The Dundas Valley: A Gem

The Dundas Valley, set within the north and south walls of the Niagara Escarpment in Hamilton, is one of the richest natural areas in southern Ontario.  The Niagara Escarpment World Biosphere Reserve, the Province of Ontario and the city Hamilton, have recognized the Dundas Valley as an ecologically significant area.

The terrain is rugged with steep stream valleys cutting through large tracts of old forest accessible by a well-defined trail system.

• The ridges and upper valley slopes have red oak and white oak, trees.  Most of the valley slopes are covered in moist broadleaf forests of sugar maple, beech, ash and small ironwoods and blue beeches.  There are 600 plant species found in the Valley of which 42 are rare, including American chestnut, green violet, broad beech fern, yellow mandarin, tulip tree and ginseng.
  
• The Dundas Valley is the largest area of forest in this region and along with Cootes Paradise has been recognized as an "Important Bird Area" under an international program of that name.  Four species - hooded warbler, Acadian flycatcher, Louisiana waterthrush and cerulean warbler (all nationally vulnerable or threatened) - are the basis for that designation.  Almost 100 species have been recorded nesting here.
  
• Excellent habitat exists for amphibians such as Jefferson's salamander, yellow-spotted salamander, and the rare pickerel frog.  The shy ringneck and red-bellied snakes are found on the steep wooded slopes.  There are also 15 species of mammals, the rarest of which is southern flying squirrel.

This land has tremendous opportunities for trail development, rest areas, and interpretive lookouts.

By being involved in the protection of this natural treasured land, the donors will be instrumental in its permanent preservation.  All in all, the Dundas Valley is a natural jewel that is certainly be a centre-piece in our region.