Habitat & Natural Resources
During the last Ice Age, glaciers invaded all but a small area of New York State. Much of the landscape in Western New York was cut out by thousands of years of this retreating ice, creating extensive waterways, which support the surrounding ecosystem of deciduous and coniferous forests flourishing with wildlife. The unique forests of Western New York, constantly changing with the seasons, supply a vital habitat to an array of plant and animal life. The changing seasons allow both deciduous hardwood and coniferous forests to exist that harbor an abundant variety of flowers and plant species, providing food and shelter for wild animals. Local waterways provide important habitats for many species of birds.
The Habitat & Natural Resources Working Group work to preserve the unique habitats in Western New York and the many species of plant and animal life that they support. In order to do so, the group educates the public about the importance of habitat and native species, works to reduce or control invasive species, and aims to protect regional habitats and corridors to ensure connectivity of urban and rural areas.
Are you prepared to preserve and protect our natural environment? Get involved!
- Come to an upcoming meeting to discuss this group’s role in the WNYEA Action Agenda
- Read the previous meeting recaps and meeting minutes
- Sign up for the listserv to join in the discussion and get meeting reminders and alerts
REFERENCES & FURTHER READING:
- Buffalo and Niagara Rivers Habitat Assessment and Conservation Framework. Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper
- Emerald Ash Borer. Canadian Food Inspection Agency
- Emerald Ash Borer. New York Invasive Species
- New York State (NYS) Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
- Percent Ash Distribution by County. NYS DEC
- The Land Before Time. The Geology of Western New York
- Tallamy, Doug. Bringing Nature Home; How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants.
- Zebra Mussel FAQ’s. Southeast Ecological Science Center
Related Events
Check the calendar to find an upcoming meeting for this group
Related Blog Posts
- Niagara River Habitat Restoration
State Parks to Host Public Meeting on Niagara River Habitat RestorationThe New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced that there will be a public meeting to outline upcoming projects related to the habitat restoration of the Niagara River.
The public is welcome to attend an open house and presentation on Thursday, November … Read more…
- Member Blog Post: Insectageddon
By: Jay Burney
Jay is a member of the Pollinator Conservation Association (PCA) and recently published a piece for The Public, titled “GreenWatch: Insectageddon”. Continue reading to learn more about the PCA and the decline of beneficial insects in our region.
The Pollinator Conservation Association is a Western New York based, not-for-profit organization 501 (c) (3), that … Read more… - NYSDEC Denies Water Permits for Northern Access Pipeline
Albany, NY — Nearing midnight on Friday’s deadline to make an official decision regarding permits for the controversial Northern Access Pipeline, New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced the proposed pipeline failed to comply with state and federal water-quality standards. This decision follows opposition from nearly 150 organizations across the state, as well as … Read more…
