Canal Shores Employs Ecologist to Restore Native Habitat

The Evanston golf course property has hired a full-time ecologist to manage its 40-acre ecosystem and bird sanctuary.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Environmental

Native prairie wildflowers and bunchgrasses in a meadow, showing ecological restoration work at the Canal Shores property in Evanston. — Canal Shores in Evanston has hired its first full-time ecologist, Arielle Erwin, to lead a three-year initiative restoring 40 acres of native habitat. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should local golf courses prioritize restoring native habitats over maintaining traditional grass surfaces?

In May 2026, Canal Shores hired Arielle Erwin as its first full-time ecologist to oversee the ecological management of its 40-acre property in Evanston. The initiative focuses on restoring native plant life across the site, which serves as an Audubon-certified bird sanctuary.

Why it matters

The board initiated this project to actively restore native vegetation, which provides essential support for local birds, butterflies, and pollinators. By prioritizing ecological health alongside traditional recreation, the course aims to bolster regional biodiversity.

The property spans 40 acres, with less than half currently utilized for golf course operations. Management efforts include the recent planting of over 200 native trees and a specialized understory project completed in October 2026.

The players

Arielle Erwin

She serves as the full-time ecologist responsible for implementing habitat restoration at Canal Shores.

Canal Shores

This 40-acre property in Evanston is an Audubon-certified bird sanctuary that balances golf operations with ecological preservation.

Illinois Forestry Development Council

This state organization provided the grant funding necessary to complete the recent understory planting project.

Morton Arboretum

This research institution provided a grant in 2025 that enabled the planting of over 200 native trees at the site.

The details

Ecologist Arielle Erwin manages the diverse site by installing native plants, trees, and seeds while utilizing prescription burning to suppress invasive species. This work is guided by a formal three-year habitat management plan designed to improve the property's natural resilience.

Canal Shores received a tree planting grant in 2025.
Arielle Erwin began her role as ecologist in May 2026.
A bird walk took place on the property on October 4, 2026.
The understory planting project was finished on October 17, 2026.
Spring migration bird walks are scheduled to resume in April and May 2027.

The Big Picture

This project aligns with the goals of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program by integrating formal ecological management into land traditionally reserved for recreation. It marks a shift toward prioritizing native biodiversity on managed landscapes.

Residents and visitors can engage with the improved habitat through seasonal bird walks and educational programs held on the grounds. These efforts contribute to local pollinator health, which may increase the presence of native butterflies and birds in the surrounding area.

The takeaway

Restoring native understory plants and trees creates crucial corridors for local pollinators and migratory bird species. Integrating these practices into existing community spaces demonstrates that active land management can successfully support broader urban biodiversity.