cerulean Warbler and Southern Flying Squirrel.

Management and Access

The HNC Sanctuary Land Trust Committee coordinates ongoing volunteer management and monitoring of the nature sanctuary, including upkeep of three trails and associated trail structures. The HNC hopes to develop a management plan for the nature sanctuary by 2010. Management issues include controlling invasive alien species such as Garlic Mustard and retention of old growth forest habitat.

A range of ecological research has been undertaken at the Short Hills Nature Sanctuary, including groundwater monitoring, bird surveys and Chestnut tree census work. The HNC published inventories of the flora and fauna of the sanctuary in the 1980's.

Access to the sanctuary is by permission. All HNC members have permission to enter. Others are invited to contact the HNC Sanctuary Director for permission. Motorized vehicles, bicycles and horses are not permitted, nor is hunting, fishing or the removal of any natural materials form the site. Dogs are permitted only if on leash and all users must stay on the marked trails.