Land Conservancy Launches Urgent Campaign to Protect 732 Acres of WNY Wildway

Western New York is no stranger to development pressure, and the natural areas that define our region’s wild character are increasingly at risk. That’s why we at Terra on the Bench are proud to spotlight the Western New York Land Conservancy’s latest campaign—a bold and timely effort, the Black Creek Protection Project, will permanently protect 539 acres of important wetlands and surrounding forests in the Black Creek watershed in Allegany County. Of those, 469 acres will be publicly accessible, inviting the community to explore, enjoy, and protect these critical lands.

Thanks to support from a 2022 NYS DEC Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) grant and community contributions, the Conservancy has already raised $150,000 for the Black Creek Protection Projects and $282,000 for the Allegany Wildlands Expansion, but an additional $1.1 million is needed to complete restoration, ensure public access, and guarantee permanent stewardship. Learn more about the properties below—and how you can help keep these lands wild.

🌿 Black Creek Protection Projects

Black Creek Preserve (276 acres, Town of Birdsall)
A true ecological gem, this 276-acre preserve comprises forest, wetlands, and vital headwater streams. Nestled just southwest of the 2,408-acre Keeney Swamp State Forest, Black Creek Preserve significantly strengthens the connectivity and resilience of the WNY Wildway’s core habitats. The acquisition merges two private parcels into a unified corridor for wildlife and water protection—an act of conservation at its best.

Embed from Getty Images

Worden Wetlands (180 acres)
Located in the heart of the Black Creek ecosystem, Worden Wetlands is a breathtaking blend of forest and wetland habitats. It is home to bobcats, deer, bears, and owls in its woodlands, while the wetland areas support turtles, otters, beavers, and nesting birds like Swamp Sparrows and Marsh Wrens. This area is not just diverse—it’s alive.

Shaw Conservation Easement (30 acres)
Small but mighty, the Shaw property safeguards a crucial floodplain section of Black Creek. These 30 acres play a vital role in water filtration and flood mitigation, connecting the Keeney Swamp State Forest and Worden Wetlands. With its rare Balsam fir stands and giant tussock sedges, the property is a quiet sanctuary that supports healthy water systems and regional biodiversity.

Patrick Conservation Easement (53 acres)
Adjacent to Jersey Hill State Forest, this mature forest enhances an existing 1,000-acre conservation area. A beaver dam on-site creates lush wetlands with Eastern Hemlock, meadowsweet, and tussock sedge. Subsurface flows and surface streams nourish the headwaters of Black Creek and the Genesee River, underscoring the property’s hydrological importance.

Donate to the Land Acquisition Fund

🌲 Allegany Wildlands Expansion (193 acres, Cattaraugus County)

Embed from Getty Images

The Janet Gallogly Allegany Wildlands—already beloved for its public trails and breathtaking overlooks—stands to more than double in size with the protection of this adjacent 193-acre parcel. This land contains an S2-ranked Allegheny oak forest, one of fewer than ten known stands in the entire state. Permanent conservation will protect this rare ecosystem, expand wildlife corridors, and ensure that future generations have access to both beauty and biodiversity.

Learn more about the Allegany Wildlands Expansion

🌾 Floating Fen Preserve Access Update

Good news for nature lovers: the Land Conservancy received a $44,583 grant from the New York State Conservation Partnership Program (NYSCPP) to open new trails at the Floating Fen Preserve in Chautauqua County. This boggy wonderland is protected through funding from the NYS Environmental Protection Fund and will soon be ready for public exploration. Stay tuned for an official opening announcement!

🐞 Upcoming Events

Fireflies: An Illuminating Experience
📍 Alt Preserve, Grand Island
📅 July 9, 8:30 p.m.
Join entomologist Wayne Gall for a luminous journey into the world of fireflies. Learn why these fascinating beetles are disappearing—and what we can do to protect them. After a short indoor presentation, the evening concludes with a firefly walk through the preserve’s native meadow.

Register Here

Kids in Nature: Summer Kids Hike Series
📍 Kenneglenn Scenic and Nature Preserve, Wales
🕐 July 10, 17, 24, 31 – 1:00–2:30 p.m.
This hands-on, family-friendly hiking series encourages young explorers to connect with nature. Kids will look for frogs, learn about plants, track animals, and more. Space is limited to 10 participants per hike and an adult must accompany all children.

Register Here

🛒 Round Up for Conservation

Through the end of June, the East Aurora Co-op Market invites shoppers to “round up” their change at checkout to support the Land Conservancy’s work. Over $2,300 has already been raised! Small actions add up—support your local lands with every lunch.

✊ Call to Action: Help Keep Western New York Wild

Protecting land is about more than preserving scenery—it’s about safeguarding clean water, vital wildlife habitat, and public green spaces for all to enjoy. Whether you can contribute financially or simply spread the word, your support matters.

➡️ Donate to the Land Acquisition Fund and help us reach our goal.
➡️ Share this post with your community.
➡️ Attend an event and get involved with conservation efforts near you.

Together, we can ensure that the WNY Wildway remains wild. Read all about the WNY Land Conservancy programs here.

Tags:
#WNYWildway #LandConservation #BlackCreek #AlleganyWildlands #SaveNature #WesternNewYork #WildlifePreservation #EnvironmentalStewardship #NatureAccess #KidsInNature #FireflyEvent #ConservationFundraising #FloatingFen #ClimateResilience #LandTrust #DonateLandFund #EcoAction #CommunityConservation #WNYNature @NatureConservancy
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) NYS Department of Environmental Conservation NYSERDA Western New York Land Conservancy