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riverkeeper_on_the_water Western New York sits adjacent to 70 percent of the world’s fresh water and is home to 16 rivers and waterways. Two of our local waterways have been front and center recently in efforts to preserve and restore our natural environment, and everyone is encouraged to learn more in upcoming tours and workshops.

Last month, the health of the Buffalo River was in the spotlight in a summit hosted by Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper. At the summit, Riverkeeper reported that recent clean-up efforts could lead to the river being delisted as an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) “Area of Concern”. The Buffalo River was listed as an EPA “Area of Concern” due to environmental degradation, and considering it was declared dead in 1965, Riverkeeper and its community partners have come a long way.

In this next article in our Earth Week series, Kate Hilliman shares how Buffalo Urban Outdoor Education (or BUOE) teaches Buffalo students about Lake Erie, the shark-infested salt-water ocean near the Hudson River... or so the youth of Buffalo say.

Photo Credit: Jodi Keklak on Flickr

When I moved to Buffalo in 2009 to start my new life and new non-profit, Buffalo Urban Outdoor Education, I thought it would be a piece of cake getting Western New York kids out on the water.

I grew up sailing in New England and after college spent many years plying the waters of North America on sail-training vessels, teaching young people about everything from War of 1812 history to ocean ecosystems to dead reckoning on voyages from 1 hour to 4 months, all on traditional sailing ships – wooden and steel – from 100’ brigantines to 145’ schooners. As a New Englander, I took coastal culture for granted, assuming that any city located near the water, let alone defined by its proximity to the water, would abound with “citizens of the coast”.

Clean, Clear Waters Leads to Summer Fun

Lake Erie, The Shark-Infested Salt-Water Ocean Near the Hudson River

Family Lake Exploration

Family Lake Exploration

Family Lake Exploration

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