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Why Wetlands Matter
Did you know that wetlands are some of the most biodiverse habitats on the planet? Spend even a few hours exploring any wetland in our region and you will see a stunning variety of wildlife. These include beavers, otters, frogs, turtles, and a host of unique insects and rare birds—to name but a few. Wetlands also sustain an incredible range of trees, shrubs, grasses, and ferns that deliver important benefits throughout the web of life. The nutrient-rich soil and water provide

Kyle Semmel
Nov 4


What is Monitoring?
The Western New York Land Conservancy's conservation footprint is growing. We've protected more than 8,400 acres of WNY, a figure we aim to nearly double in the next five years. Though the protection of land is a critical step in our conservation work— whether through acquisition or conservation easement—it's only a single part of a larger process. By protecting land, we aim to ensure healthy and stable ecosystems where plants and animals will thrive well into the future. To

Kyle Semmel
Oct 31


Wildlife Wednesday: Woolly Bear
This is the Isabella tiger moth caterpillar (Pyrrharctia isabella), more commonly known as the woolly bear!

Gabriella Cilento
Oct 22


Conservation Celebration 2025 in Photos
Thanks to our generous sponsors, 350 attendees, and a $25,000 matching challenge, we are thrilled to announce that we raised over $100,000 for permanent land protection in WNY.

Kyle Semmel
Oct 1


Building a Hiking Trail at Floating Fen
We are so excited to open our Floating Fen Preserve to the public in October. Ever wonder what goes into building a hiking trail? Check out the gallery of images below to see a pictorial overview.

Kyle Semmel
Sep 29


The Land Conservancy Honors Community Members with Its 2025 Awards
Each year, the Land Conservancy recognizes individuals who've made outstanding contributions to our organization's mission. We are...

Kyle Semmel
Sep 10


Cultivating Awe, Leaving A Legacy: Nancy Leone
As a teenager, Nancy Leone traveled with her family throughout the United States. On these trips they visited many national parks. The dreamy, snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains and the wide, rolling hills of Northern New Mexico and Arizona were particular favorites. Because they were so unlike the flat, suburban landscape of her Long Island home, they inspired in her a powerful sense of awe.

Kyle Semmel
Aug 27


5 Invasive Species that Negatively Impact Western New York
Here are 5 invasive species negatively impacting Western New York.

Kyle Semmel
Mar 4


It Takes a Team: Grant Specialist Kyra Umrigar
A profile of our Grant Specialist, Kyra Umrigar.

Kyle Semmel
Dec 18, 2024


Portrait of the Artist as Operations Manager: Angeline Woodworth
When she was a student at Maryvale High School in Cheektowaga, Angeline Woodworth’s teacher asked everyone in her advanced placement...

Kyle Semmel
Nov 21, 2024


Making a Permanent Home in Western New York
In 1985, San Diego native Judy Paul and her then husband bought a property along Eighteenmile Creek in Concord, NY, packed up all their...

Kyle Semmel
Oct 30, 2024


Leaf litter: Keep it on the Ground
Leaving the leaves where they land means they will play a vital role in supporting wildlife throughout the winter months.

Gabriella Cilento
Oct 2, 2024


At Home in the Woods: A Profile of Sarah Costlow
When you think about Johnstown, PA—a city of 18,000 in Western Pennsylvania—maybe you think about the Great Flood of 1889. In late May of...

Kyle Semmel
Sep 27, 2024


Conservation Celebration in Pictures
Photos from our 1st annual Conservation Celebration.

Kyle Semmel
Sep 26, 2024


Cultivating a Legacy: The Schmieder Family Farm's Journey to Permanent Protection and Future Success
Perched on a picturesque hill in Alexander, NY is one of the prettiest farms you'll find in Western New York. You will recognize it by...

Kyle Semmel
Aug 22, 2024


Behind the Scenes at the Land Conservancy: A Profile of Kyle Semmel
You may not recognize our Communications Manager, Kyle Semmel. But he recently celebrated his 5th anniversary with the Land Conservancy.

Andrew Gaerte
Jul 17, 2024


Are Wildlife Crossings Coming to WNY?
We view wildlife crossings as a vital component of our ongoing work building the WNY Wildway, our ambitious, long-term plan to protect, conn

Kyle Semmel
Jun 26, 2024


Hemlock Woolly Adelgid: Know the Signs
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) is an invasive insect that is increasing in abundance throughout western New York.

Kyle Semmel
Apr 30, 2024


Every Living Creature Deserves Agency: A profile of Cathleen Maine, Deputy Director
Decisions based solely on economic arguments have vast consequences for nature, and we see this borne out today.

Kyle Semmel
Apr 10, 2024


Finding a Frogsicle: The Amazing Amphibians in Our Backyard
By Donna Barski Early last spring, I gently lifted a small frog that was trapped in a mat of thick icy-slush covering my pond. I suspect ...

Kyle Semmel
Mar 27, 2024
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