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After months of gray skies, frozen toes, and solitary walks past snow-covered gardens, spring arrives like a child rushing out for summer break. The sun lingers longer, birds burst into song, and suddenly you…the long-winter-cabin-fevered homeowner…feel an irresistible urge to grab gloves, wield a rake, and declare war on every last stem, leaf, and twig. Finally, you think…I can actually go outside and do something! But here’s the reality in March: your garden is still hitting the snooze button. Science calls it phenology or the study of cyclic and seasonal timing. The behavior of plants and animals is triggered by small climate signals, not by calendar dates. Plants, soil organisms, and insects rely on cumulative warmth, daylight length, and soil conditions to determine when it’s truly spring. One sunny day is not a spring announcement: it’s a tease. Rush outside too early, and you risk frost damage on tender shoots, disturbance of hibernating insects, and disruption of soil organisms who are just starting their nutrient-recycling work. Even your landscape plants are cautious. Many perennials and shrubs have biochemical mechanisms that prevent them from sprouting during brief warm spells, waiting instead for sustained warmth before resuming growth. Cutting back or clearing them too early can force growth at a time when the weather in Western New York is still unpredictable, increasing the risk of frost damage and stunted development. Beneath the soil surface, an essential ecosystem is quietly coming back to life. Fungi extend their networks through the leaf litter, bacteria decompose organic material into nutrients, and earthworms move through the soil, improving structure and fertility. Overwintering insects tucked under winter’s leaves, including solitary bees, butterflies in chrysalis, and beetles, rely on last year’s debris for shelter. Removing it prematurely can disrupt these processes and eliminate critical habitat that your garden depends on for long-term health and success. Our human urge to want to get our hands dirty is completely understandable. After a long, cold, lonely winter, our muscles, minds, and spirits crave the outdoors. Raking, pruning, and planting are tactile ways to reconnect and shake off cabin fever. But nature does not respond well to our impatience. It operates on a schedule perfected over thousands of years, and the garden will only thrive if we respect that timing. So, what’s a spring-starved gardener to do? Stand back. Observe. Sip coffee. Watch how the early sunlight warms the soil, notice which insects begin to emerge, and see which plants are truly waking from dormancy. Wait until daytime temperatures hover around 50°F, soil is warming, and both plants and pollinators are ready to resume their seasonal activities. Then, and only then, can your hands-on energy be both satisfying and scientifically sound. Spring may take its sweet time here in western NY, but when it finally shows up fully awake, your garden, and your own sense of accomplishment, will be richer for it. Ask: How do you resist the urge to tidy your garden too soon? Please share photos of your patient, “sleeping” gardens, and tag us on social media. Let’s celebrate the slow, deliberate awakening of spring together, showing that sometimes the best gardening step is simply to wait. Article and photos by CWC Conservationist Carol Markham

Pileated Wood Pecker ( Dryocopus pileatus) adult and two juvenilles in a nesting cavity . By Jan Bowman. A dead tree is often considered a danger of sorts depending on where it stands from a human perspective, but dead trees provide a lot more than just potential nutrients once fallen to the ground. As they stand, they may hold more life than meets the eye. Some animals hollow out dead and dying trees to provide homes for themselves (primary cavity nesters), and many other animals will use these cavities once vacated by the creator as their home (secondary cavity nesters). In Chautauqua County, the primary cavity nesters are woodpeckers. Following the large die-off of Ash trees due to the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) beetle, local woodpecker populations are doing very well. This is particularly true of Downy, Hairy, and Red-bellied woodpeckers, as well as Northern flicker and Yellow-bellied sapsucker. Pileated woodpecker numbers have also increased compared to baseline population numbers suggesting they have also benefited from the EAB infestation. Anyone who has watched a pileated woodpecker working on a tree knows they can make progress quickly as they search for food and create a cavity for nesting. This may look very destructive, but the woodpecker would not be feeding on that tree if it didn’t have food (insects) present already working on the decline of that tree.   Once primary cavity nesters have moved on and left an empty “apartment,” secondary cavity nesters move in. Many animals rely on these empty cavities, and when in short supply it can quickly impact a population, as it has with local bluebird populations who were being pushed out of possible nesting sites by invasive birds such as starlings and sparrows. Bluebird boxes, manmade “cavities,” have served as a successful conservation solution to this ecological problem. Local secondary cavity nesters include Eastern Bluebird, Tree Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee, House Wren, White-breasted Nuthatch, Tufted Titmouse, Great-crested Flycatcher, Prothonotary Warbler, Brown Creeper, Wood Duck, Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser, American Kestrel, Eastern Screech Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Barred Owl, raccoons, squirrels, opossums, and porcupines. These cavities may even be used by snakes, and on rare occasions tree-roosting bats as well! This is not a complete list of those in nature that may use these cavities, but it certainly illustrates how important it is to leave dead trees standing until nature decides its time to come down.  Of course, if a tree is a danger to life or property, decisions may have to be made to bring a dead tree down. In that case, timing is everything! Let’s keep in mind who may be living in that tree when deciding when and how to remove it. Working with nature is in the best of interest of everyone. Article and photo by Board Chair Jan Bowman

(Spotted Lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula ) Cities are often noticeably warmer than the countryside that surrounds them. This phenomenon, known as the “urban heat island” (and sometimes called an “urban heat bubble”) can raise temperatures by several degrees compared to nearby rural areas—especially at night. In major metropolitan areas such as New York City or Chicago, the difference is well documented, but the same effect also occurs in much smaller developed areas.   The cause is straightforward. Materials like asphalt, concrete, and metal absorb and store heat during the day, then slowly release it after sunset as air temperatures fall. At the same time, trees, wetlands, and other natural features that normally cool the air through shade and evaporation are often scarce in densely developed landscapes. With less vegetation to moderate temperatures, a dome of retained warmth forms over the built environment. This persistent heat alters how plants and animals live, move, reproduce, and survive.   Urban heat bubbles do not affect all species equally. In many cases, they create conditions that favor invasive species—organisms that spread beyond their native range and cause ecological or economic harm. Invasive species are often highly adaptable. They tend to grow quickly, reproduce rapidly, and tolerate a broad range of environmental conditions. Warmer urban microclimates can allow them to survive winter temperatures that would normally limit their expansion.   A striking example is the spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect native to parts of Asia. This species feeds on a wide variety of plants, including grapes, fruit trees, and hardwoods, posing a serious threat to agriculture and forestry. Urban heat islands may help spotted lanternflies survive colder northern winters by reducing the number and severity of freezing days that would otherwise kill their egg masses. Warmer conditions can also accelerate their development, allowing populations to grow more quickly. Cities—rich in ornamental trees and often lacking natural predators—can function as stepping stones, supporting population growth and facilitating further spread into surrounding regions.   Recent research has revealed that the spotted lanternflies now spreading across the United States likely originated from a single accidental introduction around 2014. Scientists believe the insects arrived in Berks County, Pennsylvania, in a shipment of stone from South Korea, transported through urban Shanghai, which lies within their native range. Genetic analysis suggests that this founding population was already well adapted to urban environments. In their newly adopted range, they appear to thrive particularly well in cities.   Large populations have been documented in Philadelphia, New York City, Boston, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland in recent years. Interestingly, they are often less abundant in the rural areas between these cities—even in agricultural and grape-growing regions that could be especially vulnerable. This pattern raises important questions. Could their relatively low genetic diversity, combined with strong adaptation to urban “heat bubbles,” be keeping them concentrated in cities? Scientists do not yet have definitive answers. Ongoing research will determine whether this urban association persists or whether populations will eventually expand more aggressively into rural landscapes.   What is clear, however, is that concentrated development has ecological consequences beyond human comfort. Urban heat islands reshape ecosystems. They influence which species gain a foothold, which decline, and how native and invasive organisms compete. Protecting and expanding urban forests, restoring wetlands, increasing tree canopy cover, and rewilding undeveloped sections of cities and transportation corridors can help moderate temperatures. These actions not only cool our communities in a warming climate, but also reduce the ecological imbalances that heat bubbles can create.   As cities continue to grow and global temperatures rise, understanding—and managing—the ecological effects of urban heat islands will be essential for safeguarding biodiversity. Article and photo by Director of Conservation Twan Leenders

One of the many things Western New York is known for is its cold, often unforgiving winters. While recent years have brought more variability, those cold months continue to play a vital ecological role across our region. Native plants and wildlife are adapted to seasonal rhythms shaped by snow cover, deep frosts, and predictable dormancy. These seasonal cues, known as phenology, refer to the timing of biological events such as bud break, insect development, flowering, and migration. When seasonal timing shifts, ecological relationships can shift with it. Just as importantly, cold winters can help limit certain invasive species that are not well adapted to prolonged freezing conditions.   Two particularly concerning invaders for Western New York are the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid and the Spotted Lanternfly.   Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) is a small invasive insect native to East Asia that feeds on eastern hemlock trees. Over time, this feeding weakens the tree’s ability to transport and store energy. Infested trees commonly show needle loss, thinning crowns, and reduced growth, and many die within four to ten years, particularly under heavy infestation.   Eastern hemlock is considered a foundation species in northeastern forests. It moderates stream temperatures by shading cold water habitats, stabilizes steep slopes, and creates cool, shaded forest conditions that support specialized plant and wildlife communities. The loss of hemlock could lead to warmer streams, shifts in understory vegetation, and long-term changes in forest structure.   HWA survival is strongly influenced by winter temperatures. Sustained temperatures near negative five degrees Fahrenheit can cause significant mortality in overwintering adelgids, and temperatures approaching negative fifteen to negative twenty degrees Fahrenheit can result in very high mortality rates. Duration matters, as a prolonged cold is generally more impactful than a brief cold snap. HWA evolved in milder climates, and as a result, extreme cold historically limited its northward expansion.   However, that natural check may be weakening. Warmer winter temperatures increase overwinter survival and allow populations to grow more quickly. Shifts in seasonal timing can also influence adelgid development and reproduction. Changes in phenology affect when insects reproduce, how long they remain active, and how successfully they survive winter conditions. Reports of HWA in Western New York have become more frequent in recent years, suggesting continued spread. While chemical treatments and introduced predatory beetles present potential solutions in some areas, these approaches are resource-intensive and typically limited to high-value trees or targeted sites.   The Spotted Lanternfly presents a different but equally serious concern. Native to Asia, this invasive planthopper feeds on more than seventy plant species, including grapevines, hardwood trees, and fruit trees. It is strongly associated with the invasive tree of heaven, but does not depend solely on it. Heavy infestations remove sap and produce honeydew, which promotes sooty mold growth and can reduce photosynthesis. In agricultural areas, especially vineyards, this feeding pressure can lead to significant economic losses.   Adults are susceptible to sustained freezing temperatures and typically die off after hard frosts. Females lay egg masses in the fall on tree bark, outdoor equipment, vehicles, and other surfaces. Eggs are more cold-tolerant than adults, but extended exposure to very low temperatures can reduce survival. If the first hard freeze occurs later in the season, adults may have additional time to lay eggs, potentially increasing population size the following year. Established populations are present in several regions of New York State, and confirmed reports have occurred in parts of the Buffalo area based on iMapInvasives data.   Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy continues to monitor its preserves and surrounding lands for signs of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid and other invasive species. Early detection is critical to slowing the spread and protecting high-value habitats. Community members can help by learning to recognize these species and reporting sightings through iMapInvasives. Local awareness and timely reporting improve the ability to respond before infestations become widespread.   Western New York’s winters have long shaped the character of our forests, waterways, and wildlife communities. Periods of sustained cold are more than a seasonal inconvenience. They serve as an ecological filter, helping to keep certain non-native species from gaining a stronger foothold. As seasonal patterns continue to shift, maintaining resilient ecosystems and staying vigilant as a community will be essential to safeguarding the health of our watershed for generations to come. Article and photo by Land Acquisition Coordinator Daniel Conklin

As of late, a very large portion of the continental U.S. is extremely cold. Wind chills have fluctuated from the teens to -20’s. There is an actual super fun formula based on the National Weather Service and Environment Canada to figure out wind chill, and it looks like this: 35.74 + 0.6215T – 35.75 (V^0.16) + 0.4275T (V^0.16). Without even using that, we all know it is wildly cold out there. Why is  it so darn cold? Aren’t we experiencing global warming? Yes. Yes, we are. To be more accurate, it needs to be correctly labeled as climate change. Our planet is unfortunately heating up rapidly, which is causing this extremely cold weather that feels like everything is covered by ice. Okay, so if the planet is heating up, then why is it so cold? Well, interesting enough, it is because of the rising temperatures that we are experiencing this freeze. To put it simply, all the frozen northern portions of the earth are melting which is causing arctic air once contained to move south and blast us with the temperatures usually only felt above the arctic circle. Fun!     This is a generational winter storm that’s hitting us and has already affected over 30 states. Southern states are freezing over and, unfortunately, people are dying. Which leads me to this – are we prepared for these types of conditions? Weather in general is only going to get more drastic from here on out. Not only will it continue to be hotter every summer, but winters are also expected to continue to be those “well it used to be that” type of weather that I keep hearing everyone around here say. We are in unprecedented times, with the weather and so much more. So, what can you do to prepare yourself? Obviously, I am preaching to the choir here in Western New York where we live in snowy conditions like it’s nothing. But even people who have lived here all their lives can get caught off guard with a negative 30-degree wind chill. And for those of you who know me, I am a born and raised Alaskan prepper. I am that person who will undoubtedly have Band-Aids, or acetaminophen, or Chapstick, or chai flavored mints, an extra pair of gloves, or liquid bandage on me always. Even though we all know the droll of what to do when winter turns cold, I wanted to put a reminder out there in the off chance it helps someone somewhere.   Things to keep in your car: An extra pairs of gloves, hats, scarves, blankets, and some snacks. Flares, flashlights, jumper cables, a small bag of wood chips or coarse sand, and tire changing tools. A jug of water (which may freeze, so make sure you do not fill it completely full). A metal cup to melt snow in. A shovel, rope or tow straps, and chains for your tires. Chargers for devices and, my personal favorite, a deck of cards.   Ways to keep yourself safe while outside: Carry a whistle. SOS on a whistle is three short bursts, followed by three long bursts, then three short again. Cover the top of your head with a hat – that is where a ton of heat escapes your body. Wear a scarf – your neck and collar bone area will chill your body down faster when exposed. Wear gloves, coats, winter boots, and layers. Waddle like a penguin when walking on ice. Tell people where you are going and when. Make sure your phone is fully charged, and video anything that may be helpful. I could really get into Doomsday prepping here, but I will keep it cold related.   Basically, everyone needs to make sure they are safe while out in negative temperatures and wind chills. Things like hypothermia can develop in under 30 minutes. Take the time to prepare for extreme weather and keep yourself and those you love alive and safe.   Article and photo by CWC Land Specialist Bethany O'Hagan

As I looked out my window at the two feet of snow that vanished in a single day of January rain, it occurred to me that our winters are trying to tell us something. For generations, winter in western New York followed a dependable script. Snow arrived early and stayed. Temperatures remained cold enough to freeze lakes, slow wildlife, and send plants into dormancy. Spring waited its turn. Nature understood this rhythm, and life revolved around its reliability. Winter was not simply a season – it was a signal that ordered the natural world.   In recent years, that signal has become increasingly unclear. January thaws now feel like early spring. February rain often replaces snowstorms. People joke about barbecuing in midwinter or skipping heavy coats, but for ecosystems, this confusion carries serious consequences. Winter is no longer a stable pause. It has become erratic, and plants and animals are struggling to keep up.   Climate change, intensified by the warming waters of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, is reshaping winter across the region. The issue is not just warmer temperatures, but unpredictability. Nature depends on consistency. When seasonal cues arrive too early, too late, or not at all, entire systems fall out of sync.   Plants are among the first to feel the disruption. For centuries, cold temperatures and snow reliably signaled dormancy. Trees and perennials shut down, conserving energy until spring. But repeated warm spells now interrupt that process. Fruit trees such as apples and cherries may awaken too early. Sap begins to flow, buds swell, and then winter inevitably returns. Late frosts damage blossoms, reducing harvests or wiping them out entirely.   These losses affect more than farmers. Snow once acted as insulation, protecting plant roots from extreme cold. As winter rain replaces snow, soils freeze and thaw repeatedly, stressing roots and weakening plants. Spring wildflowers face a similar problem. Earlier snowmelt can cause them to emerge and bloom before pollinators like bees are active, reducing reproduction and gradually altering plant communities.   Wildlife also depends on winter’s predictability. Milder conditions allow more white-tailed deer to survive, increasing pressure on forests. Over-browsing prevents young trees and native plants from regenerating, changing forest habitats and communities. Larger deer populations also bring higher risks of vehicle collisions and increased exposure to ticks. Small mammals such as mice and voles are especially vulnerable. Normally, snow creates a protective layer beneath which they forage, insulated from cold and hidden from predators. Without reliable snow cover, they are exposed to harsh weather and predation. When their populations decline, predators, from owls to foxes, are affected as well. The food web becomes less stable.   Birds are among the most visibly affected by an unpredictable winter. Many rely on seasonal cues to time migration and breeding, but warmer conditions may draw them north too early or cause delayed movement, leaving them vulnerable to cold snaps and food shortages. These mismatches are especially concerning as bird populations are already declining. Insects may be unavailable, seeds trapped under ice, and nesting mistimed, placing even common backyard birds under increasing strain as habitats and food sources become unreliable.   If warmer winters have a clear winner, it is insects. Ticks and invasive forest pests survive in greater numbers during mild seasons, increasing risks to forests and human health. Lyme disease is becoming more common, and invasive insects weaken trees that help regulate air quality, water flow, and temperature.   Winter rain also changes how water moves across the landscape. Increased runoff raises flood risks, while reduced snowpack can mean less water in spring. Wetlands may dry earlier, disrupting amphibian and bird breeding cycles. Lake-effect snow still occurs, but it is less predictable, often falling in intense bursts that ecosystems struggle to absorb.   A mild winter may feel like a relief from shoveling, but nature depends on winter’s consistency. Cold, snow, and dormancy are not inconveniences; they are essential signals. In western New York, winter is not just warming. It is becoming unreliable, quietly reshaping the living world just beyond our windows. Article and photo by CWC Conservationist Carol Markham

You’ve heard me extol the virtues of nature-based solutions to environmental problems plenty of times. Much of our habitat restoration work and other best management practices intentionally favor natural approaches over engineered, hardscaped alternatives. And for good reason: many of the environmental challenges we are trying to fix – flooding, erosion, poor water quality – exist because the natural systems that once prevented them were removed or degraded. Riverbank restorations, stormwater catchment areas, erosion control projects, and shoreline stabilizations consistently perform better when they rely on natural materials, native plants, and nature-based designs. These solutions tend to be more resilient, more adaptable to changing conditions, and far more attractive than concrete and steel. When designed and installed properly, they also provide valuable habitat for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife in places that were previously damaged or biologically impacted.   The good news is that you don’t need to be restoring a river or designing infrastructure to make a difference. Each of us can support nature in meaningful ways by carrying the spirit of nature-based solutions into our New Year’s resolutions. Small, thoughtful actions – especially when multiplied across a community – add up to real change.   With that in mind, here are a few ideas to consider as we kick off the new year.   Top 10 Nature-Based New Year’s Resolutions   • Plant native, not ornamental. Replace a portion of your lawn or landscaping with native trees, shrubs, and flowers. Native plants support far more pollinators and birds, require less water, and are better adapted to local weather and climate conditions.   • Help your local waterways. Skip excess fertilizers, pesticides, and road salt, and keep leaves and grass clippings out of streets and ditches. These simple choices reduce polluted runoff into nearby streams, rivers, and lakes.   • Make room for rain. Install a rain barrel, rain garden, or vegetated buffer to slow and soak up stormwater. Managing water where it falls helps prevent flooding and protects downstream communities.   • Support soil-friendly food. Buy from local farms that use regenerative or climate-smart practices. Healthy soils store carbon, retain water, and make farms more resilient to droughts and heavy rains.   • Volunteer for habitat restoration. Join the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy or another local conservation group to plant trees, restore wetlands, or remove invasive species. Even a few hours a year can make a lasting difference for wildlife and ecosystems.   •  Choose sustainable wood and paper products. Look for products certified as responsibly harvested. Sustainable forestry keeps forests working – storing carbon, protecting water, and providing habitat – while supporting local economies.   • Waste less, especially food. Plan meals, compost scraps, and donate surplus food when possible. Reducing food waste cuts greenhouse gas emissions and eases pressure on land and water resources.   • Travel with nature in mind. Walk, bike, or use public transit when feasible. These choices reduce emissions and reconnect us with seasonal changes and the landscapes we move through every day. And don’t forget to visit our many beautiful nature preserves or enjoy our county’s extensive trail network when you are looking for a fun activity!    • Learn your local species. Make it a goal to recognize a handful of native trees, birds, or insects. Knowing what lives around you builds appreciation – and motivation – to protect it.   • Speak up for nature-based solutions. Support green infrastructure, park investments, and conservation policies in your community. Nature-based solutions protect people and ecosystems at the same time.   This year, resolve to work with  nature, not against it. Small, steady actions – repeated across backyards, neighborhoods, and towns – can create healthier landscapes, stronger communities, and a more resilient future. We’d love to hear if you take on any of these resolutions, so please share your excitement for nature with us.   By embracing nature-based resolutions, we can help create a wilder, healthier, and more vibrant future – for nature and for ourselves. Happy New Year! Article and photo by Director of Conservation Twan Leenders

On a cold winter day, it’s easy to think of the landscape as frozen, silent, and asleep. Snow covers our fields and forests, trails crunch underfoot, and most signs of life seem to disappear.  But just beneath that snowy surface exists a hidden world, and this world is very much alive. Welcome to the subnivean zone.   “Subnivean” simply means beneath the snow. This narrow space forms between the ground and the snowpack when fluffy snow traps heat from the earth, creating an insulated layer that stays surprisingly stable even when air temperatures get well below freezing. I like to think of it as nature’s version of a winter coat, zipped snugly over the soil.   Inside this quiet corridor, small animals are busy surviving and thriving. Mice, voles, shrews, salamanders, and even overwintering frogs use the subnivean zone as a highway system, dining room, nursery, and shelter all in one. Even though we can’t see them, tiny tunnels crisscross beneath the snow as creatures look for seeds, roots, and insects. These snow-covered pathways provide protection from predators and the worst of winter’s bite.   Here’s a fun fact: snow depth matters. A few inches of snow doesn’t do much, but a thicker, fluffier snowpack creates better insulation. That’s why winters with less snow, but colder temperatures, can actually be harder on wildlife than snowy ones. Another surprise? Although this snowy escape does provide some protection from predators, this protected zone helps support the entire food chain. Foxes, owls, and coyotes have incredible senses that allow them to listen for and spot subtle movements so that they can plunge into that snow with astonishing precision.   Despite its importance, most of us don’t spend much time noticing or thinking about the subnivean zone. We walk right over it, sled on it, ski across it, pick it up and throw it – often unaware of the bustling ecosystem below our boots.  In many ways, this hidden layer mirrors the work of a land trust.   Land trusts, like the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy, tend to operate quietly in the background. Once the exciting announcement of a newly conserved wetland, protected forest, or safeguarded shoreline passes, the rest of the work often happens behind the scenes.   Protected lands quietly filter our water, absorb and protect us from floods, store carbon, provide wildlife habitat, and offer places for people in our community to walk, paddle, reflect, and breathe. Like the subnivean zone, land conservation creates stability in an unpredictable world. It buffers our communities against change while supporting life in countless seen and unseen ways. Just as wildlife depends on that thin, hidden space beneath the snow to survive the winter, our communities depend on conserved lands to sustain clean water, healthy ecosystems, and a sense of place, often without realizing how essential that support truly is.   So, the next time you step out onto a snowy trail, pause for a moment. Beneath your feet, a quiet world is hard at work. And all around you, land conservation is doing the same. Steadfast, protective, and profoundly important, even when it goes unnoticed.  Article by CWC Executive Director Whitney Gleason

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!