A 1995 naturalist's resource survey report concluded that Dolan Pond Conservation Area provides unique habitat for both wildlife and a variety of plant species that are rare within the City of Newton. Although only 8 acres in extent, the area provides a mosaic of environmental conditions that encourages biological diversity. Included among the plant species of special significance found growing in the area are netted chain fern, Atlantic white cedar, round leaved sundew, swamp milkweed, poison sumac, and cotton grass.
Aquatic areas provide habitat for amphibians and snakes.
Dolan Pond consists of 8 acres of wetlands traversed by paths and footbridges, and is ideal for walking, bird watching, and nature study. Quinn and Dolan Ponds are quite shallow allowing ice-skating in the winter season. The Dolan Pond area is managed by the Newton Conservation Commission, with day to day management by the city environmental planner, Martha Horn at the City Hall Planning Dept. In 1979, the city acquired the privately owned portions with aid of state funds. The area was destined for housing plots as can be seen by the boundaries on the city planning map.