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Newgrange The winter solstice is upon us and is happening on December 21st. It’s the moment when the Earth’s tilt makes our hemispheres lean farthest away from the Sun, creating the shortest day and longest night of the entire year. In our Northern Hemisphere, this happens yearly around December 21st or 22nd, while in the Southern Hemisphere it occurs around June 20th or 21st. The solstice has been a vital day of recognition for many early societies that were dependent on agriculture and seasonal cycles. It reassured them that, despite the long night, the sun would return and bring warmth and growth again. Today, with our snowy covered grounds, lake-effect winds, and below freezing temperatures, these traditions continue as reminders of humanity’s deep connection to the rhythms of the amazing Earth we inhabit.   What winter solstice means for our planet Earth is that it is in fact an   astronomical event. It occurs when the Sun’s path in the sky reaches its southernmost point (over the Tropic of Capricorn) making the shortest day and longest night of the entire year. The Sun travels its shortest arc across the sky on the winter solstice, giving minimal daylight on an already cold day. It marks the official start of astronomical winter in the Northern Hemisphere. On the solstice, the Earth’s axis is maximally tilted away from the Sun, causing the polar regions to experience extreme effects. Where I am from, up in Alaska, the Arctic has 24 hours of darkness on the solstice, while the Antarctic enjoys 24 hours of daylight. Many traditions see this as a time of rebirth, renewal, and celebration of light returning. Because from this moment on, it is only going to get brighter outside.   Ancient sites like Stonehenge were built to be aligned with and track the solstice, showing just how important these days were to early civilizations. I was even lucky enough to have visited what is thought of as one of the first ever Winter Solstice temples, which is in Ireland. A prehistoric site that was constructed about 5,200 years ago (3,200 B.C) which makes it older than Stonehenge, and the Great Pyramids of Giza. Newgrange, in Boyne Valley, County Meath, Ireland is an ancient temple which is believed to have served not only as a burial site but also as a place of spiritual and astronomical significance. Newgrange was made so that for about 7 minutes on the morning of winter solstice, it illuminates its interior passages by only the winter solstice sun, which sounds like something straight out of an Indian Jones movie. It was so amazing being able to go inside and see the inner chamber which was built to align specifically with the winter solstice sun and thought to mark the beginning of the new year. Newgrange Newgrange isn’t the only ancient solstice monuments either. In Mexico, the Mayans have  Chichen Itza, which I have also had the pleasure of visiting. Egypt has the Karnak Temple, Peru has Machu Occhu, and the U.S., has Hovenweek Castle built by ancestral Puebloans. Winter Solstice has long been celebrated with festivals such as Yule, Dongzhi, and Inti Raymi to celebrate renewal, warmth, and the gradual triumph of light over darkness. In these everchanging and modern times we live in with indoor lighting, heating, AI, and cell phones, it’s often tied to holidays like Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa, which also emphasize themes of light and hope.   So even though you are most likely feeling this getting dark so early, coldness to your nose, fingers, and toes, and everywhere covered in snow, just remember that after December 21st symbolizes the return of the Sun. So, whip up some wassail, make a wreath, bake a yule log, cozy up next to a fire if you can, and start enjoying the winter solstice for everything that it means and brings for the coming months ahead.   Article and photo by Land Specialist Bethany O'Hagan

Wild turkeys doing what they do best this season: traveling, talking, and gathering together - just like us. Thanksgiving is a day built around family, gratitude, and gathering close - and yes, often around a turkey dinner. But while we’re settling in with our relatives and favorite dishes, our local wild turkeys are out in the woods doing something remarkably similar: spending the season in tight-knit family groups, reconnecting, squabbling, calling to each other, and moving through the forest as one.   Fall is the time when turkeys truly shine. After a summer of raising young and feasting on native grasses, grasshoppers, and even frogs, they begin forming large flocks or family groups that come together much like our own extended families that arrive for the holiday. Hen turkeys stay with their female offspring, and it’s common for several mother–daughter groups to merge. The result? Fifty or more birds traveling, feeding, and roosting together. Picture trying to seat that many relatives at your dining room table!   Male turkeys do something similar but form their own “boys’ club.” Young males or jakes band together in looser, energetic groups, while mature gobblers stick with birds their own age. These brotherhoods roam different corners of the woods than the hens and young birds, and the two sides don’t mingle much in the fall. It’s a bit like the adults chatting in one room while teenagers and cousins get to sit at the “kids” table.   Within each flock, turkeys spend the day calling softly to one another - constant low murmurs that act like a running roll call. Feed a little, call a little, feed a little more. If you’ve ever been on a hike and heard faint yelps or soft whistles drifting through the trees, you might have walked right past a turkey family keeping tabs on its members.   And just like any big family gathering, disagreements happen. Establishing who sits at the top of the pecking order is a serious business, and both male and female turkeys engage in brief squabbles, chest bumps, and dominance displays. Think of it as the turkey version of deciding who carves the turkey or who gets the last roll, except with more feathers involved. These social battles actually matter; they determine breeding rank come spring.   Turkeys are creatures of habit in fall, often traveling the same routes daily as they search for food. Acorns and other nuts are the big draw this time of year, and you can often hear the scratch-scratch-scratch of their feet turning over leaves long before you hear their voices. These scratched-up patches on the forest floor are one of the best clues that a turkey family recently passed through.   At night, turkeys head to large trees to roost, safe from predators and high enough to keep the flock together. Dawn brings its own kind of comedy: a chorus of wingbeats, swoops, and not-always-graceful descents as 10- or 20-pound birds launch themselves into the morning.   If you live near woods with acorns, big trees, or old fields sprinkled with leftover corn, chances are you share your neighborhood with a turkey family or two. Watching them move, nearly silent one moment, then erupting with calls the next, is one of the hidden joys of the season.   So, as you gather at your table this Thanksgiving, surrounded by family, conversation, and the rituals that bind us together, remember that out in the forest, the turkey families are doing much the same. They’re reconnecting, navigating group dynamics, searching for good food, and sticking close to the ones that matter most. Article and photo by CWC Conservationist Carol Markham

Every November 17, outdoor enthusiasts across the country lace up their boots for National Take a Hike Day—a perfect excuse to stretch your legs, breathe fresh air, and reconnect with the landscapes that sustain us. It’s a celebration of the outdoors and a reminder of the mental and physical benefits that come from simply walking in nature. Here in Chautauqua County, few organizations embody that spirit better than the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy (CWC), whose network of preserves and trails offers year-round opportunities to experience the best of Western New York’s wild beauty.   Since its founding in 1990, CWC has worked tirelessly to protect and restore the lands that safeguard our clean water, wildlife habitat, and community well-being. Today, the Conservancy owns or manages more than 40 nature preserves totaling over 1,300 acres across the county—from tranquil forested hillsides and wildflower meadows to peaceful wetlands and lakefronts. Many of these protected places feature public trails that invite hikers, birdwatchers, hunters, photographers, and quiet nature seekers alike.   Take a stroll through the Bentley Nature Preserve or Naetzker Preserve, where towering trees filter runoff and stabilize hillsides and floodplains. Dobbins Woods Preserve, just outside Lakewood, offers a short but immersive walk through mature hardwood forest—perfect for a lunchtime break or a family outing. For those craving more adventure, Brown’s Creek Preserve and Cassadaga Lakes Nature Park feature trails that wind through rolling terrain, revealing lakes, beaver ponds, stands of evergreens, and in autumn, fiery foliage reflected in still waters.   But hiking is just one of many ways to enjoy CWC’s preserves. It’s also important to remember that National Take a Hike Day coincides with hunting season. Responsible hunting is allowed on many CWC properties, aligning with the Conservancy’s mission to maintain balanced and healthy ecosystems. Hunters who obtain written permission from CWC help manage wildlife populations and support conservation goals while continuing a long-standing outdoor tradition. Anglers will find excellent fishing along creeks and ponds on select properties, while birders and photographers can enjoy spectacular wildlife encounters—especially during spring and fall migrations.   Every season brings its own reason to explore. In spring, ephemeral wildflowers carpet the forest floor. Summer trails offer shady escapes and dragonflies skimming across ponds. In fall, the woods glow with color. And in winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing transform the preserves into peaceful wonderlands. No matter the time of year, a CWC preserve is never far away—and each visit deepens appreciation for the land and water that define our region.   As we celebrate National Take a Hike Day, CWC reminds everyone that enjoying these lands also means helping to protect them. Donations and volunteers helping with trail work and other preserve maintenance ensure that these habitats remain open, healthy, and vibrant for generations to come.   So, on November 17—or any day you need a breath of fresh air—head out to one of the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy’s preserves. Take a hike, watch for wildlife, cast a line, or simply pause to listen to the wind in the trees. These lands are a gift to the community—a living reminder that conservation and recreation truly thrive hand in hand.   Things to remember before you go: Dress for the weather and wear sturdy footwear. Remember: hunting is allowed on many CWC preserves—be visible and wear blaze orange. Keep dogs leashed and make sure your furry friends wear orange too. Bring water, snacks, and good company. Check trail conditions ahead of time and be tick-aware (even when mosquitoes are gone). Learn more about CWC preserves at www.chautauquawatershed.org . For hunting information, contact bethany@chautauquawatershed.org . Article by Director of Conservation Twan Leenders Photo by Senior Executive Coordinator Jill Eklund

Black Bear at a birdfeeder. Photo by Idaho Fish and Game. November is that time of year when bears are in full “snack panic mode.” They’re packing on last-minute calories before winter, and your bird feeder? Basically, a bear-sized granola bar hanging from a hook! If you’re in bear country, please be aware: these overstuffed creatures have an excellent sense of smell and zero sense of boundaries. Natural foods are getting scarce, so they’re wandering around on a last-minute “winter grocery dash,” sniffing out anything with calories - including the seed buffet we set out for the birds. We all love watching the birds at our feeders, but we do not need a 300-pound surprise guest rearranging the backyard furniture. Putting a break on bird feeding during this time or at least bringing feeders inside at night are ways to avoid attracting these disruptive guests. Keep an eye out, give bears plenty of space, and let them do their bear business - wild and uninterrupted. Article by Carol Markham, Conservationist

Milkweed seeds bursting from their pods. Photo by Carol Markham. Native plants don’t just grow - they belong.  They feed the birds, the bees, the butterflies, and the soil itself. And right now, many of them are dropping seeds and blowing them quietly into the wind, gently preparing for next year’s bloom.   Which means it’s the perfect time to be a native plant fairy duster.   Break off a stem or gather seeds from your favorite natives - milkweed fluff, coneflower cones, NY Ironweed and Joe-Pye sprays - and gently scatter them where they’re needed. A meadow edge. A forgotten corner of your yard. A place that feels like it could use a little magic.   You’re not just planting plants. You’re planting food, shelter, color, and life! So go ahead. Take a walk with a pocket full of native seeds and dust the world with a little love. Article by Carol Markham, Conservationist

For centuries, aquatic plants in Chautauqua Lake have sparked debate – usually over whether to remove them or leave them alone, but rarely about planting more. Many lake users believe there are already too many plants, especially invasive ones, a perception not without reason given the challenges dense vegetation creates for recreation, navigation, and lakefront enjoyment.   Battling invasive species is a continual and demanding effort, especially as new threats emerge each year. In recent years, one particular invasive, Starry Stonewort, has become a major concern. Native to Eurasia, this macroalgae is identifiable by its branching green filaments and distinctive white, star-shaped bulbils from which it gets its name. It is capable of outcompeting native species, forming dense monocultures, and spreading rapidly through both bulbils and fragmentation. Fragmentation is of particular concern in high-traffic areas, where boat props can easily chop and disperse fragments to new locations. Two of the areas most heavily affected, Ashville Bay and Prendergast Bay, are located directly adjacent to busy marinas and boat launches, making them especially vulnerable to further spread.   In recent years, CWC’s Early Detection AIS program has documented a significant increase in the extent of Starry Stonewort. In response, CWC collaborated with the Chautauqua Lake & Watershed Management Alliance, the Chautauqua Lake Association, the Towns of North Harmony and Chautauqua, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to undertake large-scale removal efforts. Using Diver Assisted Suction Harvesting and amphibious Mobitracs, a significant amount of Starry Stonewort was removed from Ashville Bay, Prendergast Bay, and the Elmhurst area during the summer and early fall.   While these removals reduced the immediate density of the invasive, they also left large areas of lakebed bare and vulnerable to recolonization, providing ideal conditions for Starry Stonewort or other invasives to return. To counter this risk, CWC proposed an innovative approach: revegetating the cleared areas with beneficial native plants. With funding from the Chautauqua Lake & Watershed Management Alliance, CWC designed a pilot project to reintroduce eelgrass into the cleared zones of Ashville Bay.   Eelgrass is a native aquatic plant found throughout Chautauqua Lake, easily recognized by its long, ribbon-like leaves. It is hardy, adaptable, and provides numerous ecological benefits, including sediment stabilization, water quality improvement, and critical habitat for fish and waterfowl. It’s also an important food source for several aquatic animals. Notably, eelgrass has a sturdy root system and flexible leaf structure, traits that help it withstand wave action and disturbance and make it more resilient to future Starry Stonewort management activities.   Previous surveys by CWC found that dense eelgrass beds often coincided with reduced Starry Stonewort abundance and oftentimes acted as natural barriers to its spread. Based on these observations and other research, eelgrass was selected as the ideal species for replanting. Guided by NYSDEC and other restoration projects, CWC developed a planting strategy using biodegradable burlap bags filled with a mixture of topsoil and sand. After soaking the bags to reduce transplant shock, they were then planted with healthy eelgrass shoots. Once sealed, the bags were transported by jetsled and placed on the lakebed to form the perimeter of each planting plot. Inside the boundaries, additional eelgrass plants were installed directly into the substrate as bare-root transplants. This layout stabilizes sediment, buffers against waves and ice scour, and protects the young plants during their early growth.   Four plots were established within Ashville Bay using eelgrass that had already been uprooted from other parts of Chautauqua Lake to ensure local compatibility. The project was designed to be repeatable and to yield measurable data on plant survival, density, and spread. CWC will monitor the plots over the next year to evaluate establishment success and refine planting methods. Depending on results, the program may expand to additional sites and incorporate other native plant species.   This pilot project takes an innovative, ecologically grounded approach to aquatic plant management – balancing restoration with control. Instead of treating vegetation solely as a nuisance, it recognizes the essential role native plants play in sustaining a resilient lake ecosystem. Though it may seem counterintuitive to add plants to a lake known for its abundance of plants, restoring native species like eelgrass strengthens the ecological health and stability of Chautauqua Lake. Sometimes, the best way to control what we don’t want is by giving what we do want the chance to thrive. Article and photo by Daniel Conklin, Land Acquisition Coordinator

This might be a little controversial, but it’s been on my mind for a while. I was recently sitting in my backyard with my friend Mackenzie beneath the coverage of the 200+ trees that surround my home. We started talking about invasive trees, and I found myself asking her a question I’ve been wondering about for some time:   What if we were to intentionally keep some non-native trees, or even some invasive ones?   We all know invasive species are a problem. Invasive plants, invasive fish, invasive insects – our ecosystems are full of them. At the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy, we talk about invasives often. We host invasive species workshops, coordinate invasive aquatic plant removals, and have a conservationist, Carol Markham, who visits homes and businesses through our YardSmarts  program to help property owners identify opportunities for planting natives and managing invasives.   We’ve spearheaded initiatives for the large-scale removal of invasive trees, like the program we ran with high school students to remove Tree-of-Heaven in Jamestown. So, why am I suggesting we might keep some? That doesn’t sound right – and I hear you. But before you dismiss the idea, let’s take a closer look at what we’re really facing.   Here are four of the most common invasive trees in our area (though there are certainly more): Norway Maple  ( Acer platanoides ) – Popular as a hardy street tree but notorious for escaping cultivation. It grows in poor soil, tolerates pollution, and completely displaces native maples and other trees. Tree-of-Heaven  ( Ailanthus altissima ) – A fast-growing, toxin-producing tree that forms dense thickets and destroys sidewalks, sewers, and foundations with its roots. White Poplar  ( Populus alba ) – Form large single-species colonies, suppressing the growth of native trees, shrubs, and grasses by creating thick shade and blocking access to soil nutrients and water. These trees also cause a lot of physical damage to structures and harm the movement of stormwater because of their large shallow root systems. Black Locust  ( Robinia pseudoacacia ) – Native to the southeastern U.S. but invasive here. It shades out other plants and reproduces aggressively through its roots.   We know these trees are problematic. They cause biodiversity loss, alter soil chemistry, and disrupt native ecosystems. And yet, removing them isn’t always simple or always the right move.   So, when is removing any tree the best environmental choice? Cutting down any type of tree can feel wrong, but sometimes it’s necessary. Other times, it might do more harm than good, especially if no one is there to replant or restore the habitat that tree once provided.   Here’s one way to think about it in a kind of hierarchy for your decision making: 1.     Best:  Remove invasive trees and  replace them with native trees or shrubs. This restores the ecosystem and prevents invasives from taking back over. 2.     Next Best:  If you can’t replant right away, at least manage what you remove. Control regrowth by cutting new shoots, monitoring seedlings, and preventing seed spread. 3.     Okay, but Hopefully Temporary : Keep some non-native trees if they provide important benefits like shade, erosion control, wildlife habitat, and carbon sequestration, until  you can replace them with native species. 4.     Avoid:  Clear-cutting invasives and leaving bare soil. This only creates new opportunities for invasives to return faster and stronger.   Our region’s forests have been through massive change. Over the past 250 years, our area has been almost completely timbered, much of it to supply the furniture industry that was robust in our area. Some replanting followed, but often as monocultures. Now, climate change and new pests are threatening many of the native trees we depend on. Ash trees have been decimated by the emerald ash borer. Beech trees are falling to beech leaf disease. And a new pest, the redbay ambrosia beetle, is threatening our sassafras trees. Add to that frequent storms, strong winds, and drastic weather that’s not “normal for here,”  and it’s easy to see why our forests are struggling. We are losing native trees faster than we can replace them.   So, what do we do? I’m not suggesting we stop promoting and planting native trees – far from it. Native plants are the foundation of our ecosystems. They support native insects, and those insects feed our birds and wildlife. But maybe there’s room for a little nuance. Maybe some fast-growing, hardy, or pest-resistant non-native trees can play a short-term role in providing shade, soil stability, carbon sequestration, and habitat while we plan for longer-term restoration. Because having trees, even imperfect ones, is better than having no trees at all. Article by Land Steward Bethany O'Hagan Photo of a Norway Maple leaf courtesy WNY PRISM

Fall is a season of transformation. The air turns crisp, leaves shift from green to vibrant shades of gold, orange, and red, and our landscapes begin their slow transition into winter dormancy. As we watch these changes, it’s a natural time to reflect not just on the beauty around us, but on how we manage our yards. Fall clean-up is often seen as a chore: raking leaves, cutting back plants, and tidying every corner. But what if this season of change encouraged us to rethink our approach…both for our yards and for the natural systems they support?   Those fallen leaves covering your lawn are far more than debris. They act as a natural mulch, insulating soil, conserving moisture, and slowly breaking down into nutrient-rich compost that will nourish your garden in the spring. By leaving leaves where they fall, we’re supporting the tiny creatures that call our yards home. Pollinators like bees, butterflies, and fireflies, as well as countless insects, spiders, and worms, rely on leaf litter as shelter to survive winter’s chill. Even the smallest actions, like leaving a patch of leaves untouched, can make a meaningful difference in maintaining a healthy ecosystem.   Similarly, the dried stalks and seed heads of plants such as coneflowers, black-eyed susans, and native grasses provide critical food sources for birds during the colder months. Goldfinches, sparrows, chickadees, and cardinals feed on these seeds when insects become scarce. Instead of cutting every stalk to the ground, leaving some standing allows these plants to continue supporting wildlife well after they’ve finished blooming. What looks like “messiness” to us is nourishment and protection for countless creatures, an essential part of the yard’s ecosystem.   Fall is also an opportunity to step back and consider how our human habits affect the landscape. The instinct to rake every leaf and clear every garden bed comes from a desire for order, but nature thrives in cycles of decay and renewal. By embracing some untidiness, we allow the yard to follow its own rhythm. Leaves decompose, returning nutrients to the soil. Plant stems provide seeds for birds. Fallen branches and organic debris create shelter for overwintering insects. Each of these actions helps the yard sustain itself with minimal intervention while building resilience for the coming seasons.   Rethinking fall clean-up is also about efficiency and mindfulness. Bagging every leaf and hauling it away consumes time, energy, and resources. Leaving leaves in place allows nature to do much of the work for us. Soil is enriched naturally, wildlife finds habitat, and the garden retains a structural and visual interest that would otherwise disappear in a perfectly pruned landscape. Observing and responding to the needs of our yards, rather than imposing strict tidiness, encourages a deeper connection to the environment and an awareness of the cycles of life unfolding all around us. Photo and image by Conservationist Carol Markham

Across meadows, forests, and backyards, the familiar buzz of bumblebees has grown quieter. Scientists have been sounding the alarm for years: bumblebee populations are shrinking across North America and beyond. While honeybees often steal the spotlight in pollinator news, bumblebees play an equally vital – yet often overlooked – role in the survival of native plants and ecosystems. Their decline carries serious consequences, especially for flowers that depend almost entirely on these fuzzy insects for pollination.   The Power of the Bumblebee Bumblebees are more than just another pollinator. Unlike many insects, they perform “buzz pollination,” vibrating their bodies at just the right frequency to shake pollen loose. Many native plants – including blueberries, cranberries, wild sunflowers, and even several orchids – require this special skill. Without bumblebees, these plants struggle to reproduce.   They are also active in cooler, cloudier weather when butterflies or smaller bees generally don’t bother to get out of bed. This makes them especially important in northern regions and at higher elevations, where short summers demand dependable pollination.   Numbers Falling Fast Studies show steep declines in bumblebee species over recent decades. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reports that more than one-quarter of North American species are at risk of extinction. Some, like the Rusty Patched Bumblebee, have already vanished from much of their historic range, while several other local species have declined to the point that they should be considered endangered. Sadly, population data on these insects is often incomplete and they may be gradually vanishing right in front of our eyes.   The causes are familiar: habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and the introduction of diseases from managed honeybee colonies. Urban development and modern farming reduce wildflower diversity, leaving fewer food sources. Warmer winters and shifting weather disrupt hibernation cycles and flowering times, leaving bees out of sync with the plants they pollinate.   Plants Left Behind When bumblebees disappear, the plants that rely on them often decline too. Wildflowers such as shooting stars, lupines, and gentians produce blooms shaped for large-bodied bees. Smaller insects can’t reach the nectar or carry enough pollen to fertilize them effectively.   Fewer pollination events mean fewer seeds. As plant populations shrink, the ripple effects spread across ecosystems. Birds lose seeds, mammals lose shelter and food, and insects miss out on nectar. Crops like tomatoes and peppers, which rely on buzz pollination, may yield less when bumblebee numbers fall.   A Warning Sign for Biodiversity The decline of bumblebees is not just about one group of insects – it signals broader stress in natural systems. Pollination is one of the most important ecological services in the world, and bumblebees are among its key providers. When they struggle, ecosystems are under strain, and many other species are likely to follow.   What Can Be Done? The good news is that solutions exist. Protecting and restoring native habitats can give bumblebees the diversity of flowers they need throughout the season. Reducing pesticide use limits chemical stress. Even small pollinator-friendly gardens in urban settings can provide “islands” of refuge. Supporting organic and sustainable farms also reduces pressures linked to industrial agriculture.   On a larger scale, conservation laws, funding research, and monitoring populations are critical. Early detection of declines allows scientists to act quickly and identify strategies that work.   A Future Without Buzz? The decline of bumblebees may seem abstract or distant, but it directly affects the landscapes we love and the foods we depend on. Every time a bumblebee disappears, the flowers that evolved alongside it lose a partner in survival. The silence of a missing buzz is more than just the absence of a sound – it is the fading of a vital connection in nature.   Protecting bumblebees now ensures native plants thrive, ecosystems remain resilient, and future generations can enjoy wild meadows alive with the hum of pollinators. At least seven different species of bumblebee occur in my backyard in Jamestown, NY. Some are commonly seen every day, but others I have only come across once or twice. (image by Twan Leenders) Article by Twan Leenders, Director of Conservation

There are still plenty of Ospreys around Chautauqua Lake, mostly youngsters, but our Loomis Triplets have left the nest.   Throughout the month of August, our trail cam above the nest showed the fledglings feeding voraciously, preparing for their long trip south. They were often seen fishing not far from the shore, sometimes struggling to keep their catch, even aided by mergansers who kept them afloat (as told by observers who live near the lake).   Both parents, Femke and Hauke, were last seen together on August 10th, and after Femke departed, Hauke stayed around for another week or so. Then one by one, the youngsters left the nest, in the order of their birth, heading south without guidance other than instinct.   The last born was crying out for its siblings and when there was no reply, it followed its siblings to a destination unknown.   By August 28 the nest was empty.   This was the end of the sixth successful breeding season for Femke and Hauke, with twelve fledglings, of whom six may have returned to the region.   We wish the family a safe return to their winter home somewhere in the Amazon basin, where each Osprey will find its own perch.   We anticipate the parents to return sometime during the last week of March, as they have for the past six years.

The unexpected growth of large amounts of native pondweed species in the south basin of Chautauqua Lake this summer is triggered by a combination of several (perhaps all? factors described here. Anyone familiar with Chautauqua Lake knows that no two years are exactly alike. Conditions can shift  dramatically depending on weather, water levels, and activities across the surrounding watershed. While some trends play out slowly, localized issues like algal blooms, plant overgrowth, or fish kills can appear and disappear quickly. What drives these shifts? And how do year-to-year variations in these factors influence the Lake today?     A Lake of Two Halves  Chautauqua Lake is divided into two distinct basins – north and south – each with unique characteristics in depth, water flow, and biological activity. These differences date back over 10,000 years, when glaciers carved the lakebed and left behind features that still influence how water moves and life thrives in each basin.     Sources of Water  The Lake’s water comes from a combination of rainfall, snowmelt, groundwater, and 11 tributaries that drain a 13,156-acre (20.5 square-mile) watershed. Roughly 78% of its water arrives through surface runoff or stream inflow. In recent years, lower winter snowfall (like in 2023 and 2024) has meant Chautauqua Lake started the season with less water, prompting earlier Warner Dam adjustments.     Managing Lake Levels  The Warner Dam in downtown Jamestown plays a crucial role in regulating water levels, especially from May through October. The goal is to maintain an elevation around 1,308.2 feet above sea level. In dry periods, the Dam may be closed to conserve water. Ahead of major storms, it can be opened to prevent  flooding. During dry, hot spells in summer, more water evaporates from the lake surface than gets replenished      by springs and tributaries. Rainfall patterns strongly influence lake depth throughout spring and summer.      Why Low Water Matters  When lake levels drop, sunlight can reach deeper into the water, warming it and encouraging aquatic plants and algae to grow. Meanwhile, heavy rainstorms send sediment, nutrients, and pollutants from all over the watershed rushing into the Lake, especially in areas where natural buffers have been lost.     A Changing Watershed  The landscape surrounding Chautauqua Lake has changed drastically over time. Abundant forests and wetlands once filtered water and slowed erosion. Today, paved surfaces and lawns accelerate runoff and pollution. Without functioning wetlands and vegetated buffers, stormwater now reaches the Lake more quickly and unfiltered.     Changing Weather Patterns  Climate change is contributing to changing local weather patterns, causing stronger storms and less snowfall, both of which impact lake health. This year’s intense rains helped maintain lake levels but also delivered large pulses   of sediment, pollutants, and nutrients that fed aquatic plants and fueled algae blooms.      Clean Waters Flow from Healthy Watersheds   Chautauqua Lake is the endpoint of its watershed – it receives everything that runs off the land. Once water quality problems reach the Lake, they’re difficult to reverse. Long-term improvements start upstream – by restoring forests, rebuilding wetlands, and reducing runoff from developed areas.     Protecting the Lake’s Future  We can’t control the weather, but we can manage how it affects our local environment. Smart in-lake management (both short-term and long-term) must be paired with upstream solutions if we want to preserve Chautauqua Lake for recreation, wildlife, and future generations.  Article and photo by Twan Leenders, Director of Conservation

A watershed   is an area of land where all the water – whether from rain, snowmelt, springs, or creeks – drains into a common water body, such as a river, lake, or ocean. Think of it like a giant funnel: everything that falls within its boundaries eventually flows to the same destination. If you are standing on land anywhere in the world, you are in a watershed.    Key Features of a Watershed:   Drainage Area : Channels all water to creeks, streams, and rivers.  Boundaries : Defined by natural land formations like hills, mountains, and roads.  Size : Can range from a small pond’s drainage area to massive systems like the Mississippi River Watershed, which spans over 1 million square miles.    Watersheds also have a pretty profound impact on local ecosystems because they act as nature’s infrastructure for water management, nutrient cycling, and habitat support. They also shape and sustain the environment around them.    Ecosystem Benefits of Watersheds : 1. Water Quality Regulation   Watersheds act as natural filters, trapping sediments and absorbing excess nutrients before they reach rivers and lakes.  Filtration reduces pollution and helps maintain clean water for fish, plants, and humans.  2. Biodiversity Support   The varied landscapes within a watershed – such as forests, wetlands, and streams – create diverse habitats that we as humans love to see.  Diverse habitats support a wide range of species and promote ecosystem resilience against environmental stressors.   3. Flood Control and Stormwater Management   Healthy watersheds absorb and slow down rainwater, reducing the risk of flash floods.  They also help recharge groundwater and maintain water levels during dry periods.  4. Nutrient Cycling and Carbon Storage   Watersheds facilitate the movement and transformation of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus.  They also store carbon in soil and vegetation, helping offset greenhouse gas emissions.  5. Climate Resilience   Intact watersheds buffer against extreme weather events and help ecosystems adapt to changing climate conditions, like droughts, heavy rainfall, and wildfires.   6. Economic and Recreational Value   Clean water and healthy ecosystems support agriculture, tourism, and recreation like fishing and kayaking.  They also reduce costs for water treatment and flood damage repair.    In short, a healthy watershed is like a silent guardian for everyone, everywhere – protecting water quality, nurturing wildlife, and buffering communities from environmental extremes.   So, why do watersheds matter? While they are busy supplying everyone with drinking water, supporting agriculture, and sustaining ecosystems, they are also naturally filtering pollutants, improving all the water quality in all the lakes and streams we recreate and play in. That is why they matter and that is why, as a land trust, the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy is dedicated to protecting the land that helps protect our waters to help keep a healthy watershed for all for generations to come.   Article and photo by Land Specialist Bethany O'Hagan

You might think I’m a little crazy, but even with 68 acres full of milkweed, goldenrod, and joe-pye weed, I couldn’t bring myself to mow over one tiny milkweed by the mailbox. My husband laughed as I swerved the mower around it.   We mow less these days, so why not let it grow? One more milkweed couldn’t hurt.   Then one day, I checked the mail – and there it was: a monarch caterpillar munching away on that one plant. I checked all the others across our fields and gardens – nothing. Just that one.   It was a perfect reminder that even one native plant matters!   Native plants have evolved with local wildlife and are built to support them. Just one plant can feed dozens of insects, which then feed birds, frogs, and other critters. They’re tough, too – they’re well adapted to local weather, and they need less water, fertilizer, and care than many garden plants. Their deep roots also help reduce runoff and protect our water.   In a world where wild places are shrinking, even small patches of native plants create stepping stones for pollinators and wildlife. Whether it’s a big yard or a single pot on a porch, planting just one native species helps build a healthier, more connected ecosystem.   You don’t have to plant a meadow. Just start with one. And what better time than now!   The Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy has two native plant sales coming up in August!   Our 5th Annual Native Plant Sale will take place on Saturday, August 16th from 10AM-2PM at Chautauqua Marina in Mayville. Royal Fern Nursery, Amanda’s Garden, Westfield Nursery, Nature Finds Me, and Turnbull Nursery will be on-site selling native trees, shrubs, and flowering perennials.   And we are also offering an online native plant sale for those who like to shop – sofa style!   My Home Park and Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy are teaming up to boost yards and protect nature with native plants this fall! For every 4 plants sold, 1 is donated to support local restoration work in Chautauqua County.   https://www.myhomepark.com/cwc-native-plant-sale   Please join us in celebrating one of the best times to plant natives!  Article and photo by Conservationist Carol Markham

Our Loomis Goose Creek Osprey triplets have fledged, meaning they are now capable of flying but will still be around for several weeks up to a month (or more)! Predictions in our previous post were off by almost 2 weeks. The chicks flew off in order of their birth, the oldest one on July 18! That is about 10 days earlier than they did last year. Climate change? A warmer and wetter summer? Who knows!   The first photo shows Femke (mom, on the right) with her two youngest ones, ready for take-off! It is an amazing portrait, considering that it was taken by a motion-triggered, 6-year old trail cam fixed to a rickety aluminum frame attached to the utility pole supporting the platform, with the lens facing down into the nest! All the videos are also taken that way. We see the birds come and go, shred a fish while still being fed by mom, communicating and preparing for the long journey south.   Femke has done another magnificent job, seemingly effortlessly, but we know she has given all she has in raising her chicks. She will soon leave, while Hauke (dad) will stay around to help his youngsters perfect their flying and fishing skills.   Over the last 6 years, the pair has now produced 12 juveniles, 6 of whom may have returned to our area, perhaps found mates & started their own families! Head over to our Facebook and/or Instagram page to check out videos of Femke, Hauke, and the triplets! (Use the links at the top of the page!)

Gray Tree Frog (photo by Twan Leenders) It’s no secret – I love amphibians. Frogs and salamanders are, in my opinion, some of the most fascinating animals around. Just think about it. Many start their lives in the water looking more like fish than land creatures, complete with gills and a long, paddle-like tail for swimming. Then, like magic, they morph into fully terrestrial animals, trading gills for lungs, tails for limbs. And they casually pull this off in just a few weeks, right before our eyes in backyard ponds! Honestly, it’s more gripping to watch than most anything on TV.   Add in their nighttime serenades and the stunning color patterns many amphibians show off, and you’ve got my favorite animal group – hands down.   In early spring, it’s impossible to miss the loud chorus of Spring Peepers celebrating the arrival of warmer weather. Or the epic salamander migrations that happen just as the last snow melts and vernal pools fill up. But that springtime amphibian rush is behind us now. Vernal pools are drying up (as they should), and the tadpoles and salamander larvae are making their way into the woods. The same goes for other early breeders like leopard frogs, whose tadpoles are now leaving their preferred floodplain pools as water recedes.   With the spring species settling into summer hideouts, a new cast of amphibians takes the stage – the frogs of summer.   What these summer frogs have in common is that they avoid the temporary, seasonal pools favored by the spring breeders. In fact, two of the big players – the Green Frog and the American Bullfrog – need permanent water, because their tadpoles take more than a year to grow into frogs. Their calls can be heard around just about any pond, marsh, or lake these days, and their breeding season is in full swing now.     Their tadpoles are built for the long haul. They even survive the winter under the ice. In our region, they usually transform into frogs the following summer. But in colder places up north, that transformation may take up to three years! (And yes, those tadpoles grow huge.)   Another summertime favorite is the American Toad. While technically an early breeder, people tend to notice it more in summer when tiny toadlets suddenly appear en masse. Walk near the edge of a pond at the right moment and the ground might look like it’s alive – blanketed with tiny, hopping black specks diving out of your way. All summer long, you’ll see little toads exploring the landscape, often drawn to bugs hanging around garden lights.   But my personal favorite frog of summer? The Gray Tree Frog. Its call – kind of like a Red-bellied Woodpecker's trill – adds a magical soundtrack to warm summer nights. They’re not very common in our immediate area, but they do occur locally throughout Chautauqua County. Most people don’t even realize they’re around until one strolls across a lit-up window after dark, thanks to their sticky toe pads. Like the other frogs, they love windows at night for one reason – the bugs that are attracted to your lights.   Gray Tree Frogs may be uncommon here, but they are hard to miss once you recognize their call. Males really like to make themselves heard, and I have observed them singing inside tree hollows, downspouts of gutters, or nest boxes for birds—anything that helps amplify their song. If you’re lucky enough to have Gray Tree Frogs nearby, I’d love to hear about it! Knowing where they live in our county helps us to better understand their habitat needs so we can better protect uncommon species.   For everyone else – just enjoy the frogs of summer. Hearing their calls, seeing them, their tadpoles, and their babies are all signs that you’re exactly where you should be – hanging out by the water, soaking up the sun, going for a swim, and maybe enjoying a snack (ideally not bugs). Green Frog (photo by Twan Leenders) American Bullfrog (photo by Twan Leenders) Article by Twan Leenders, Director of Conservation

The Osprey triplets at our Loomis Goose Creek Preserve have grown incredibly fast and may be ready to fledge in a week or two, if not sooner! They can be seen from the ground peering over the edge of the nest, with visible curiosity! Despite their sizes, there still appears to be enough room for the entire family on the platform. Femke (mom) is usually with them but leaves them alone sometimes since fear for predators is now minimal. The youngsters' striking colors with brownish back of the head, orange eyes, and speckled wings clearly distinguishes them from their parents who have a uniformly dark coat of feathers. They still like to be fed but soon will be able to feed themselves. Wing flapping makes their wings growing stronger by the day to prepare them for lift-off! One video shows the head-bobbing from side to side which is more common among chicks than adults. It may have to do with helping them visualize overlapping objects in the distance by creating a relative distance between them. Although this post is focused on the Osprey at one of our nature preserves, there are now multiple Osprey platforms around the lake, on man-made platforms, dishes, and Osprey-made nests on utility poles, that make Osprey watching something we can all enjoy just looking up in the sky, or over the lake while they are fishing! We can expect to have these marvelous raptors around until early fall when they return to their wintering grounds. Check out our Facebook and Instagram pages for videos of our Osprey family! (Use the links at the top of the page!)

The Osprey triplets at our Loomis Goose Creek Preserve have more than doubled in size in just 2 weeks! Also remarkable is the difference in size of each bird, reflecting their birth dates of a few days apart from each other.    And look how thick the nest has become – well over 3 feet in height, with a soft grassy bed in the center for the youngsters. Their color blends well with the nest, and their camouflage may be added protection from predators. We have never seen an attack here, but that may be different elsewhere.   Activities on the nest are mainly eating and sleeping for the hatchlings. The parents are entirely focused on feeding and protecting them.  We can see fluttering of the chicks' wings which will begin to strengthen the flight muscles.   We anticipate the “kids” will be ready to fledge by late July!   Be sure to check out our Facebook and Instagram pages for more videos!

Something seems a little different with the weather we’ve been having here in Western New York. This spring has been a lot wetter than the previous springs I’ve experienced. Most people I talk about the weather with, or even just causally mention rain to, agree that this amount of rain is unprecedented. While it’s a bummer to reschedule so many sports games, outdoor events, and hikes, and while too much rain can sometimes cause problems like flooding and soil erosion, too much rain can also be a good thing for humans and the environment.   Benefits for Humans: Replenishes water resources: Rain fills up rivers, lakes, and underground aquifers, ensuring a continuous supply of freshwater for ecosystems and human consumption. Supports ecosystems and biodiversity: Regular rainfall nourishes forests, grasslands, and other habitats, providing water and resources for countless species of plants and animals. Cleans the air: Rain washes away dust, pollutants, and allergens, improving air quality. Cools the environment: Rain helps lower temperatures, providing relief from hot weather. Promotes healthy soil: Rain supports the nutrient cycle, keeping soil fertile and productive for plant growth.   Benefits for Plants and Agriculture: Rainwater contains nitrogen: Nitrogen is a vital nutrient for plant growth that supports chlorophyll production and overall plant health. The more rain, the more nitrogen. Rainwater contains more oxygen: Rainwater contains more dissolved oxygen than tap water, which contributes to healthy plant growth. Rainwater is naturally soft: Free of chemicals that we find in our local water sources, rainwater is free from chemicals like chlorine and fluoride, while also containing a slight amount of acidic pH, which can improve nutrient absorption in soil. Reduces reliance on irrigation: Rainfall can lessen the need for artificial watering systems, saving resources like overuse of aquifers and local wells, which reduces costs.  It is crucial though to distinguish between beneficial rainfall and excessive rainfall. While rain is vital for life, too much rain can lead to flooding, soil erosion, delayed planting and harvesting of crops, as well as an increased risk of pests and diseases. This is where creeks, rivers, and wetlands play a crucial role in mitigating flooding and managing stormwater when it rains too much. As a land trust, Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy preserves and protects our creeks, rivers, and streams that help absorb and store excess water.   Benefits of Creeks, Streams, and Wetlands with Excess Rain: Slowing Down Runoff: The natural features of creeks, such as vegetation along the banks and meandering channels, slow down the flow of water. This allows more time for the water to be absorbed into the ground, reducing the volume and speed of floodwater. Water Storage: Wetlands act like natural sponges, absorbing and storing excess water from rain, snowmelt, and floodwaters. This reduces the volume of water flowing into rivers and streams, preventing them from overflowing and causing floods. One acre of wetland can store a significant amount of water, with estimates ranging from 330,000 gallons to 1.5 million gallons. Slowing Down Water Flow: The dense vegetation and natural features within wetlands, such as grass and reeds, slow down the speed of floodwater. This helps to reduce the force of the water and allows more time for infiltration into the soil, minimizing erosion and damage downstream. Reduced Flood Peaks: By storing and slowing down water, wetlands effectively reduce flood peaks, which are the highest levels of water reached during a flood or heavy rain event. This is especially beneficial in urban areas, where impervious surfaces increase runoff and the risk of flooding. Reduced Strain on Infrastructure: Wetlands also help to reduce the pressure on man-made flood defenses like levees and storm drains by controlling and slowing down floodwaters.    Even though we are receiving an unprecedented amount of water so far this year, it is important to remember it’s a good thing. And with the help of healthy creeks, streams, and wetlands to naturally offset heavy rains and flooding by absorbing, slowing down, and filtering heavy rains and floodwaters, downstream communities and infrastructure can be protected. Restoring and protecting these natural features is, therefore, essential for effective flood control and overall watershed health. Article and photo by Bethany O'Hagan, Land Specialist

My parents started vacationing with my brother and me on Chautauqua Lake when I was four years old. At age ten, I began piloting a small boat to fish.  We vacationed at Point Chautauqua each summer where we fished the rocky bottoms along Point Chautauqua to the Vikings Club for smallmouth bass and walleyes.  In my later teen years, we experienced getting stuck in topped out Eurasian watermilfoil in the Mayville flats while water skiing.  Each year, we caught muskellunge, bass, and walleye from Mayville to Prendergast Point and Maple Springs.   As part of these fishing experiences, I experienced the impacts of the construction of Chautauqua Lake Estates. The excavation buried the lake bottom there with soil. Our anchor pulled up this soil and I witnessed the abundance of Eurasian watermilfoil that thrived rooted in the soil that formerly had been on the hill above. Each year brought more shore excavation, more homes, and more erosion and sedimentation followed by more abundant milfoil beds.  Milfoil flourishes when rooted in fresh sediments.    In the 1970s and early 1980s, the excavation for the Southern Tier Expressway and bridge construction provided a major onslaught of sediments into the lake.   In the 1990s, zebra mussels arrived, which made the water measurably clearer for a few years as they filtered out and ate a lot of algae (phytoplankton). They prefer to not to eat cyanobacteria (“blue-green algae”) and choose algae that are a main food for zooplankton such as Daphnia (water fleas). Daphnia are a primary food for young yellow perch and other species. These mussels re-direct the food chain and significantly contribute to the formation of harmful algal blooms (HABs). Zebra mussels also concentrate nutrients by depositing their feces onto the lake bottom between the rocks that host them. These droppings then provide a fertile environment for plants to grow, creating plant communities where they didn’t exist and changing the aquatic communities in these formerly more “clean bottom” rocky areas.    Many positive actions have also occurred over this time. With the closure of the malted milk plant in Mayville in 1976 eliminating its discharges of high phosphorus effluent, the milfoil seems to be significantly less dense from Mayville to Hartfield and rarely tops out as it did in the 1970s. In 1980, the Chautauqua Lake South and Central Sewer Districts went into service diverting effluent from one-third of the lakeshore to the wastewater treatment plant in Celoron. In recent years, lake users and water consumers have been significantly benefiting from upgrading the Northern Chautauqua Lake Sewer District wastewater treatment plant and Chautauqua Utility District treatment plants to tertiary treatment removing over 90% of the phosphorus from their effluent. In addition, wastewater from Chautauqua Lake Estates is now treated at the NCLSD plant. These upgrades reduced external phosphorus loading to the north basin by about 25%.   Offsetting the benefits of sewer extensions and treatment plant upgrades are the impacts of more development and climate change, both of which cause more soil erosion, more nutrient pollution, and early lake stratification, increasing the duration of anoxic bottom conditions driving internal phosphorus loading from the lake sediments. According to NYS CSLAP data, average total phosphorus in our lake waters has increased over the past 36 years, while average water clarity has remained about the same.   So what about the fisheries? Yellow perch are very abundant. Muskellunge fry and fingerlings continue to be stocked by New York State, and abundance cycles up and down. They remain relatively abundant and challenging to catch.  Walleye populations cycle up and down as well. Largemouth bass are as abundant as ever. Smallmouth bass and crappies continue to provide productive fisheries. White perch, a non-native species, are much more abundant than in past decades. My brother and I, and our adult children, are still having fun catching fish on this lake.   So much has changed since I first started fishing on this lake. There are a lot fewer wooded natural shorelines and a lot more fertilized and pesticide treated lawns where those natural shorelines formerly existed. We have more rooftops, parking lots, and roads carrying more stormwater down streams and more urban pollution to our precious lake. There is so much more preventive and restorative conservation work needed in the lake’s 180-square mile drainage basin to reduce the pollution and sedimentation contributing to the lake’s excess plant and algae growth. There are no quick fixes to maintain a healthy lake for all to enjoy! Article and photo by John Jablonski III Special Projects Coordinator

Our Loomis Osprey couple are again the proud parents of 3 chicks!!! We reported having seen 3 eggs on May 19th, which was the only day they were visible in the sheltered cavity in the nest. On May 29th, we saw 2 tiny heads bobbing just above the rim. We were not sure if the third egg had survived . . . until June 8th when we saw the littlest one, who was probably born a week after its older siblings who are now about 2 -3 weeks old. We can see Femke feeding her babies while Hauke brings in the fresh catch of lake fish several times a day. Once again it will be a major task to raise 3 chicks over the course of just a month or two. They will probably be ready to fledge by late July. On June 6th, a strong wind turned the camera 120 degrees around so that it is now facing the trees towards the lake. The view of the nest is not as complete as it was, but still sufficient to see inside! Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see more videos and photos of our Loomis Osprey family!

If you’re anything like me, you’ve been admiring the lush, vibrant green that’s taken over our landscape thanks to this wet spring — all while wishing the rain would give us a break so we can hit the trails! After a winter full of epic snow for skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling, it’s time to gear up for the next season of outdoor fun. And here in Chautauqua County, we are spoiled with choices.   Did you know there are over 700 miles of trails weaving through our region? Whether you're into hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, or cross-country skiing — we've got it all. And behind this incredible network is a powerhouse coalition: the Friends of the Chautauqua County Greenways (FCCG). This passionate group brings together snowmobile clubs, Chautauqua Rails to Trails, the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy (CWC), WNY Mountain Bicycling Association (WNYMBA), Friends of Panama Horse and Nature Trails, Boutwell Hill Ski Club, Chautauqua County Department of Planning & Development, the City of Jamestown, and more — all with one goal: protecting and enhancing our trails. The Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) helps support this collaboration.   Now, for the exciting part: On June 21st, the FCCG invites you to join us for the inaugural Chautauqua County Trails Day!   Mark your calendars — this first day of summer is going to be packed with adventure, discovery, and connection to nature. Whether you're a trail veteran or a curious beginner, there’s something for everyone: Try mountain biking on one of the county’s exhilarating single-track trails. Saddle up and experience our dedicated equestrian paths. Paddle a serene stretch of the Marden E. Cobb Waterway Trail in a kayak or canoe. Explore birding hotspots with expert guides. Or join a relaxed, family-friendly hike through lush forest trails.   You’ll find full event listings and updates at: www.choosechq.com/chqtrailsday (Note that activities are still being added, and trail/weather conditions may affect schedules – so check with hosting groups for the latest details.)   Highlights from the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy on Trails Day:   8:00 AM – Bird Walk at Cassadaga Lakes Nature Park This birding hotspot is a certified stop on the NYS Birding Trail! Join expert guides Devin Banning and Katelyn Davis from the Chautauqua-Warren Birding Association for a morning of finding fantastic feathered friends.   Starting at 1:00 PM – Guided Kayak Trips on Cassadaga Creek Paddle a scenic 3-mile route from Kabob to CWC’s Kyle’s Landing Preserve at Red Bird Corners. Bring your own kayak or canoe. We’ll have a few extras on hand, plus a shuttle service to bring you back to your starting point.   3:00 PM – Family-Friendly Nature Walk at Dobbins Woods Preserve in Ashville Explore the beauty of this peaceful preserve with guides who’ll help kids and adults alike connect with the wonders of the forest.   With so many free, fun, and family-friendly activities happening all across the county, this is your chance to discover (or rediscover) the incredible trail adventures waiting in your own backyard. We’re thrilled to celebrate this community-powered network and can’t wait to see you out there!   And don’t worry — the rain will  be gone by then… probably. 😉 Article by Twan Leenders, Director of Conservation for Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy and Co-Chair for Friends of the Chautauqua County Greenways Photo by Bethany O'Hagan, Land Specialist for Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy

For the first time this spring, we saw eggs in the Osprey nest at our Loomis Goose Creek Preserve! We suspected that one or more eggs had been laid based on the behavior of Femke and Hauke the past couple of weeks, but the nest has grown to be very thick and tall, making it harder for us to look down into the nest this year. We can now confirm that Femke and Hauke have three eggs to care for and tend to. Now we anxiously await for the arrival of chicks.   We also have very good news about two other Ospreys poles that were installed last summer. There is a pair nesting on the platform at the Chautauqua Golf Course and at least one Osprey, maybe still looking for a mate, at the pole on University Beach at Chautauqua Institution! More Ospreys than ever before can be seen fishing on Chautauqua Lake and flying overhead.

Four words to inspire a change: Plant natives. Save nature.   Here in Chautauqua County, farming is in our roots – grapes, corn, beans – you name it. But these crops rely on more than just hard work and sunshine. They depend on pollinators: bees, butterflies, and birds buzzing and flitting through our fields.   But here’s the twist: our crops aren’t their main attraction. They're just a pit stop on the way to what these insects really love and need – native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers hidden in hedgerows and forest edges. And those places? They’re disappearing fast.   For the past five years, the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy and our Yard Smarts Program has been encouraging a new way of thinking about our yards. Messy is magical. Less lawn is more life. Native plants are not just pretty, they’re powerful.   The age of the manicured, bug-free lawn is fading. In its place is a new vision: yards that buzz, bloom, and brim with life. Every lawn and every garden is an opportunity to build a tiny piece of habitat – an invitation for pollinators and birds to come feed, rest, and thrive.   With native plants, we can turn ordinary spaces into extraordinary ecosystems. Each yard becomes a link in a living chain, connecting farms, forests, and wild spaces. Together, we can stitch back the fabric of our local ecosystem, one plant and one yard at a time.   Let’s give pollinators what they need – and make our landscapes part of the solution.   How can you help?   Read the book How Can I Help? by entomologist and ecologist Doug Tallamy, who believes that real change starts in our own backyards. Through native plants, fewer chemicals, and simple choices like leaving the leaves, we can help save the insects, birds, and ecosystems we rely on. This latest book by Tallamy offers practical, science-based steps that anyone can follow. He will also be sharing his message live in Erie, PA on Tuesday, May 20th. Visit https://extension.psu.edu/restoring-nature for more information or scan the QR code below. Or contact the Conservancy’s conservationist, Carol Markham, at carol@chautauquawatershed.org .   One yard really can make a difference – and so can you! Article by Conservationist Carol Markham

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