The Western New York Land Conservancy will host its annual gala from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, in the Golden Ballroom at Statler City, celebrating 25 years of conserving our region’s special places. The regional land trust and its thousands of supporters have saved more than 6,000 acres of forests, wetlands, meadows and farms in the eight counties of Western New York since 1991. These places include, among many others, the Stella Niagara Preserve in Lewiston, Niagara Escarpment Preserve in Lockport, Kenneglenn Scenic and Nature Preserve in Wales, Mill Road Scenic Overlook in Aurora and farmland throughout the region. These places are protected forever because of the Land Conservancy and the efforts of its members. 

Jamestown, NY – Whatever your interest – watching beautiful butterflies on wildflowers, having your picture taken as a giant butterfly or caterpillar, great crafts for the kids, yummy taste treats, and so much more – there will be something for you at the Audubon Nature Center’s Monarch Butterfly Festival.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 27, Audubon will celebrate this beautiful creature.

At the indoor garden, you can take pictures of Monarchs in every stage of their life cycle. Maybe you will see an adult emerge from its chrysalis or hold a caterpillar or butterfly. You can watch experts tagging butterflies and at 4 p.m. see them released to fly to Mexico, where their tags will help scientists track the migration of this rapidly dwindling species.

Jamestown, NY – Two of the region’s premier nature showcases are joining forces to present two days of delightful outdoor fun and learning.

On Saturday and Sunday, August 6 and 7, volunteers and staff of the Audubon Nature Center will offer special opportunities at Panama Rocks, the beautiful natural playground in Panama, New York.

Visitors will be able to explore the scenic half-mile long ridge of 60-foot high rocks that form crevices, passageways, and caves hidden in an ancient forest.

Retired Jamestown Community College professors Tom Erlandson and Dan Anderson will be stationed along the trails to teach you about the rocks and trees. Visitors can also explore displays and artifacts from the Nature Center and possibly meet one or more of the Nature Center’s live animal ambassadors.