Land Donations and Easements “We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.” - Aldo Leopold The Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy gratefully considers all land donations, and we are humbled by those who seek our help in preserving their land for future generations. If you would like to discuss a property donation or establish an easement on your property, please contact Daniel Conklin, Land Acquisition Coordinator 716-664-2166 x1012 daniel@chautauquawatershed.org When deciding whether you are interested in donating your land, please consider the following: Our properties are operated as publicly accessible nature preserves so a donor should be comfortable with the general public accessing any properties that have been donated to us. We cannot accept donations that have existing environmental concerns, such as dumping or chemical contamination. We cannot accept donations of land free of charge. Each of our properties must have a formal boundary survey, title search, appraisal, and contribution to an endowment fund for perpetual management. Some properties will need a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment as well, depending on past land use. These costs add up and must be budgeted for before we can accept the land donation. All land donations are carefully considered by the our staff, conservation committee, and board of directors. When an offer of a land donation is made, we first conduct a preliminary biological investigation to assess ecological value and overall fit with our mission and conservation priorities. Findings are reported to the conservation committee, who then makes a recommendation to our board, which officially accepts or rejects the project. Land donations require a number of steps and careful consideration by all parties. Try to keep your expectations realistic, and do not base any immediate needs on ensuring that a potential donation closes in a constrained time frame.

Donor Advised Funds Manage your charitable giving in a tax-efficient and impactful way Clients of BNY Mellon, Fidelity Charitable, and Schwab Charitable can now make a designation from their donor-advised funds (DAFs) to the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy through DAF Direct right here on our website. Simply fill out the form and select “Next” to help protect our community’s waterways, wildlife, and way of life. The Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy’s tax I.D. number is 16-1389010. PLEASE! When donating from a DAF, please be sure to let us know that you’ve done so. Often, we receive the funds through the financial institution as anonymous and have no way of knowing who has provided such generous support. You are important to us, and we want to be able to thank you, so please be sure to call or email our lead gifts officer to let us know you’ve made a grant through a DAF! DAFs, are a great way to support the charities you care about. You get the benefit of an immediate tax deduction and get to have a larger impact on the organizations you choose to support through grants that you recommend from the fund over time. Grants made to the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy can be designated in one of two ways: • For us to use wherever the need is greatest (unrestricted) • For us to use for a specific program that matches the donor’s interests (for example: education, staff endowment, land acquisition and protection) If you need assistance with the form, have questions about making a designation, or would like help making a grant from a DAF outside of the above listed institutions please don’t hesitate to reach out to Director of Development Justina Dore, 716.664.2166 ext.1011, justina@chautauquawatershed.org. Why the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy? When you choose to become a donor to the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy, you have a direct and tangible impact on your local community. We work throughout Chautauqua County to preserve and protect our waterways, natural spaces for our wildlife, and places of peace and respite for our people. Your support stays here and gives you the opportunity to have a much greater impact. Consider joining our team so that we can work together to accomplish our shared goals of cleaner healthier water throughout Chautauqua County.

Land & Habitat Conservation Land & Habitat Conservation Land conservation is the key to a healthy and sustainable future. Conserving open space helps supply clean drinking waters and clean air, provide healthy habitats for plants and animals, support plant and wildlife biodiversity, provide opportunities for recreation and the enjoyment of nature, and even mitigate natural hazards like flooding. Because we know how critical land conservation is for healthy communities now and in the future, we have permanently protected more than 1,250 acres of land in 35 nature preserves in the Chautauqua region. But there is an urgent need for increased land conservation, and we are continually working to protect even more of these precious places. We have a number of new land conservation projects currently in the works and hope to be able to share them with you soon, so be sure to check this page regularly for updates! In the meantime, if you’d like to donate to help us protect additional natural landscapes and habitats, you can make a contribution here . Donate Now

About Us Who We Are Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy is a nationally accredited land trust and 501(c)3 nonprofit organization established in 1990 with a mission to preserve and enhance the quality, scenic beauty, and ecological health of the Chautauqua region’s lands and waters for our community. We diligently pursue this mission so that the Chautauqua region will remain an attractive, healthy, and enjoyable place for those who live in, work in, and visit the Chautauqua region now and in the future. What We Do We pursue our mission through land conservation, restoration, and education. We conserve lands with high ecological, hydrological, and scenic value on Chautauqua County’s natural lakeshores, along tributaries and within its watersheds and currently own and manage more than 1,250 acres of land and 35 nature preserves, all of which are open to the public for outdoor recreation and refreshment. We promote proactive best land, wildlife, and water resource management practices and provide educational programs to raise the community’s awareness of the connection between land use and the quality and quantity of our water resources, our quality of life, and the economic prosperity of our region. We also provide technical assistance to landowners, businesses, and municipalities so that they can better understand and implement the best land, wildlife, and water resource management practices for our region.

Volunteer There are many ways to support the conservation and education work of the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy, and one of them is to join our amazing team of volunteers! We have volunteer opportunities in the field, on our preserves, at our events, and in the office. If you’re interested, let us know by filling out and submitting the form below. And thank you for sharing your time and talents to help protect the lands and waters of the Chautauqua region! Name Phone Number Email What type of volunteer work are you interested in? Would you also like to receive our e-news? Submit Thanks for signing up!

Conserving Your Land Conservation is a state of harmony between men and land. - Aldo Leo pold Conservation is the prote ction or restoration of something from loss, damage or neglect. The conservation of land helps to keep property in a natural state through proper management, which not only s a ves o ur limited resources but also helps to protect the health and quality of our waterways, air, soils, food resources, and way of li fe! Landowners choose to conserve their lands for a variety of reasons. Some love their forests, some love their birds and other wildlife, some love to hunt or fish, and some want to protect the sites of che rished family memories. If you are considering conserving your land, whatever your reason, we can help you determine which conservation option may be right for you and your property! Some of those opt ions a re: Voluntary Handshake R egistry : Pledge to carefully steward your land to protect its habitats and ecology while you own it and notify the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy should you desire or need to sell your land. You pledge to notify us before doing so with the intent that we have an opportunity to work with you to conserve all or part of it before it is sold to another party. Bequest : Leave a designated part or all of your property to us through your will. Conservation Easement : Protect all or just a part of your property in perpetuity with a deed monitored by Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy. You continue to own the property and agree to only use it in ways that don’t negatively impact the ecology, waterways, fish and wildlife, or scenic beauty of the property. Hunting, camping, sustainable forestry, and farming are some of the uses allowed under a conservation easement. Donation of Land : Donate property by transferring ownership to us for conservation or for resale to support our organization’s conservation activities. Bargain Sale : Negotiate a partial donation of the value of your land as pa rt of a sale below appraised fair market value to meet your conservation intent . Sale : Sell your property to us at a negotiated price no higher than at appraised fair market value. Retained Life Estate : Donate your land to us but retain use of your property for the remainder of your lifetime. If you’re interested in taking the next step, reach out to us at 716-664-2166 or info@chautauquawatershed.org . We'd love to learn more about your prope rty and explore these options with you!

Lower Chadakoin River Restoration & Activation Since the founding of Jamestown, its Chadakoin River has been a lifeline for the community – powering industry, providing clean water, and nurturing healthy habitats for fish, wildlife, and agriculture. However, the lower part of the Chadakoin River (the 3.5-mile section of the river from Warner Dam to the Falconer Village line) was neglected for decades, posing risks to human health and properties. In late 2021, Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy developed a multi-year “Lower Chadakoin River Restoration & Activation” plan to address the many challenges facing the lower river. And in 2022, with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) recovery funds awarded to us by the City of Jamestown, we were able to implement Phase I of the plan, which included the clearing of accumulated logs and woody debris from the river channel and removing trees that were at imminent risk of falling into the river. In some areas, lumber had accumulated over many years, forming log jams that partially blocked the river and caused erosion as well as diversions in the river’s flow and flooding downstream. Well over 150 dead standing trees from the riverbanks and hundreds of cubic yards of woody debris were removed from the riverbed. We also worked to remove non-native invasive plant species and add native vegetation where possible. In 2023, we were awarded funding from the Chautauqua County Legislature to continue our restoration work and have been busy this spring and summer removing additional hazardous log jams and woody debris in the most critical locations. We also received funding (in collaboration with the County’s Department of Economic Development and Chautauqua County’s Soil and Water Conservation District) to establish a reserve fund to quickly address emergency erosion and other pollution control needs in any of the county’s waterways. This would include new tree falls, compromised banks, eroding slopes, etc. Although these are generally small in scale, they can become a source of major sediment loss and cause structural bank damage and sedimentation if not addressed quickly and adequately. This newly established reserve fund will greatly improve the efficiency and significantly reduce the costs of emergency repairs to our streambanks and lakeshores because funds are now available to address new threats quickly, before the problems become bigger and more costly to fix. We are very excited to take a lead role in developing the road map to protecting and restoring our county’s most valuable aquatic resources, while also exploring opportunities for sustainable and ecologically sensible recreational activities that will provide greater public enjoyment of these beautiful “blue ways” and generate the financial resources needed to support their long-term conservation. In addition, the improvements we will be able to make this year will have a very visible impact on the health and beauty of our rivers, creeks, and lakes!

Randy Allen Hendrickson Preserve The Randy Allen Hendrickson Watershed Preserve offers 16 acres of trail-free wilderness for hiking, exploring and geocaching. The property is biodiverse, making it a rewarding spot for birdwatchers, wildlife spotters and botanists. Size: 18 acres Year Conserved by CWC: 2008 Address: 295 Woodworth Avenue, Jamestown, NY Conservation Values: The Randy Allen Hendrickson Watershed Preserve protects 1,200 feet of naturally vegetated streambanks along Chautauqua Lake tributaries. The trees along the stream absorb and filter water and offer natural bank stabilization. Recreational Use: There are currently no developed trails or any other facilities within the preserve, and it is used primarily by botanists, birdwatchers and geocachers. Fishing is permitted at this preserve, but off-road vehicle use is prohibited. Location and Parking: Located southeast of Chautauqua Lake in the town of Ellicott, the Randy Allen Hendrickson Watershed Preserve can be accessed off Elmwood Avenue in West Ellicott, south of Route 394. Features of Interest: Tributaries to Chautauqua Lake flow through this forested preserve. SPECIES OF INTEREST: Trees: quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides), black cherry (Prunus serotine), white ash (Fraxinus americana), shagbark hickory (Carya ovata), butternut (Juglans cinerea), eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides), apple (Malus spp.) Understory: skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus), false hellebore (Veratrum viride), switch grass (Panicum virgatum), white rattlesnake-root (Prenanthes alba), gray-stemmed dogwood (Cornus recemosa), common strawberry (Fragaria virginiana) Wildflowers: lily of the valley (Convallaria mejalis), wild geranium (Geranium maculatum), common violet (Viola sororia), marsh marigold (Caltha palustris), cuckoo flower (Cardamine pratensis), yellow avens (Geum aleppicum), true forget-me-not (Myosotis scorploides), marsh fern (Thelypteris palustris) Birds: tufted titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor), purple finch (Carpodacus purpureus), northern flicker (Colaptes auratus), great crested flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus), Baltimore oriole (Icterus galbula), red-bellied woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) Amphibians: spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum), American toad (Bufo americanus)

Fletcher Family Preserve This property was donated in memory of the Fletcher family, and it is split between two different parcels along Sunset Drive. The property has a small stream passing through, and it features wetlands, as well as upland mature hemlock forests creating a diversity of habitat. Size: 15.2 acres Year Conserved by CWC: 2017 Address: 2010 Sunset Drive, Lakewood, NY Conservation Values: The preserve’s forests allow rainwater to collect and slowly infiltrate, minimizing erosion and sedimentation downstream. Trees protect and stabilize the bank of the small stream passing through the property, which ultimately drains into Chautauqua Lake. Water is filtered through riparian vegetation, improving water quality in the watershed. Recreational Use: There are no formal trails, and parking is limited along Sunset Drive. Bowhunting only is permitted, but no permanent tree stands are allowed. Visitors are asked to avoid entering the property from Southwestern Drive, as that conflicts with the privacy of the adjoining landowners. Location and Parking: The Fletcher Family Preserve is located on Sunset Drive in the Town of Busti. The larger parcel adjoins the Sunset Hill Cemetery, and the smaller parcel is just down the road before Sunset Drive connects to Southwestern Drive. Features of Interest: A small pocket wetland is accessible from the southeastern parcel by hiking through a scenic conifer grove. Once across the stream, this wetland is easily reached. If visiting at the right time of year a large population of wild turtlehead (Chelone glabra) can be seen in bloom. The northern parcel is difficult to traverse in the region of the stream as there is dense brushy and invasive thorny shrubs. It is worth working through this region, as there is a picturesque grove of large black cherry (Prunus serotina) and eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) just upslope from the stream. SPECIES OF INTEREST: Trees: Eastern hemlock (Tusga canadensis), pignut hickory (Carya glabra), northern red oak (Quercus rubra), black cherry (Prunus serotina) Shrubs: Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), spicebush (Lindera benzoin), common elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), maple-leaved viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium) Wildflowers: Canadian lily of the valley (Maianthemum canadense), Jack in the pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum), white baneberry (Actaea pachypoda), white turtlehead (Chelone glabra), yellow mandarin (Prosartes lanuginosa) Birds: Pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus), warbling vireo (Vireo gilvus), scarlet tanager (Piranga olivacea)

Countywide Trails & Recreation Map The countywide, interactive trails and recreation map is out! Access it at www.chqtrails.org ! Chautauqua County has a vast outdoor trail network, with more than 700 miles of trails available to the public that serve a variety of uses including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, kayaking, cross-country skiing, and more. These trails are owned and managed by various nonprofits, like the Conservancy, as well as the county, state, and other entities. Each group maintains their own trail maps, which come in a variety of formats, sometimes creating inconsistency and confusion for trail users, while also leading to trail underutilization in some instances. Many of these entities are members of the ‘Friends of the Chautauqua County Greenways’ (FCCG), a group working to advance trail development, recreation, and conservation efforts in Chautauqua County. Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy is one of the group’s active members, and our director of conservation, Twan Leenders, serves as its board co-chair. In 2023, FCCG launched its ‘Chautauqua County Trail Mapping Project’ to develop a single user-friendly online map and a mobile app to have all trail data (for both greenways and waterways) within Chautauqua County compiled, housed, and accessible in an easy-to-locate and easy-to-edit online location across multiple webpages. The project entailed updating the county-wide GIS map database, developing an interactive web-based search tool, and establishing wayfinding, trailhead, trail information, and interpretive sign standards for Chautauqua County. It also included improving mapping and marketing efforts for the Marden E. Cobb Waterway Trail. In June 2024, FCCG unveiled the online version of the interactive map after a yearlong process that involved input from all trail user groups in the county – including us! The map lets users find accessible trails in all areas of the county for hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, kayaking and rowing, horseback riding, and more! The map is a huge step forward for residents and visitors to learn about trail location, tread surface, parking, trail length, and permitted use. It’s a "one-stop-shop" for all your trail information in the county, and both residents and visitors are assured to get the maximum use out of our county’s amazing outdoor trail network thanks to this project! A mobile app is also available - get info on it at https://www.choosechq.com/agencies/credc/ccpeg/chautauqua-county-trails-map/ . For more info on the map and trails throughout the county, join the FCCG on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1166550607137711

Employer Matching Many companies encourage charitable giving by matching your gift at no cost to you. Taking advantage of this benefit can often double or even triple the impact of your generosity! If your company is eligible use the information below to complete a matching gift form provided by your employer. Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy, Inc. PO Box 45 71 E. Fairmount Avenue Lakewood, New York 14750 E-mail Address: whitney@chautauquawatershed.org Organization Type: Environmental, Conservation Please email or mail us a copy of your completed form so that we can be sure to attribute the matching gift to you – we want to be able to thank you! The Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy is a registered 501(c)(3). For questions regarding your employer matching gift program, we would recommend contacting your employer human resources or personnel office directly; however, we are always here to help. If your employer needs more information or you have questions about processing matching gifts, please feel free to call or email our Director of Development, Whitney Gleason, at 716.664.2166 ext.1006 or whitney@chautauquawatershed.org .

Cassadaga Creek Wetland Preserve Cassadaga Creek meanders through the center of the 151-acre Cassadaga Creek Preserve. The floodplains and wetlands on the preserve help ensure that runoff and floodwaters filter slowly through the creek. The Cassadaga Creek Preserve is one of the best CWC preserves for observing wildlife. It is home to beavers, river otters, fisher, mink, deer and other wildlife, and it’s an excellent spot to birdwatch. Size: 151 acres Year Conserved by CWC: 1998 Address: 3770 Bloomer Road, Sinclairville, NY Conservation Values: The preserve’s floodplain wetlands allow floodwater from Cassadaga Creek to collect and slowly infiltrate, minimizing erosion and sedimentation downstream. Trees protect and stabilize the bank of the creek. Water is filtered through riparian vegetation, improving water quality in the watershed. Recreational Use: There are currently no developed trails or other facilities within the preserve, although an abandoned county road bisects the property and makes for quick and easy access to the creek. Primary recreation use consists of deer hunting, and the preserve is ideally situated for canoe and kayak access, as it is located between two canoe launches on the Cassadaga Creek Marden E. Cobb Waterway, upstream on CR 71 and downstream on CR 66. Location: The preserve is located at 3770 Bloomer Road in Sinclairville. The entrance is accessible from Bloomer Road (County Road 56), half a mile West of County Route 380 in South Stockton. Parts of Bloomer Road are gated off from through traffic due to the deteriorating condition of two bridges. There is a sign near the west entrance of the preserve. Please note that the preserve is NOT accessible from the Sinclair Road/Route 60 side. Features of Interest: Cassadaga Creek flows north to south through the middle of the preserve. Wetlands, meadows, shrubs and three abandoned farm fields interrupt the otherwise forested area. SPECIES OF INTEREST: T rees: Black cherry (Prunus serotina), green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), American elm (Ulmus americana), quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides), black willow (Salix nigra), box elder (A. negundo) Understory: American hornbeam (Carpinus carolinina), hawthorne (Crataegus spp.) Shrubs: Silky dogwood (Cornus amomum), buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), raspberries (Rubus spp.), staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina) Ground layer: Thinly vegetated due to dense shading, includes witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), Indian cucumber-root (Medeola virginiana), beechdrops (Epifagus virginiana), common wood-sorrel (Oxalis acetosella), sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis), ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) skunk cabbage (S. foetidus) and sphagnum moss (Sphagnum sp.) Wildflowers: Goldenrod (Solidago spp.), blue flag iris (Iris versicolor), swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnate), asters (Aster spp.), turtlehead (Chelone glabra), pink lady’s slipper (Cypripedium acaule), Turk’s cap lily (Lilium superbum), cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis), square-stem monkey flower (Mimulus ringens), water purslane (Ludwigia palustris) Mammals: North American beaver (Castor canadensis), river otter (Lontra canadensis), muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus), fisher (Martes pennanti), mink (Neovison vison) Birds: Spotted sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos), wood duck (Aix sponsa), chestnut-sided warbler (Dendroica pensylvanica), belted kingfisher (Ceryle torquata), veery (Catharus fuscescens), red-eyed vireo (Vireo olivaceus), red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus) Mussels: 15 species, including rayed bean (Villosa fabalis), clubshell (Pleurobema clava) Fish: Redfin shiner (Lythrurus umbratilis)

Houston Hollow Preserve CWC’s Houston Hollow preserve, while small, protects 1.3 acres of wetlands that important to the health of Chautauqua Lake. The site is home to many wetland plants, and it provides habitat to many wildlife and waterfowl species that travel through or make a home on Chautauqua Lake. In 2018, the Village of Celeron denied CWC’s ability to have public access to this property. As such, it is only available for tours when accompanied by a CWC representative. Size: 1.3 acres Year Conserved by CWC: 2003 Address: 135 Houston Avenue, Jamestown, NY Conservation Values: Water runs through the riparian plant communities and is filtered on its way to Chautauqua Lake. This undisturbed land provides resting, foraging and breeding habitat for many wildlife species. Recreational Use: There are currently no developed trails or any other facilities within the preserve due to its wet conditions. Informal paths that lead through dense underbrush and are fragmented and difficult to follow. This preserve is mainly used for CWC-led tours and self-guided visits by recreationists. Location and Parking: The Houston Hollow preserve is located southeast of Chautauqua Lake, north of Route 394 near the corner of Houston Avenue and Houston Court in the town of Ellicott. The preserve can be accessed off Houston Court in the town of Celoron. Features of Interest: During spring and after heavy rainfall, one small intermittent stream runs east to west 180 feet through the northern section of the property, ending in a shallow emergent marsh. SPECIES OF INTEREST: Trees: apple (Malus spp.), white ash (Fraxinus americana), quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) Shrubs: Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), spicebush (Lindera benzoin), common elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), maple-leaved viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium) Wildflowers: cuckoo flower (Cardamine pratensis), dame’s rocket (Hesperis matronalis), wild geranium (Geranium maculatum), jewelweed (Impatiens capensis), arrowleaf (Peltandra virginica), skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus), sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis), witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) Birds: chipping sparrow (Spizella passerina), northern flicker (Colaptes auratus), red-eyed vireo (Vireo olivaceus), tufted titmouse (Baeoplophus bicolor), white-breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) Amphibians: American toad (Bufo americanus), red back salamander (Plethodon cinereus)

Educational Publications

Cassadaga Lakes Nature Park The Cassadaga Lakes Nature Park protects 1,100 feet of Cassadaga Lakes’ shoreline. The site includes 26 acres of high ecological value lake front wetlands as well as 51 acres of rolling forest covered terrain that is mostly hemlock and white pine, which is ideal habitat for all kinds of birds, frogs, salamanders, snakes and waterfowl. More than 175 species of birds have been identified there, making it one of the most diverse birding sites in Chautauqua County. The park also recently earned a spot on the New York State Birding Trail list. Size: 77 acres Year Conserved by CWC: 2020 Address: 8131 NY-60, Cassadaga, NY Conservation Values: This preserve protects approximately 1,100 feet of naturally vegetated lakeshore. Trees and emergent vegetation along the lake offer natural bank protection and stabilization. Water is filtered as it passes through wetland plant communities en route to Cassadaga Lakes. The site effectively filters 1,800 acres of farm and field runoff on its way through to the lakes. Recreational Use: There are currently two moderately developed trails – an easy loop (0.8 miles) and a center loop (1.8 miles) that overlap each other near the parking area but then separate to provide a shorter, flatter trail on the easy loop and a longer more rolling terrain hike on the center loop. Easy loop trails are marked with orange markers and center loop trails are marked with blue markers. The park also has a a wildlife viewing platform with benches and a bird blind location on the edge of Mud Lake as well as a welcome kiosk pavilion near the entrance and parking area. No other facilities or amenities are provided on site. There is no easy access for fishing from the site as most of the shore is dominated by emergent swamp that impenetrable on foot or by boat. Birdwatching, botanizing and nature walking are all common uses for the trails and forests. Location and Parking: Located on the south shore of the upper Cassadaga Lakes basin in Chautauqua County, the preserve can be easily accessed from NY Route 60 off the unmarked spur road across from the south end of Ulrich Park Road (located between Camp Gross and Tim Horton's). A small parking area accommodates about six regular sized vehicles. Features of Interest: The preserve is bordered on the west by Upper Cassadaga Lake. The land is currently undeveloped and forested, with a “beaver pond” at the back of the center loop trail. Seasonal pools along the trail host frogs and salamanders and the park includes a view out across a small glacial kettle lake called Mud Lake. SPECIES OF INTEREST: T rees: Red Maple (Acer Rubrum), Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum), Yellow Birch (Betula allegheniensis), White pine (Pinus strobus), Hemlock (Conium maculatum) Shrubs: Spice bush (Lindera benzoin), Witch hazel (Hamemelis virginiana) Understory: eastern skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus), ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris), royal fern (Osmunda regalis) Wildflowers: marsh marigold (Caltha palustris), purple trillium (Trillium erectum), jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum), trout lily (Erythronium americanum), false hellebore (Veratrum viride), Indian pipe (Monotropa uniflora) Birds: common loon (Gavia immer), belted kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon), hairy woodpecker (Picoides villosus), Screech owl (Megascops asio) Amphibians: red backed salamander (Plethodon cinereus)

Rosemary H. Straight Bird Sanctuary Water passing through this preserve gets filtered before entering Cassadaga Lake’s middle basin just across from Dale Drive. This ensures that pollutants are removed and keeps the water quality in the Lakes high for all to enjoy. The sanctuary provides a haven for birds, and it provides birdwatchers with ample opportunity for spotting local bird species. Size: 6 acres Year Conserved by CWC: 2003 Address: 54 Dale Drive, Cassadaga, NY Conservation Values: The preserve’s floodplain wetlands allow floodwater from Cassadaga Creek to collect and slowly infiltrate, minimizing erosion and sedimentation downstream. Trees protect and stabilize the bank of the creek. Water is filtered through riparian vegetation, improving water quality in the watershed. Recreational Use: No formal trails have been installed at this site, it is quite wet with standing water and muck several feet deep. It is primarily used by botanists, birdwatchers, and other passive recreationists. Location and Parking: Located on Dale Drive in Cassadaga. Only roadside parking is available, so please access this site respectfully and safely. Features of Interest: This is an excellent site to watch birds and wildlife. The old buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) shrub thickets on site are unique in their own right, and support a variety of birds as they pass through the wetlands to the lakes. SPECIES OF INTEREST: Trees: quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides), cucumbertree (Magnolia acuminata), black cherry (Prunus serotina) Shrubs: witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), spicebush (Lindera benzoin), common elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), winterberry (Ilex verticillata), buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) Wildflowers: Canadian lily of the valley (Maianthemum canadense), Jack in the pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum), goldthread (Coptis trifolia), skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus), jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)

Interactive Preserve Map

Land Stewardship and Defense Funds Our commitment to you as a donor is that we will preserve and protect the land we’ve been entrusted with in perpetuity. But what does that actually mean? By definition perpetuity is “the state or quality of lasting forever,” and that’s a really BIG commitment. In order to fulfill this promise we have established a Land Stewardship Fund to generate investment income to support the management, maintenance, protection, and defense of the lands we hold for our community. Join us in the stewardship of these shared lands by donating or pledging to the Lands Stewardship Fund today. You can download the pledge form here and mail or email it back to us, or contact Whitney for more information about the fund’s use or to discuss the different ways in which you can contribute to the fund. Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy PO Box 45 71 E. Fairmount Avenue Lakewood, New York , 14750 Whitney Gleason Executive Director 716-664-2166 ext. 1006 whitney@chautauquawatershed.org

Goose Creek Valley Greenway Preserve Near ly 1,000 feet of Goose Creek meander through the Goose Creek Valley Greenway Preserve. With remnants of trails surrounded by native wildlife, the preserve is a popular site for botanists and birdwatchers. Size: 21 acres Year Conserved by CWC: 2015 Address: 1955 Hoag Road, Ashville, NY Conservation Values: The Goose Creek Valley Greenway Preserve protects 1,000 feet of Goose Creek’s streambank, as well as 3.6 acres of wetlands. The wetlands play and important role in filtering water, and the preserve as a whole acts as a buffer for the creek and downstream Chautauqua Lake from the agricultural uses upstream. Recreational Use: Rudimentary trails offer ideal access for studying the plants and birds that call the preserve home. A nature immersion platform was constructed near Goose Creek in 2017, creating a great place to relax or watch wildlife. Location and Parking: The preserve is located about 2 miles west of Chautauqua Lake, extending west of Hoag Road in the town of Busti, near the village of Ashville in Chautauqua County. There is a roadside sign on Hoag Road. Features of Interest: The majority of the preserve is wooded. It is bisected by Goose Creek running in a north-south direction. SPECIES OF INTEREST: Trees: tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), American elm (Ulmus americana), yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis), shagbark hickory (Carya ovata), big-tooth aspen (Populus grandidentata) Understory: American hornbeam (C. caroliniana), cucumber tree (Magnolia acuminate) Shrubs: witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), elderberry (S. canadensis), spicebush (L. benzoin), buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), wild currant (Ribes americanum), pink azalea (Rhododendron periclymenoides) Wildflowers and other plants: jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum), wild leek (Allium tricoccum), dutchman’s breeches (Dicentra cucullaria), nodding trillium (Trillium cernuum), white turtle-head (Chelone glabra), blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides), New York fern (Thelypteris noveboracensis), cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) Birds: red shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus), black throated green warbler (Setophaga virens), hairy woodpecker (Picoides villosus), white breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)

Land Campaigns Land Conservation Campaigns We have a number of new and exciting land conservation projects currently in the works and hope to be able to share them with you soon. In the meantime, if you’d like to donate to help us protect additional natural landscapes and habitats, you can make a contribution here.

Free Consultation For property owners who are looking to enhance and make changes to their yards to benefit Chautauqua’s waterways, the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy offers free consultations and technical assistance. Our conservationists can advise you on the planting of rain gardens, shoreline buffers, and native plants to better store and filter nutrients and pollution from stormwater runoff on your property. This free service is available for properties of all sizes throughout Chautauqua County. Fill out the form below, and one of our conservationists will contact you. Free Yard Smarts Consultation Request Full Name Email Phone Property Location Property Size Type your message here... Thanks for your request! We'll be in touch soon! Submit

Browns Creek Preserve Situated in the hills of the Ellery Township, this property was acquired in 2016 through a generous donation of land. As Browns Creek is a tributary of Bemus Creek, the water passing through the wetlands on site ultimately enters Chautauqua Lake. The property features well-maintained trails for hiking and wildlife spotting, and a future platform to be constructed near the pond will allow for birdwatching and fishing. Size: 31 acres Year Conserved by CWC: 2016 Address: 5040 Walker Road, Bemus Point, NY Conservation Values: The preserve’s forests allow rainwater to collect and slowly infiltrate, minimizing erosion and sedimentation downstream. Trees protect and stabilize the bank of the small stream passing through the property, which ultimately drains into Chautauqua Lake. Water is filtered through riparian vegetation, improving water quality in the watershed. Recreational Use: Trails established by the land donor have been well maintained and expanded by CWC volunteers. Hunting is permitted at this property. Other uses include birdwatching and botanical investigations. Location and Parking: Located on Walker Road in the Town of Ellery, the Browns Creek Tributary Forest Preserve has pull-in parking near the main preserve sign, as well as roadside parking. Features of Interest: An open and quiet woodland setting makes for a peaceful hike through this Preserve. A pond on site provides opportunity for wildlife watching as well as fishing. TRAIL MAP: SPECIES OF INTEREST: Trees: Eastern hemlock (Tusga canadensis), pignut hickory (Carya glabra), northern red oak (Quercus rubra), black cherry (Prunus serotina) Wildflowers: Canadian lily of the valley (Maianthemum canadense), Jack in the pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum), cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis), white turtlehead (Chelone glabra), eastern swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) Shrubs: Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), spicebush (Lindera benzoin), common elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum) Birds: Belted kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon), mourning warbler (Geothlypis philadelphia), wood thrush (Hylocichla mustelina)

Chautauqua Lake Outlet Greenway Preserve The Chautauqua Lake Outlet Greenway in the Town of Ellicott comprises eight parcels of property along the Chadakoin River, Chautauqua Lake’s primary outlet. This vegetation-heavy preserve is popular for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. It also offers a lovely view from the water, making it a common destination for boaters and kayakers. Size: 83 acres Year Conserved by CWC: 2008-2014 Address: 3361 Old Fluvanna Road, Jamestown, NY Conservation Values: Much of the Greenway designated as is a Class I wetland, due to its size, diversity of vegetative communities and presence of rare or threatened species. In addition to preserving an important habitat, the wetlands on these properties slow and filter water as it heads into the Chadakoin River. Recreational Use: The Greenway is a popular location for birdwatching, hiking and studying vegetation. The waterfront is perfect for fishing and boating, and there are several waterfowl blinds on the shoreline. Location and Parking: Access to the railroad berm from the end of Denslow Road is currently the most convenient access, with a small parking area at the Pump Station building and a connection to a primitive hiking trail. There also is an entrance on Fluvanna Avenue, featuring a wooden kiosk and bench, as well as a mucky primitive hiking trail that runs from the kiosk south to the railroad berm. Additionally, access via Old Fluvanna Road has a grass trail beginning near the road, continuing through a metal gate and ending at a residential yard. Entering from the south is limited to boat access from Chautauqua Lake. Features of Interest: This wetland is forested with broad-leaved deciduous trees and is seasonally flooded or saturated. SPECIES OF INTEREST: T rees: big shellbark hickory (Carya laciniosa), locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus), silver maple (Acer saccarinum) Mussels and Crayfishes: Mussels have been found extensively in the watershed, including kidneyshell (Ptychobranchus fasciolaris), eastern pondmussel (Ligumia nasuta), clubshell (Pleurobema clava) and rayed bean (Villosa fabalis). Three species of crayfish are found in Chautauqua Lake drainage, including Orconectes obscurus. 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: Being that it is the only part of the Mississippi drainage in New York State, the Chautauqua Lake watershed is home to several Mississippi drainage fish, including tongue-tied minnow (Exoglossum laurae), silver shiner (Notropis photogenis), eastern sand darter (Etheostoma pellucidum) and black redhorse (Moxostoma duquesnei). Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) is native to Chautauqua Lake. Other important sport fish include walleye (Sander vitreum) and largemouth and smallmouth bass (Micopterus salmoides and M. dolomieu). Mammals: Woodland jumping mouse (Napaeozapus insignis), northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus), starnose mole (Condylura cristata), red fox (Vulpes fulva), beaver (Castor canadensis) Birds: Chautauqua Lake is designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) by the National Audubon Society, used by migrating and wintering waterfowl including loons, grebes and terns. Also found here are bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), osprey (Pandion haliaetus), northern harrier (Circus cyaneus) and typical forest and suburban species. The sedge wren (Cistothorus plantensisi), pied-billed grebe (Podilymbus podiceps), least bittern (Ixobrychus exilis), common loon (Gavia immer), ruddy duck (Oxyura jamaicensis), Henslow’s sparrow (Ammodramus henslowii), clay colored sparrow (Spizella pallida) and great blue heron (Ardea Herodias) are a few of the vulnerable bird species found at sites in the watershed. Wildflowers, shrubs and grasses: tall ironweed (Vernonia gigantea), toad shade (Trillium sessile), Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis), wild chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), mad cap skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), purple-stemmed aster (Symphyotrichum puniceum), riverbank grape (Vitis riparia), eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides), turtlehead (Chelone glabra) Aquatic Plants : Hill’s pondweed (Potamogeton hillii), floating pennywort (Hydrocotyle ranunculoides)

Prendergast Creek Preserve The Prendergast Creek Preserve protects a portion of Chautauqua Lake shoreline, as well as Prendergast Creek streambank, at Whitney Point. The Prendergast Creek Preserve is largely wetland and floodplain, making it difficult to access, but it is a popular spot for anglers. Size: 8 acres Year Conserved by CWC: 1997, and expanded in 2013 and 2018 to include wetlands on Whitney Point Address: 5910 Whitney Bay Road, Mayville, NY Conservation Values: The Prendergast Creek Preserve permanently protects 930 feet of naturally vegetated Chautauqua Lake shoreline, as well as 1,600 feet of natural stream front on Prendergast Creek. The preserve maintains the natural functions of the wetlands and streams, as well as the floodplain, to slow and filter water on its way to Chautauqua Lake. The preserve also provides important shoreline habitat for birds, waterfowl and wildlife. Recreational Use: There are no developed trails or any other facilities within the preserve due to the very wet and mucky conditions typically found there. Fishing is allowed on this preserve. Location and Parking: Located at the mouth of Prendergast Creek in the town of Chautauqua, the Prendergast Creek Preserve can be accessed through Snug Harbor Marina to the north. Features of Interest: Forested streamline and lakefront wetlands. The preserve includes Whitney Point and is bordered along the northwest by Chautauqua Lake. SPECIES OF INTEREST: Trees: elms (Ulmus spp.), hickories (Carya spp.), silver maple (Acer saccharinum), Freeman’s maple (A. x freemanii), speckled alder (Alnus incana rugose), black willow (Salix negra) Shrubs: red-osier dogwood (Cornus sericea), silky dogwood (C. amomum), willows (Salix spp.), highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) Wildflowers: cuckoo flower (Cardamine pratensis), joe pye weed (Eupatorium sp.), cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis), true forget-me-not (Myosotis scorploides), eastern skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus), thyme-leaved speedwell (Veronica serpyllifolia), wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca), dame’s rocket (Hesperis matronalis) Birds: wood duck (Aix sponsa), great blue heron (Ardea Herodias), Baltimore oriole (Icterus galbula), Eastern phoebe (Sayornis phoebe), belted kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon), red-bellied woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) Fish: northern pike (Esox Lucius), walleye (Stizostedion vitreum), blackchin shiner (Notropis heterodon), pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus), smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieui), oligochaetes (Oligochaeta) Reptiles: painted turtle (Chrysemys picta), water snake (Nerodia sipedon) Insects: eastern tiger swallowtail (Papilo glaucus), six-spotted tiger beetle (Cicindela sexguttata), little yellow butterfly (Eurema lisa)

Loomis Goose Creek Wetland Preserve The Loomis Goose Creek Preserve is located along the shoreline of Chautauqua Lake and is some of the last undeveloped land along the lake. The preserve is primarily wetlands, with Goose Creek flowing through the site. A short trail on the site connects users to a boat launch, and it’s a popular site for paddlers, anglers, birdwatchers and geocachers. For the past several years, it has also been home to a pair of Osprey (lovingly named Hauke and Femke) who have a nest near the entrance of the preserve. Size: 30.5 acres Year Conserved by CWC: 2011 Address: 2484 West Lake Road, Ashville, NY Conservation Values: With less than 1 mile of natural shoreline left on Chautauqua Lake, the Loomis Goose Creek Preserve protects an important 480 feet of naturally vegetated lakeshore and 3,600 feet of natural stream front along Goose Creek. The preserve floodplains allow slow percolation of water into the aquifer and utilization by riparian plant communities, which filter and improve Chautauqua Lake’s water quality. Recreational Use: The Loomis Goose Creek preserve is popular site for CWC-led tours, as well as a destination for hikers, fishermen, botanists, birdwatchers and geocachers. The site’s wetlands, thick mud and deep brush make hiking off-trail difficult. Paddlers can launch at the end of the primary trail. Hunting and trapping is strictly prohibited at this sanctuary. Location and Parking: The Loomis Goose Creek Preserve is located at the outlet of Goose Creek on the south shore of Chautauqua Lake at the border between North Harmony and Busti. The Ashville Bay Marina borders the preserve on the southwest. A main sign, parking area and informational kiosk are off the north side of Route 394 across from Fardink Road. Features of Interest: The preserve includes a portion of Goose Creek, which is a major tributary of Chautauqua Lake, and most of the land is forested wetlands. There is a kayak boat launch at the creek and an osprey nest near the entrance and parking area. A motion-activated, solar powered camera is installed near the Osprey nest from early spring to early fall providing up close still photos and short videos of the Osprey who reside there. SPECIES OF INTEREST: Trees: shagbark hickory (Carya Ovata), silver maple (Acer saccharinum), apple (Malus sylvestris), paper birch (Betula papyrifera), big-toothed aspen (Populus grandidentata), cottonwood (Populus sp.) Shrubs: red-osier dogwood (Cornus sericea), spicebush (Lindera benzoin) Wildflowers and berries: calico aster (Aster lateriflorus), common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) choke cherry (Prunus virginiana), raspberries (Rubus spp.), wild onion (Allium sp.), white turtlehead (Chelone glabra), spring beauty (Claytonia virginica), marsh marigold (Caltha palustris), wild strawberries (Fragaria vesca), false Solomon’s seal (Maianthemum racemosum), black current (Ribes americanum), Allegheny blackberry (Rubus allegheniensis), narrow-leaed cattail (Typha angustifolia) Birds: spotted sandpiper (Actitis macularius), mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), great blue heron (Ardea Herodias), red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), osprey (Pandoin haliaetus), wood duck (Aix sponsa), tufted titmouse (Baelophus bicolor), belted kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon), black-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus erythropthalmus), American kestrel (Falco sparverius), purple martin (Progne subis), American redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) Fish: blackchin shiner (Notropis heterodon), walleye (Stizostedion vitreum), pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus) Mammals: bobcat (Lynx rufus) Amphibians: pickerel frog (Rana palustris), spring peeper (Pseudacris crucifer)