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Staff & Board Our Staff (pictured from left) Carol Markham, Conservationist John Jablonski III, Special Projects Coordinator Whitney Gleason, Executive Director Bethany O'Hagan, Land Specialist Twan Leenders, Director of Conservation Tracy Carlson, Director of Community Engagement John McCarthy, Preserve Handyman Caitlin Weilacher, Business Manager Jill Eklund, Senior Executive Coordinator (not pictured) Daniel Conklin, Land Acquisition Coordinator Justina Dore, Director of Development Our Board of Directors OFFICERS Janis L. Bowman, Chair Jeanne E. Wiebenga, Vice Chair Deborah E. Moore, Treasurer Cheryl E. Mawhinney, Secretary DIRECTORS Claire Johnson Baker Kaitlyn L. Bentley John S. Ford, ex officio Michael E. Jabot Rebecca L. Nystrom Kristofor G. Sellstrom Mary Beth Southwick Robyn R. Steele Deborah C. Trefts Ruth T. Wahl William J. Ward EMERITUS William R. Locke Michael K. Lyons Arthur D. Webster Employment / Internships Thank you for your interest in working with us! We do not have any openings at this time. Sign up for our e-news (using the form below) and follow us on social media to hear of future opportunities. If you are looking for volunteer opportunities, please click here .

Elm Flats Wetland Preserve A rugged and marshy locale, the Elm Flats Preserve and the First Site at Elm Flats are most frequently visited by naturalists, botanists, hunters and birdwatchers looking to explore the site’s extraordinary flora and fauna. Located at the headwaters of Chautauqua Lake, these preserves are the only properties on Chautauqua Lake’s Big Inlet that are not privately owned. Size: 83 acres Year Conserved by CWC: 1995 (Elm Flats Preserve) and 2015 (First Site at Elm Flats) Address: 6540 Lawson Road, Mayville, NY Conservation Values: These preserves include a significant portion of the upper headwaters of Chautauqua Lake and therefore play an integral role in conserving the water quality of the lake and the ecological health of the region. The Elm Flats Preserve and the First Site at Elm Flats protect the only portion of Chautauqua Lake’s Big Inlet that is not privately owned. Recreational Use: There are currently no developed trails or other facilities within the preserves due to the extensive wetland, thick brush and deep mud. Most visitors are naturalists, botanists, hunters and birdwatchers. Location and Parking: The main Elm Flats Preserve is north of Lawson Road in the Town of Chautauqua. The preserve is by a sign west of the entrance that is set back approximately 25 feet from the road and may be obscured by vegetation at times. The First Site is just south of Lawson Road with three entrances, each a narrow dirt track over the culvert. Currently there are no designated parking areas. Features of Interest: Mostly forested wetland, which serves as the headwaters for Big Inlet, the largest tributary to Chautauqua Lake. Many minor tributaries to Big Inlet also traverse the preserve. Forest canopies are interrupted by small treeless areas consisting of shrub and wetland meadows. A logging road extends from the eastern entrance on Lawson Road almost to the southeastern boundary. SPECIES OF INTEREST: T rees: American elm (Ulmus Americana), black ash (Fraxinus nigra), cucumbertree (Magnolia acuminate), basswood (Tilia americana), quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) Understory: witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) Reptiles and Amphibians: The following species of streamside salamanders, which are considered species of concern, include the northern dusky salamander (Desmognathus fuscus) and Allegheny dusky salamander (D. ochophaeus). Mudpuppy (Necturus punctatus) and short-headed garter snake (Thamnophis brachycepaha). Turtles include the spiny softshell turtle (Apalone spinifera) and painted turtle (Chrysemys picta). Fish: redside dace (Clinostomus elongatus), pumpkinseed sunfish (Lepomis gibbosus), mottled sculpin (Cottus bairdii), grass pickerel (Esox americanus vermiculatus) Mammals: bobcat (Lynx rufus), muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus), northern raccoon (Procyon lotor) Birds: red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus), green heron (Butorides virescens), American woodcock (Scolopax minor), ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla), pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus), cedar waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) Wildflowers, shrubs, mosses and grasses: spicebush (Lindera benzoin), common elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), winterberry (Ilex verticillata), partridgeberry (Mitchella repens), goldthread (Coptis trifolia), sphagnum moss (Sphagnum sp.), Canadian lily of the valley (Maianthemum canadense), Joe Pye weed (Eupatorium maculatum), timothy (Phleum pretense), New England aster (Aster novae-angliae), rattlesnakeroot (Prenanthes sp.), willows (Salix spp.), silky dogwood (C. amomum), staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina) Amphibians: northern spring peeper (Pseudacris c. crucifer), wood frog (Rana sylvatica), pickerel frog (Rana palustris)

In the cheerful town of Chatty Creek, everyone wanted the greenest lawn on the block. Families spent weekends mowing, watering, and sprinkling fertilizers like fairy dust to keep their grass thick and bright. The kids loved it - playing tag, watching cloud parades, staging backyard bug battles, and pretending the perfect carpet of grass was their enchanted kingdom.   Trouble Beneath the Turf But while the grass looked great, trouble was brewing. The fertilizers started sneaking into Lilypad Lake, turning the once-sparkling water into murky green soup. Algae took over, the fish disappeared, and the kids' favorite spot to splash, swim, and skip stones became a stinky mess.   The Garden That Faded The more the grass grew, the fewer wildflowers popped up. Bright blooms and busy bees were replaced by endless, boring lawns. Yards all looked the same – green and lifeless. Milkweed and coneflowers vanished, crickets stopped chirping, frogs stopped croaking, and the kids’ insect jars stayed sadly empty. Even the nighttime sparkle of lightning bugs went dark.     The Lawn Lesson The kids of Chatty Creek started to notice. Their bright green lawns weren’t all that magical anymore. They realized that the “perfect” grass had pushed nature away. They missed the buzzing bees, the colorful flowers, and the splashy fun at Lilypad Lake.   A Brave New Bloom So the residents of Chatty Creek got brave and tried something new. Families planted native flowers, cut back on lawn chemicals, and let parts of their yards go wild again. Nature returned - birds sang, bees hummed, butterflies danced, and Lilypad Lake began to sparkle again. The kids found rekindled joy in messy meadows, muddy toes, and nature’s backyard bounty.   And from that day on, Chatty Creek bloomed happily ever after! Article by Conservationist Carol Markham

The invasive Spotted Lanternfly was reported in Chautauqua County on April 26th is Stow. This insect feeds on over 70 species of plants, including grapes, fruit trees, and maples, and its sugary excretions can lead to mold growth and attract other pests. It’s a major threat to the agricultural industry and our enjoyment of outdoors. If you see one, take a photo if you can, report it to www.reportslf.com  (you can also use the QR codes below), and then squash the bug.   Please take a moment to click the links below to learn more and also share this post to help spread awareness! (Click the three dots at the top right hand of the page.)   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehbox8CHWEY   https://lergp.com/spotted-lanternfly   https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/spotted-lanternfly

Spotted Lanternfly Nymphs (photo credit: WNY PRISM) Ever heard of the Spotted Lanternfly? How about the Red Swamp Crayfish? No, they're not band names – they're invasive species creeping into Western New York, and they could be wreaking havoc on local ecosystems. But what exactly are invasive species, and are they all that bad?   What Are Invasive Species ?   An invasive species is non-native to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction causes, or is likely to cause, economic or environmental harm, or harm to human health. Invasive species may be plants, animals, or pathogens or even microorganisms that make their way into an environment where they don’t belong. Unlike a friendly neighbor who moves in next door, these species tend to overstay their welcome, disrupt the balance of native ecosystems, and sometimes cause serious damage to agriculture, wildlife, and biodiversity.   Meet the Uninvited Guests   Western New York is currently facing a number of invasive species challenges. Some notable troublemakers include: Spotted Lanternfly  – This little pest feasts on fruit trees, vineyards, and native plants, making it a major agricultural threat. It has been spotted in the Buffalo area and was just spotted in Chautauqua County last weekend (at Hogan’s Hut General Store in Stow). Red Swamp Crayfish  – A feisty crustacean known for burrowing into aquatic environments, causing habitat disruptions and competing with native species. Policemen’s Helmet (Himalayan Balsam)  – This invasive plant spreads rapidly, outcompeting native vegetation and altering local landscapes. Wavyleaf Basketgrass  – A seemingly harmless grass, but don’t be fooled! It spreads aggressively and crowds out native plant life.   Other invasives that are on the high priority list of the Western New York Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management include: Porcelain Betty, Mile-a-Minute, Slender False Brome, Amut Corktree, Scotch Broom, Water Lettuce, Water Hyacinth, and Sticky Sage.   Why Should We Care?   At first glance, some invasive species might not seem like a big deal. After all, what’s wrong with a few extra plants or critters in the mix? But their effects can be far-reaching and often come with unintended consequences:   1. Competition with Native Species These invaders have a knack for outcompeting native plants and animals for essential resources, sometimes driving local species to extinction. 2. Ecosystem Disruptions They change the very structure of habitats. Think of invasive plants like kudzu that blanket forests and the sides of freeways, or aquatic species that alter water ecosystems. 3. Biodiversity Decline When invasive species dominate a habitat, native species often get pushed out, reducing biodiversity and affecting ecological balance. 4. The Disease Factor Some invasives bring along harmful pathogens or parasites that spread to local wildlife, leading to unexpected population declines. Think of the Pilgrams and First Nations people. Or anywhere Christopher Columbus went. 5. Food Chain Chaos Predatory invasive species can disrupt natural food webs, leaving native species struggling to survive. 6. Environmental Degradation Many invasive species damage soil, water quality, and vegetation, making it harder for ecosystems to recover.   Fighting the Invasion   Western New York isn’t sitting idly by while these species take over. Public awareness campaigns, prevention programs, and partnerships like the WNY PRISM are working to stop their spread.   Want to help? Stay informed, and report sightings of invasive species with an amazing app called iMapInvasives. You can find it on any phone operating platform. It’s free and easy to use. It would be extremely helpful in identifying invasives that no one even knows about around where you live and play!   New York’s Invasive Species Awareness Week (NYISAW) is June 9th- 15th!   NYISAW promotes knowledge and understanding of invasive species and the harm they can cause, just like this article. Organizations across all of New York State (including the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy) will offer a variety of engaging events, such as interpretive hikes, volunteer days, webinars, movie screenings, and fun family activities. By participating in NYISAW, you can help protect your community’s natural spaces, learn about the emerging invasive species, meet your neighbors, and get outdoors.     So, stay vigilant, report any invasives to your local environmental groups, document it in the app, and most important of all, support native plant restoration projects! Article by Land Steward Bethany O'Hagan