Sauble Dunes Nature Reserve © Noah Cole
About
Sauble Dunes Nature Reserve protects an exceptional 77 hectares (190 acres) of forested sand dunes and wetlands. The property is located inland from the eastern shore of Lake Huron on the Saugeen Bruce Peninsula, falling entirely within the Sauble Falls North Life Science Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) that encompasses 764 hectares between Sauble Falls and Oliphant in Amabel Township. This provincially significant ANSI is one of the best remaining examples of beach ridges, sand plains, sand dunes and swales in the region.
The property directly abuts Chief’s Point Wetland, a 168-hectare provincially significant coastal wetland complex, partially on Saugeen Ojibway First Nation reserve land.
Bunchberry © Mark Carabetta
Plants and Animals
Sauble Dunes Nature Reserve’s forested dunes and wetlands offer many different microenvironments, making them extremely diverse ecosystems, high in biodiversity. Sauble Falls North ANSI is home to several provincially rare plant species including long-leaved reed grass, dwarf lake iris and stiff yellow flax. The Chief’s Point Wetland also hosts the provincially rare beaked spikerush, Indian plantain and crested arrowhead. These areas also provide habitat for the provincially threatened Massasauga rattlesnake, and provincially significant ribbonsnake.
Other wonderful species that can be discovered on the property include the red-shouldered hawk and Cooper’s hawk, several species of frog and salamander, many mammals including coyote and red fox, and numerous songbirds such as the yellow-rumped warbler, purple finch, swamp sparrow, and northern waterthrush. The nature reserve also provides locally significant feeding and migrating habitat for various water and shore birds.
Red-spotted newt © Noah Cole
Dune Ecosystem
The Great Lakes coastal dune systems are considered to be among the most rare and sensitive ecosystems in Canada. Glacial drift formed the dunes over the last 3,000 to 4,000 years as the post-glacial Lake Nipissing began to recede.
The dune forests on the property are particularly unique ecosystems because despite existing on steep, barren sand slopes with only a thin layer of topsoil, they are able to support a wide variety of spring wildflowers and woodland plants.
Drainage between the dunes is typically poor, which has created a remarkable mosaic of wetland depressions or “swales” throughout the property.
Fen, Sauble Dunes Nature Reserve © Peter Middleton
History
Sauble Dunes Nature Reserve was donated to Ontario Nature in 2009 in memory of James and Eva Hetherington, and Ernest and Catharine Lewington. Thanks to the generosity of Ontario Nature’s supporters, we were able to set up an endowment fund to ensure that this natural treasure will be protected forever.
In 2025, our incredible network of supporters stepped up again to help us expand Sauble Dunes Nature Reserve, permanently protecting an additional 26 hectares of rare Great Lakes costal dune habitat.
Sauble Dunes Nature Reserve © Mark Carabetta
Visiting
To protect this sensitive habitat, this property does not have a marked trail system and is not open to members of the public. The dune ecosystems are extremely vulnerable to erosion from trampling and motor vehicle use. Please contact Ontario Nature if you are interested in conducting research or learning more about this property.
Chief’s Point reserve lands are directly to the west of the nature reserve. Permission is required from Saugeen Ojibway Nation to visit Chief’s Point.
Bottle gentians © Gabriella Zagorski
Stewardship
Owen Sound Field Naturalists are the official stewards of the nature reserve. They are integral in protecting the natural heritage of the property.
If you are interested in assisting or joining the club, please email membership@owensoundfieldnaturalists.ca.
To learn more about volunteering as a nature reserve steward, please see our Volunteer Stewardship webpage.
Round-leaved sundew © Marcia Ranger
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