"Community science is one of the most powerful tools we have," Josh Balisteri, our Stewardship Director, points out. "It makes people slow down and notice otherwise benign scenes in nature. They're not just walking—they're engaged in conservation efforts."

By Gabriella Cilento, Development Assistant Hummingbird clearwing moths in action. At first glance, you might have thought you just saw a hummingbird flittering amongst the flowers. Darting through the air, hovering in place, sipping nectar, all the classic hallmarks of hummingbird. However, with the vast mimicry in nature, looks (and names) can be deceiving. This video is a perfect example of that mimicry. It's not a hummingbird or a bumblebee, but a hummingbird clearwing mo

As September 2025 approached, I began to feel the anticipation of what was to come. This year, I would net and tag monarch butterflies for Monarch Watch, an organization whose mission is to better understand how to sustain the monarch migration. My goal seemed straightforward: I would capture, tag, and release twenty-five monarch butterflies on their way to Mexico.

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

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

This is the Isabella tiger moth caterpillar (Pyrrharctia isabella), more commonly known as the woolly bear!

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.

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.

Each year, the Land Conservancy recognizes individuals who've made outstanding contributions to our organization's mission. We are thrilled to announce our 2025 recipients. They will be honored at our upcoming Conservation Celebration on September 25. Henry J. Kreher Conservation Award Terrie Tucker and Steve Still Steve Still and Terrie Tucker grew up, classmates and friends, in Palmyra, NY. After graduation, each went their separate ways. Steve studied Forestry at SUNY ESF

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.

Here are 5 invasive species negatively impacting Western New York.

A profile of our Grant Specialist, Kyra Umrigar.

When she was a student at Maryvale High School in Cheektowaga, Angeline Woodworth’s teacher asked everyone in her advanced placement English class to name the one burning question they wanted answered. “What is beauty?” was Angie’s response. After a thoughtful pause, her teacher retrieved his copy of James Joyce’s Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. “Read it,” he told her, “and report to me on what you find.” Looking back, it may seem like a curious lesson. Imagine a high

In 1985, San Diego native Judy Paul and her then husband bought a property along Eighteenmile Creek in Concord, NY, packed up all their belongings, and trekked across the country to start their new life. Since their kids were grown up and out of the house, her husband longed to return home to his native Western New York. Judy had no trouble adjusting to the long, dark, and sometimes harsh winters in our region. In fact, she says, the most difficult thing she had to do was to

Leaving the leaves where they land means they will play a vital role in supporting wildlife throughout the winter months.

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 that year, after a period of heavy rains, the South Fork Dam burst as the waters of the Little Conemaugh River gushed across the valley, churning up everything in its path. Sarah Costlow, our Land Protection Director since 2021, is a Johnstown native who grew up nearby in a house tucked away in the woods. When she thinks about Johnstown it’

Photos from our 1st annual Conservation Celebration.

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 the sight of cows grazing in a nearby pasture or the tall silos standing sentry beside the kind of old-fashioned red gambrel-roofed barns that used to dot Western New York. The Schmieder Farm is an organic dairy operated by Paul Schmieder Jr. and his wife, Lynnette. It's been family-owned and operated since 1951, when Paul's dad bought it wit

You may not recognize our Communications Manager, Kyle Semmel. But he recently celebrated his 5th anniversary with the Land Conservancy.

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