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

Josh Balisteri grew up in Orchard Park, a stone’s throw from one of his favorite childhood stomping grounds: Chestnut Ridge Park. His family’s weekly hikes to local parks and preserves were just the start of his obsession with nature. TV shows like Survivorman and The Crocodile Hunter supercharged his keen interest in ecology and wildlife. After graduating from Orchard Park High School, he attended SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse. There he earn