Nature central & western new york fall/winter 2011

©Dennis Money The mission of The Nature Conservancy is to preserve the plants, animals and The Nature Conservancy protects 500 acres Message from Tom & Jim natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the of vital land and water on Sodus Bay lands and waters they need to survive.

Board of Trustees

Tom Lunt Orchard Park, Chair Jim Howe, Executive Director Tom Lunt, Chair Lew Allyn Naples, Florida The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to conserve the lands and waters on which Maria Bachich King Ferry all life depends. Our science solves complicated conservation challenges. Our collaborative approach helps us find common ground with communities, Barry Boyer East Aurora governments, landowners, and other partners. And our tenacity and focus Laurie Branch Olean get things done. Lina Echeverria, Ph.D. Corning

Since 1957, The Nature Conservancy has been working strategically and John Fitzpatrick, Ph.D. Ithaca collaboratively to protect the lands and waters of Central and Western New Paul Fuller, M.D. Rome York. In addition to the projects featured on the following pages, here are some Bruce Gilman Ph.D. Canandaigua of our results from the last few months: Richard Hill, Emeritus Remsen • In Northern New York, we’ve hired a new staff person to oversee a coalition D. Bruce Johnstone, Ph.D. Buffalo that is battling invasive species like swallow-wort and water chestnut. It takes Victoria Kennedy Fayetteville well-coordinated and sustained efforts to prevent and control invasive species, Deb Koen Rochester and we’re confident that our partnership has the tools and capacity to get the Tony Lee Rochester job done. Clayton Millard Rochester • In the Great Lakes, we’re working cooperatively with NYS DEC and a wide Brian O’Shea Barneveld range of scientific partners to develop a science-based water withdrawal John Palmer, Ph.D. Fayetteville framework that will help New York State meet the terms of the Great Lakes Robert Papworth Syracuse Compact. Our abundant supplies of freshwater may be New York’s most important competitive advantage – both economically and environmentally. Stephen Rosenfeld, M.D. Pittsford Let’s keep them here. Sandra Rothenberg, Ph.D. Rochester Chuck Ruffing, Ph.D. Rochester Thank you for your support of our results-oriented work here in Central and Sue van der Stricht Rochester Western New York. If you like our results, please know that everywhere we work, financial capacity is the limiting factor. With your support, we can continue to Susan Suwinski Ithaca deliver the tangible, lasting conservation results profiled in this newsletter.

Thanks!

Jim Howe, Chapter Director Tom Lunt, Board Chair

These numbers show the savings derived from this 702 lbs solid waste not generated newsletter being printed 14.94 trees preserved for the future on 80% recycled (including 30% PCW), process chlorine free paper, creating the 50.04 lbs water-borne waste not created 10,564,620 BTUs energy not consumed following benefits: The Nature Conservancy protects 500 acres of vital land and water on Sodus Bay

Shaker Heights is a rich mosaic of habitat, including forests, wetlands and streams. © TNC/Adams.

he broad sweep of Sodus Bay a long time,” says Zack Odell, the Few privately owned properties along protects one of the largest Chapter’s Director of Land Lake Ontario remain undeveloped Tsheltered bays in the Great Protection. “Sodus Bay was a place today. The tract the Central & Lakes. Long popular as a haven for that made sense for the Conservancy Western New York Chapter is sailors, the Bay provides a safe place to get involved.” purchasing from the Shaker Heights for migrating birds to pause and rest, Land Company is one of the largest spawning fish to reproduce, and lots Protection of these 1,100 acres was such properties on Lake Ontario’s of other wildlife. It’s also a popular a joint effort. The Genesee Land southern shore. Eventually, we will recreation area for boating, swim- Trust and a farm animal rescue transfer it to NYS DEC for addition ming, and fishing. So last year, when operation called the Cracker Box to their Lakeshore Marshes over a thousand acres along the Bay Palace acquired 600 acres currently Wildlife Management Area, where became faced with sale and possible in use by the rescue operation, in it will fill a gap in a string of public development, the local conservation cooperation with Wayne County’s lands protecting coastal wetlands and community took notice, including agricultural preservation board. The bays along the southern shore The Nature Conservancy. remaining 500 acres, which features of Lake Ontario. undeveloped frontage on Sodus Bay, 702 lbs solid waste not generated “The Lake Ontario shoreline has will soon be owned by The Nature continued on page 3 been a priority for protection for Conservancy. 10,564,620 BTUs energy not consumed Nature Central & Western New York • nature.org/cwny • Fall / Winter 2011 • 2 Shaker Heights continued from page 2

The Nature Conservancy was able to move quickly to protect Shaker Heights, thanks largely to a $1.0 million grant from the North American Wetland Conservation Act, or NAWCA. The NAWCA program received a boost in grant-making from the federal Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. “Protecting the Shaker Tract at Sodus Bay was one of the top- ranked applications in the whole country,” says David Klein, the Chapter’s Senior Field Representative.

The rare alignment of large parcel size, lakeshore location and lack of development make Shaker Heights an exceptional opportunity. In addi- tion to location, the site is a superior conservation holding owing to its mosaic of different habitats: forests, wetlands, grasslands, and stream systems. This habitat diversity allows Shaker Heights to support richer and more abundant wildlife than the surrounding areas. Above: Sodus Bay is a popular spot for outdoor recreation. © TNC. Below: David Klein Tens of thousands of waterfowl have examines a culvert at Shaker Heights. Restoring more natural hydrology at Third Creek been observed descending on the may be a future project. © TNC/Crabtree. open waters and wetlands of Sodus Bay during migration. Here, they rest intricate nesting platforms among and refuel before continuing to their tall reeds. The least bittern is an Canadian breeding grounds. Ducks uncommon breeder in freshwater are especially abundant on Sodus, and tidal marshes in this region, and including black ducks, common is threatened in New York State. goldeneye, redheads, ruddy ducks, and ring-necked ducks. Waterfowl The forest that shelters the wetland take advantage of the ice-free patches and river corridors is also valu- of water in the bay and overwinter able. “During spring and fall, these here, including priority conservation woodland trees are dripping with species like lesser scaup. warblers and other songbirds,” says Kristin France, Senior Conservation The wetlands also provide food and Scientist for the Chapter. “The trees respite for shorebirds, which breed provide protective cover for migrat- Bay. The mouth and much of the in the tall, dense marshes and ing songbirds, which seek protection main channel of Third Creek, bordering grasslands. One of the from predators.” one of the least altered tributaries most notable breeding birds at emptying into Sodus Bay, flows Shaker Heights is the least bittern, Development of this parcel would through Shaker Heights. Keeping it a small, secretive heron that builds have affected water quality in Sodus in natural cover will go a long way

Nature Central & Western New York • nature.org/cwny • Fall / Winter 2011 • 3 toward enhancing water quality in the Bay, which is an important spawning and nursery area for many species, in- cluding yellow perch, white sucker and smallmouth bass.

The mouth of Third Creek may provide a desperately needed spawning area for a very threatened native fish: the lake sturgeon. Decades ago, New York boasted the largest annual catch of this primitive and threatened species. But now lake sturgeon are exceedingly rare, found in only five sites in the state. Spawning areas like Shaker Heights are absolutely critical to this species’ continuing survival.

Yet one more species stands to benefit from the protection of Shaker Heights: people. The now private lands will become publically accessible, a factor very important to the current landowner who wants to see people enjoy the property. “Shaker Heights will be a great place to go for a hike, see birds, or catch some fish,” says Jim Howe, Chapter Director. “It’s Federal funding from the North American Wetlands Conservation Act enabled the Con- great for both people and nature.” servancy to move quickly to protect the Shaker Heights tract. The area will join Chimney Bluffs State Park and other state lands as protected lands. © TNC.

More Than A Perfect Match! Thanks to a $1 million dollar grant from the North American Wetlands Conservation Act program, individual contributions for the preservation of Shaker Heights will receive a 5:1 match! Gifts received prior to April 1st, 2012 will be QUINTUPLED!

Just write “Shaker Heights” on your check memo line.

Thank you!

Nature Central & Western New York • nature.org/cwny • Fall / Winter 2011 • 3 Nature Central & Western New York • nature.org/cwny • Fall / Winter 2011 • 4 Chapter Adopts Sister Project in Africa: Helping forests, fisheries and families in Western Tanzania

he Nature Conservancy Mahale. Both places lie on the the lake’s deepwater fishery—the works to make a positive shores of a great lake, and both have source of 40 percent of the protein Timpact around the world, rich freshwater and forest resources consumed by local families—has from here in New York State to the that people depend on. decreased 30 percent over the last most biodiverse regions of the globe. few decades. Climate change and The Central & Western New York Mahale’s great lake is Lake population pressure have Chapter is proud to now be Tanganyika. The deep and ancient contributed to an imbalanced partners with an international lake is home to more than 250 ecosystem, from which both people project poised for great impact: species of fish found nowhere else and wildlife now suffer. protection of the Greater Mahale in the world. But productivity in Ecosystem, a magnificent, intact forest system on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania.

The Greater Mahale is a place where man meets nature every day, and where a balance must be struck between resource use and resource protection in order to save both nature and the communities that depend on it. It is the traditional homeland of the Watongwe and Waholoholo tribes, most of whom are small-scale farmers and fishermen. These communities live close to the land; their lives and livelihoods are dependent upon forest for food and firewood; upon healthy soils for agriculture; and upon the lake for fish and water.

Greater Mahale supports 93 percent of Tanzania’s endangered chimpanzees — one reason the Chapter chose to adopt this global project. But despite thousands of miles of separation, there are also close connections between Central & Western New York and Greater The Greater Mahale Ecosystem lies on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, just south of the famous Gombe National Park. ©TNC

Nature Central & Western New York • nature.org/cwny • Fall / Winter 2011 • 5 Chapter Adopts Sister Project in Africa: Helping forests, fisheries and families in Western Tanzania

At 420 miles long, Lake Tanganyika is the world’s longest freshwater lake. It holds 17% of the world’s freshwater, nearly as much as the Great Lakes combined. The Central & Western NY Chapter has adopted the lake as a sister site for conservation, and is providing resources and know-how to our colleagues in Africa. ©TNC/Brown

The Conservancy recognizes that and Pathfinder International to quality by developing guidelines successful conservation efforts at implement sustainable solutions. for sustainable fisheries and forest Mahale must include both the lake The coordinated initiatives of the management. Such guidelines may and the forest while respecting the partnership are meant to address identify certain areas as underwater needs of people. To reverse the sustainability issues from all sides. sanctuaries, or identify forest and trend of forest loss and coastal zone terrestrial habitats that perform a degradation, conservation efforts For example, the Frankfurt vital ecosystem function. Support must provide food security and sus- Zoological Society will develop from the Chapter will enable hiring tainable economic growth for local land-use planning tools and of a project director for the Greater communities. microfinancing programs in order Mahale Ecosystem project, who will to jumpstart sustainable economic provide management and account- The Nature Conservancy is development. Pathfinder ability for the conservation strate- working with several partners, International will improve gies that will protect this rich and including the Jane Goodall access to health care for residents, remote place. Institute, Frankfurt Zoological and The Nature Conservancy will Society, the Tanzanian government, help protect food and water

Nature Central & Western New York • nature.org/cwny • Fall / Winter 2011 • 5 Nature Central & Western New York • nature.org/cwny • Fall / Winter 2011 • 6 Growing Harriet Hollister Spencer State Park

Cross country skiers race at Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area. ©Tim Mangan

hat began as a small honor. Thanks to its elevation, the and Canadice Lake watershed, which 18-acre purchase that Harriet Hollister Spencer State Rec- generates drinking water for the City Wstitched together reation Area gets significant snowfall of Rochester.” two sides of the Harriet Hollister and is a popular spot for cross-coun- Spencer State Recreation Area has try ski enthusiasts. The Conservancy targeted lands blossomed into multiple acquisitions around the park as a way to secure a that nearly double the size of the Back in 2006, The Nature Conser- large, unfragmented habitat. Many park and assure conservation of an vancy began purchasing property local species, including black bear, important Finger Lakes landscape. adjoining the park. “This is a con- mink, river otter, and woodland servation hot spot for many reasons,” warblers, need large intact forests Harriet Hollister Spencer was a says Jim Howe, Executive Director to thrive. Nearly 500 acres were Rochester civic leader and expert of the Chapter. “It’s a large forested eventually acquired and added to rose gardener. Upon her death, she area, anchored by three Finger Lakes. the 766-acre park, dramatically in- gave over 700 acres of property in Wildlife abound, as do opportunities creasing its size. When the adjacent Ontario County to the state, creat- for outdoor recreation. The area also Honeoye Inlet Water Management ing a recreation area named in her includes portions of the Hemlock Area is added to the total, nearly

Nature Central & Western New York • nature.org/cwny • Fall / Winter 2011 • 7 4,000 acres in the area are pro- tected, a remarkable section of the Finger Lakes. Harriet Hollister Spencer A significant bonus of increasing the size of Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area is improved public access and recreation. As trails are constructed and access is improved, a much larger area for recreational opportunities (hiking, biking, birding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, deer hunting in season) will be avail- able to people who are looking for a scenic but nearby getaway to enjoy nature.

The Chapter has helped the NYS Office of Parks & Recreation add nearly 500 acres of

forestland to the Harriet Hollister Spencer Legend State Recreation Area that provide hiking, New Additions to H.H. Spencer mountain biking, cross-country skiing and CWNY Fee and Easement snowmobiling opportunities for people, as Honeoye Inlet WMA well as habitat for black bear, songbirds, Counties Meters µ 0 125 250 500 750 1,000 and woodland salamanders. ©TNC/Odell

Leave a Legacy for Future Generations

What better legacy is there to leave than your commitment to protecting the Earth for generations to come? Whether you are taking those first important steps toward planning your estate or are in the process of updating your estate plan, The Nature Conservancy is here to help. Don’t let another day pass by. Contact The Nature Conservancy today.

CONTACT: Susan Gutchess PHONE: (877) 812-3698 (toll-free) EMAIL: [email protected] WEB: nature.org/legacy

© Mark Godfrey/TNC Please consult a qualified financial advisor before making a gift. PHOPM 201201001

Nature Central & Western New York • nature.org/cwny • Fall / Winter 2011 • 7 Nature Central & Western New York • nature.org/cwny • Fall / Winter 2011 • 8 Take a Hike! Enjoy New York’s Remarkable Natural Heritage

We invite you to experience New York’s remarkable natural heritage. Hiking any one of the Central & Western New York Chapter’s publicly accessible preserves guarantees an exceptional experience, as these properties protect some of our state’s most striking, unique and fragile biological and geological resources. Below we present four from across the state, each of which is open every day from dawn to dusk. Find more preserve details and driving directions on our website — http://nature.org/newyork/placesweprotect.

Rome Sand Plains (Oneida County): As one of only a access to Canadice Lake. “This is the only trail in the handful of inland pine barrens left in the United States, whole Finger Lakes region where you can start on a steep Rome Sand Plains contains a fantastic diversity of ridge and hike down to the shoreline of an undeveloped habitats. Visitors can find an interesting and varied trail Finger Lake,” says Stewardship Ecologist Gregg Sargis, experience as they wind through high sand dunes and who helped develop the trail. You may spot bald eagles, low peat bogs or walk through pine barrens, mead- which nest on the south end of Hemlock Lake. ows and hardwood forests. Choose from three trails with hikes that range from a half-hour to Deer Lick Conservation Area (Catta- two hours long. Keep your eyes open for wild blue raugus County): Located within the scenic lupine, pitcher plants, and sundews. and rugged Zoar Valley on the South Branch of Cattaraugus Creek, this pre- Frenchman’s Bluff (Chemung County). Frenchman’s serve is a National Natural Landmark. Bluff Preserve features over nine miles of trails, Deer Lick features five hiking trails, some of which offer exceptional from short, easy ventures (0.9 miles) to views of the Chemung River longer, more challenging treks (up to 700 feet below. The trails wind 3.3 miles). Trails wind through several through open meadows, wild hundred acres of exemplary old growth ponds and south-facing shale cliffs forest and feature striking glimpses of and talus slopes, as well as eastern waterfalls and shale rock canyon walls. red cedar and heath oak forests. In The Zoar Valley is the northern edge winter, the trail system provides of the range of the American chestnut tree; great cross-country skiing and here you can see young chestnut samplings that snowshoeing. Visit the Tangle- won’t be affected by the chestnut blight until wood Nature Center (Tuesdays they reach maturity. Keep an eye out for black through Saturdays from 9 am to bear and hooded warblers, rare tiger beetles, 4 pm, closed holidays). Watch sand darters and steelhead in the creek. for timber rattlesnakes, eagles, ospreys, ravens, and more than 30 species of migrating warblers. Top: A close up of a sundew at Rome Sand Plains. Rob’s Trail (Ontario County): ©Elinor Osborne. Located within the watershed Middle: A group of of Hemlock and Canadice Lake, happy hikers at Deer Rob’s Trail showcases the ecological communities, scenic Lick. ©TNC. vistas and geological features typical of the Finger Lakes. Bottom: Enjoying the foliage at Rob’s Trail. A 1.75-mile loop trail passes through a variety of early ©TNC successional plant communities (this trail also supports cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter). A more strenuous 0.75-mile spur trail rewards hikers with

Nature Central & Western New York • nature.org/cwny • Fall / Winter 2011 • 9 Your Central & Western New York Chapter Staff

From Right: Mary Pappa, Stacy Wais Seretto, Lorna Wright, Rob Williams, Kristin France, Darran Crabtree, Gretchen Holtz, Gregg Sargis, Jan Miller, Pat McGlew, Zachary Odell, Liz Marr, Mat Levine, David Klein, Stevie Adams, Jim Howe.

CENTRAL/WESTERN NEW YORK CHAPTER Northern New York Project Office 1048 University Avenue • Rochester, NY 14607 269 Ouderkirk Road • Pulaski, NY 13142 (585)-546-8030 • (585)-546-7825 (fax) (315) 387-3600 • (315) 387-3602 (fax)

Jim Howe, Executive Director ext. 26 Mat Levine, Field Representative ext. 22 [email protected] [email protected] Stevie Adams, Freshwater Conservation Practitioner ext. 29 Mary Pappa, Office Manager ext. 21 [email protected] [email protected] Kristin France, Senior Conservation Scientist ext. 22 Rob Williams, St.Lawrence - ext. 25 [email protected] Eastern Lake Ontario Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management Coordinator Gretchen Holtz, Office Manager ext. 32 [email protected] [email protected] Lorna Wright, Tug Hill Project Director ext. 28 David Klein, Senior Field Rep for Great Lakes ext. 24 [email protected] [email protected] Liz Marr, Operations/Finance Manager ext. 21 French Creek Project Office [email protected] PO Box 172 • Allegheny College • Meadville, PA 16335 (814) 332-2946 • (814) 333-8149 (fax) Jan Miller, Senior Philanthropy Officer ext. 28 [email protected] Darran Crabtree, Chapter Director of Conservation [email protected] Zachary Odell, Director of Land Protection ext. 33 [email protected] Niagara Frontier Project Office Gregg Sargis, Program Stewardship Ecologist ext. 34 10 Main Street • Cattaraugus, NY 14719 [email protected] (716) 257-3689 phone/fax ( please call prior to faxing) Stacy Wais Seretto, Philanthropy Gifts Manager ext. 27 Patrick McGlew, Project Director [email protected] [email protected]

Nature Central & Western New York • nature.org/cwny • Fall / Winter 2011 • 9 Nature Central & Western New York • nature.org/cwny • Fall / Winter 2011 • 10 Central and Western New York Chapter NONPROFIT ORG. 1048 University Avenue US POSTAGE Rochester, New York 14607 PAID 585-546-8030 Eureka, MO nature.org/cwny PERMIT NO. 101

Meet the Cerulean Warbler The cerulean warbler (Dendroica of 3.2% per year on their breed- cerulea) is a small neotropical song- ing grounds. This is the steepest bird known as much for its beauty decline of any warbler species in as its declining population status. North America, and qualifies the This striking blue-and-white cerulean as a species of special migrant breeds in eastern North concern and for the Audubon America and winters in middle Watch List. elevations of the Andes Mountains in northern South America. The female cerulean performs a peculiar “bungee jumping” exit The cerulean has specific habitat flight from its nest. She plunges Cerulean warbler © Mike Danzenbaker. preferences for mature forests with from the side of the nest, wings structurally diverse canopies and pressed to her sides; only when population of cerulean warblers multiple vegetation layers, which she’s sufficiently below the nest exists on the property of Shaker demonstrates how influential for- does she spread her wings and fly. Heights (see cover story). The est age, complexity, and structure forest habitat there is now pro- can be to a bird’s reproductive suc- The cerulean is a ‘notable find’ tected to ensure that population is cess. Due to habitat loss and frag- among bird watchers, especially supported. mentation throughout its range, when evidence of breeding is ceruleans are declining at a rate found. Happily, a small breeding