Day of Play at Veterans Canal Park
2023-07-01 12:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Veterans Canal Park, 146 Brenon Road, Amherst, NY, 14228, United States
Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper will have a table at the upcoming Day of Play at Veterans Canal Park in Amherst on July 1. Stop out for the fun and say hi!
Bring a lunch, or support a local food/ice cream truck. Public grills are available for use. Free public boat and kayak launch, lawn games, and LIVE MUSIC!
No tickets or registration required.
Follow this event on the Town of Amherst social media page to receive updates and special announcements as they are released.
Location: Amherst Veterans Canal Park – 146 Brenon Road, Amherst, NY 14228
Time: 12:00PM – 4:00PM

Kayak Classroom at Red Jacket Park
2023-07-05 17:45 - 20:00 | Red Jacket Riverfront Park, 20 Smith St., Buffalo, NY, 14210, United States
Join Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper for a fish and wildlife kayak classroom that will take off from Red Jacket Park. While free, registration is required and can be done by clicking the link below.
The event is Wednesday, July 5, 2023 from 5:45 to 8 p.m.
On a kayak classroom excursion, you learn about the water from the water! On this experience you will learn:
1) That Western New York has diverse and unique fish and wildlife ready to be discovered and in need of protection.
2) Basic kayaking skills, such as how to properly wear a life vest, how to get in and out of your kayak, and paddling strokes.
Physical Intensity: Low to Moderate
NOTE this event has a rain date of July 12.
Register Here

Free Beginner learn to Fish Series-July 7
2023-07-07 16:00 - 18:00 | Buffalo Harbor State Park, 1111 Fuhrmann Boulevard, Buffalo, NY, 14203, United States
The Lower Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office is hosting free beginner learn to fish events at Buffalo Harbor State Park this summer. It is for adults and families. Registration is required.
There scheduled dates are: July 7 and Aug. 11. Each one is from 4 to 6 p.m. at Buffalo Harbor State Park, 1111 Fuhrmann Blvd. People should meet at Shelter 3 parking lot.
The purpose of this program is to promote recreational fishing and engage those who may never have fished before. It will include three sessions covering the basics of fishing, fish species found in the area, fish handling basics, and provide an opportunity for people to get a feel for fishing as well as try different bait/lure types, find the best locations to catch fish, discover different methods to catch different species and learn/practice basic knot tying.
No fishing license is needed. Poles, bait and instruction will be provided. To register, email Denise_Clay@fws.gov or call 585-948-7042.
Also, to learn more about fish consumption in Western New York, view this guide we’ve put together: https://bnwaterkeeper.org/our-impact/fish-consumption-info/

Run, Cleanup, Then Celebrate with Urban Run Series
2023-07-08 11:00 | NY
Get exercise, help clean up the region and receive drink specials all at once in this Urban Run Series! The last one of the season is July 8 at 11 a.m. Starting at Flying Bison Brewing Company, the Urban Run Plogging Runs ask people to volunteer their time to run through various points of the city while cleaning up litter.
This last one will go through the Ohio Street area.
Trash bags and gloves will be provided to volunteers. The brewery will provide drink specials after each run.

Waterway Walking Tours - Wilkeson Pointe
2023-07-12 17:00 - 18:00 | Wilkeson Pointe, 225 Fuhrmann Boulevard, Buffalo, NY, 14203, United States
Join us to learn the ways Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper is working with the City of Buffalo to study our shorelines!
Topics will include: Coastal resiliency, Living shorelines, Climate Change, Regional Climate action, water quality, and increasing safe and equitable public water access.

FREE walking tour starts at 5 pm – no registration needed. We will be tabling at each site from 3 to 6 p.m. Join us for any of the walking tours this summer to get early access to our boat tour registration in August!
Wilkeson Pointe: Created in 2013, this park provides a fishing pier, kayak launch, wind sculptures, and connects to the Outer Harbor’s 3-mile wellness trail. We will dive into the impacts of severe weather and discuss ways we can better prepare for storms in the future.
Meet us at the park entrance – https://goo.gl/maps/o3sdA3nwLGQdfNp3A
Questions? Contact Emily at edyett@bnwaterkeeper.org | 716-852-7483 ext.22
www.bnwaterkeeper.org/climate-resiliency
View future walking tours below:

Volunteers Needed for Wetland Planting at Cayuga Creek
2023-07-15 08:30 - 12:30 | Cayuga Creek, 9161 Porter Road, Niagara Falls, NY, 14304, United States
The RestoreCorp Program will host a volunteer event at Cayuga Creek in the Town of Niagara on Saturday, July 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Volunteers will utilize hand tools (garden trowels, hori-hori garden tools, and/or drill augers) to install landscape plugs (small container plants) in the wetland areas. There will be approximately 1,600 plants to install, which means each volunteer can expect to plant 50 to 55 plugs during the 4-hour event.
If you are interested in volunteering for this event please register below!
Register Here

Background– The Cayuga Creek Restoration project is located in the Town of Niagara just south of the Niagara Falls Airport and Air Reserve Station. The project is approximately 30-acres and was donated by Joseph C. Weber, Inc. to the Town. Over many decades, the combination of water pollution, surrounding land use, and creek channel alterations left the creek’s water quality and habitat in an impaired state, and the surrounding community with persistent flooding issues.
Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper spent several years developing an approach to simultaneously restore this wetland habitat, reduce the flooding issues, and connect residents and visitors with this natural waterfront site on Cayuga Creek through a unique trail system. Finally, in Spring of 2022 the Cayuga Creek Stream and Floodplain Restoration project was implemented and is currently the only project in WNY of this kind, seeking to mitigate flooding through channel reconstruction.
Currently, Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper is working with the Buffalo Niagara River Land Trust to apply a conservation easement to this land, and acquire an additional 11 acres of undeveloped, high-quality floodplain forest adjacent to the already protected land. Additionally, fundraising is needed to establish a long-term stewardship fund; for maintenance of the site is needed to ensure it is preserved for future generations to enjoy!

Summer Summit on Climate & Environmental Justice
2023-07-17 13:00 - 16:30 | University at Buffalo, South Campus Hayes Hall, 403 Hayes Road, Buffalo, 14214, United States
Do you want to collaborate with others in WNY to engage around environmental and climate justice issues? The Graduate School of Education at the University at Buffalo would like to invite you for an afternoon of connecting, engaging, and dialoguing about environmental and climate justice work being done in and around WNY.
Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper will be participating in this event, too. Activities will include a tabling event and panel discussion followed by a relaxed happy hour to invite conversations. The Graduate School of Education seeks to gather community members and organizations, youth, teachers/educators, university professionals, and activists to learn from one another and strengthen our involvement and connection to environmental and climate justice efforts and organizations.
Learn More Here
For more information, email Dr. Alexa Schindel at schindel@buffalo.edu

Waterway Walking Tours - Broderick Park
2023-07-19 17:00 - 18:00 | Freedom Park, 1170 Niagara St, Buffalo, NY, 14213, United States
Join us to learn the ways Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper is working with the City of Buffalo to study our shorelines!
Topics will include: Coastal resiliency, Living shorelines, Climate Change, Regional Climate action, water quality, and increasing safe and equitable public water access. We will be tabling at each site from 3 to 6 p.m.

FREE Walking tours start at 5 p.m. No registration needed for any of the walking tours. Join us for on of the walking tours to register for the boat tour in August!

Broderick Park sits at the mouth of the Niagara River along Black Rock Canal and was the terminus of the U.S. Underground Railroad. Learn about the park’s history and share your waterway stories with us. Meet on the other side of the bridge – https://goo.gl/maps/hufe8mkPAWnTprg19
Questions? Contact Emily at edyett@bnwaterkeeper.org | 716-852-7483 ext.22
www.bnwaterkeeper.org/climate-resiliency

Walk Higgins Park to View Construction Work
2023-07-22 09:00 - 11:00 | Thomas F. Higgins Natural Habitat Park, 152 Bailey Avenue, Buffalo, NY, 14220, United States
Join us for a leisurely walk and a behind-the-scenes look at the construction happening at Thomas F. Higgins Natural Habitat Park! This park will be one of Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper’s newest Buffalo Blueway sites when completed.
Registration is required and can be done by clicking below.
During this tour, attendees will be allowed to enter the construction area and learn about the work happening at this future Blueway site from Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper staff. Afterwards, the tour will continue to two nearby parks: Mungovan and Seneca Bluffs, time permitting.
Please dress accordingly for this tour. As we will be entering a construction area, close-toed shoes are required for the walk. Anyone not wearing close-toed shoes will not be allowed within the site.
The tour will take place on Saturday, July 22 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The tour lead will be Rob Coady. Please contact Rob at 716-852-7483 (ext. 19) or rcoady@bnwaterkeeper.org with any questions.
Register Here

Paddles Up Niagara
2023-07-29 07:00 - 13:00 | Beaver Island State Park, 2136 West Oakfield Road, Grand Island, NY, 14072, United States
The Paddles Up Niagara family friendly event is back again for its 17th year. Hosted at Beaver Island State Park on Grand Island, it is meant to be a safe way to experience the natural areas along the Niagara River.
Guides and safety paddlers will be on hand to assist and answer your paddling questions. Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper will have some staff safety paddlers and YELP students participating during the day. There are a variety of events planned during the day, click the button below to learn more.
Participants should meet at Shelter 2B and they will then launch from the far end of the beach. All paddlers MUST wear a zipped up, coast guard approved personal flotation device. People who refuse will not be allowed to paddle with the group.
Register and More Info Here

Waterway Walking Tours - Scajaquada Creek
2023-08-09 17:00 - 18:00 | NY
Join us to learn the ways Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper is working with the City of Buffalo to study our shorelines!
Topics will include: Coastal resiliency, Living shorelines, Climate Change, Regional Climate action, water quality, and increasing safe and equitable public water access.

FREE walking tour starts at 5 pm – no registration needed. We will be tabling at each site from 3 to 6 p.m. Join us for any of the walking tours this summer to get early access to our boat tour registration in August!
Scajaquada Creek: Scajaquada flows through 4 municipalities for 13 miles and suffers from many impairments. Join us to discuss recent investments to improve the health of the creek and surrounding communities. Meet us on Niagara St. – https://goo.gl/maps/WDPqeDvCD3rKRfcq7

Please note: Parking is limited as this site. Please find parking along Niagara St. or Forest Ave.
Questions? Contact Emily at edyett@bnwaterkeeper.org | 716-852-7483 ext.22
www.bnwaterkeeper.org/climate-resiliency

DEC to Host Monthly Environmental Forums at Library
2023-08-09 17:30 - 19:00 | Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library Branch, 1324 Jefferson Avenue, Buffalo, NY, 14208, United States
The Department of Environmental Conservation will hold monthly East Buffalo Environmental Forums at the Frank E. Merriweather Jr. Library.
The focus is on outdoor air quality monitoring. The forums will be in the library’s auditorium. Each is scheduled for 5:30 to 7 p.m and the dates are:
-Aug. 9
-Sept. 13
-Oct. 11
-Nov. 8
-Dec. 13
For more information, contact Kayla Baker at Kayla.baker@dec.gov or 716-541-9631.

Free Beginner learn to Fish Series - Aug 11
2023-08-11 16:00 - 18:00 | Buffalo Harbor State Park, 1111 Fuhrmann Boulevard, Buffalo, NY, 14203, United States
The Lower Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office is hosting free beginner learn to fish events at Buffalo Harbor State Park this summer. It is for adults and families. Registration is required.
The last one for the season is Aug. 11. It is from 4 to 6 p.m. at Buffalo Harbor State Park, 1111 Fuhrmann Blvd. People should meet at Shelter 3 parking lot.
The purpose of this program is to promote recreational fishing and engage those who may never have fished before. It will include three sessions covering the basics of fishing, fish species found in the area, fish handling basics, and provide an opportunity for people to get a feel for fishing as well as try different bait/lure types, find the best locations to catch fish, discover different methods to catch different species and learn/practice basic knot tying.
No fishing license is needed. Poles, bait and instruction will be provided. To register, email Denise_Clay@fws.gov or call 585-948-7042.
Also, to learn more about fish consumption in Western New York, view this guide we’ve put together: https://bnwaterkeeper.org/our-impact/fish-consumption-info/

First Reunion Scheduled for YELP Graduates
2023-08-12 10:00 - 14:00 | Red Jacket Riverfront Park, 20 Smith St., Buffalo, NY, 14210, United States
Did you once participate in our YELP/Young Environmental Leaders Program? If so, we’d like to have you at our first YELP Graduate Reunion.
It will be Aug. 12 at Red Jacket Riverfront Park. We sent out emails to our contact list, but if you did not get one, please reach out to Liz Cute at ecute@bnwaterkeeper.org or 716-852-7483 ext. 23.
Hope to hear from you!

Public Invited to Tour and Comment on Plans for Hyde Park
2023-08-14 17:15 - 19:15 | Hyde Park, 3398 Linwood Ave, Niagara Falls, NY, 14301, United States
Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper will host a public meeting for the proposed Gill Creek Green Infrastructure Solutions Project at Hyde Park Lake in Niagara Falls. There will be a short walking tour of the area along with a chance to comment on the plans.
This public meeting is Monday, Aug. 14 from 5:15 to 7:15 p.m. The meeting location is in the parking lot at the corner of Linwood Avenue and Robbins Drive in Niagara Falls. A rain location will be Kelly’s on the Green, 4343 Porter Road.
The purpose of the meeting is to provide a tour and overview of the project and gain public comments for the designs. The goal is to have a public review of the work to ensure the project’s success while incorporating all stakeholder interests.
For the walking tour, please dress for the outdoors. Snacks will be provided.
For more information on the project, click here.

Hiking at Knox Farm with Outside Chronicles
2023-08-20 13:00 - 15:00 | Knox Farm State Park, 437 Buffalo Road, East Aurora, 14052, United States
Join us and Outside Chronicles as we explore several trails less traveled at Knox Farm State Park!
The free hike on Sunday, Aug. 20 will be from 1 to 3 p.m. at the park. People can expect:

A family friendly event.
Moderate physical activity on gentle terrain.
Approximately a 3 mile hike.
Non ADA accessible.

Meet at the main entrance at 437 Buffalo Rd, East Aurora, NY 14052.
While free, please register for this event by clicking the button below.
Knox Hike Registration

Scajaquada September: Slow Roll
2023-08-21 18:30 - 20:00 | Trinidad Park, 40-22 Trinidad Pl, Buffalo, NY, 14214, United States
Join Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper alongside Slow Roll Buffalo & the Trinidad Neighborhood Association for a ride on top of Scajaquada Creek! Yes, you read that right.
Slow Roll Buffalo will lead us on a ride hosted by the Trinidad Neighborhood Association with the goal of connecting communities to their creek and to each other. Riders will travel through the neighborhoods divided by the 198 & 33 expressways and there will be stops significant to Scajaquada Creek.

Lake Erie Boat Tour
2023-08-29 18:00 - 20:00 | NY
Join us for our waterway series finale on the Miss Buffalo!
Explore the Lake Erie shoreline from the water with food, games, and activities for the whole family!
You’ll find out how Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper is working with the City of Buffalo to study our shorelines.
Questions? Contact Emily at edyett@bnwaterkeeper.org | 716-852-7483 ext.22
www.bnwaterkeeper.org/climate-resiliency
Register Here

Scajaquada September: Lunch & Learn #1
2023-08-31 12:00 - 13:00 | NY
Tune in to hear from Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Executive Director Jill Jedlicka as we kickoff Scajaquada September. Get the inside scoop on all things Scajaquada and all that’s come this Scajaquada September. We will also have exciting giveaways – you won’t want to miss this!

Scajaquada September: Scajaquada Sweep
2023-09-07 16:30 - 18:00 | Jesse Kregal Pathway
Make an immediate impact by volunteering to help clean up Scajaquada Creek! Join Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper along the Jesse Kregal Pathway to help us prevent over 600 pounds of litter from entering Scajaquada Creek. Volunteers can make their impact go even further by helping us collect data on the items found!

Scajaquada September: Solo Sweep & Plastic Pollution Reduction Open House
2023-09-09 11:00 - 12:30 | Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper, 721 Main St, Buffalo, NY, 14203, United States
Stop by our office to pick up a Solo Sweep Kit for Scajaquada September and learn about how litter data collection can help reduce plastic pollution. The Solo Sweep Kit can be used all year long to help keep places like Scajaquada Creek clean.

This event is from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

You’ll also be able to chat with Alexis Goldsmith from Beyond Plastics to learn more about the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Act, a New York State Bill (S4246A/A5322A)

Scajaquada September: Virtual Lunch & Learn #2
2023-09-12 12:00 - 13:00 | NY
This Zoom meeting will give a better understanding of all that we have planned in restoring Scajaquada Creek for this year and the years to come.

Party in the Park at Massachusetts Ave. Park
2023-09-16 11:00 - 15:00 | Massachusetts Avenue Park, 378 Massachusetts Ave., Buffalo, NY, 14213, United States
A community resource fair is scheduled at Massachusetts Avenue Park on Sept. 16. It will be from 11 am to 3 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
The event will feature various resources and giveaways, including:
-school backpacks and supplies (child must be present to claim backpack)
-home weatherization and lead test kits
-live music
-animals, crafts and more.
This is hosted by Assemblymember Jon Rivera, Councilmember David Rivera & Community Canvases’ WNY Trashmob.

Scajaquada September: Virtual Lunch & Learn #3
2023-09-19 12:00 - 13:00 | NY
During this webinar, we will be joined by other community groups and organizations also doing great work in the Scajaquada Creek Corridor. It was only through patience, partnership, and perseverance, Western New Yorkers came together as a community to restore the Buffalo River, and only by working together can we restore Scajaquada Creek!

Scajaquada September: Share Your Vision
2023-09-21 16:30 - 19:30 | Walden Galleria Mall, 1 Walden Galleria, Buffalo, NY, 14225, United States
We want to hear from YOU! Find Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper at the Walden Galleria Mall near the Apple Store to share your vision for the future of Scajaquada Creek. Partake in a community art project, speak with Waterkeeper staff about the Creek, and have your voice heard.

Click to download the flyer

Scajaquada September: Restore Scajaquada
2023-09-23 | Forest Lawn Cemetery, 1990 Main Rd, Buffalo, NY, 14208, United States
Help strengthen and restore the shorelines of Scajaquada Creek in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Volunteer your time and help Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper with plantings to enhance the shoreline within the cemetery.

Scajaquada September: Virtual Lunch & Learn #4
2023-09-26 12:00 - 13:00 | NY
Did you know Scajaquada Creek is 13 miles long and begins in Lancaster? Did you know there are sections of it buried, including under the Walden Galleria Mall? To showcase what we and others are trying to restore, we have drone footage that starts at the headwaters of the creek and continues right to the mouth at Niagara River. Join us for this Zoom session where we’ll showcase drone footage and talk about what is being viewed along the way.

Scajaquada September: Scavenger Hunt
2023-09-30 12:00 - 15:00 | NY
Do you and your friends crush it on trivia night? Put your skills to the test to save Scajaquada Creek!
You and your team will visit locations along Scajaquada, racing against other teams to complete activities while exploring the Creek. You might be asked to take a selfie with the Lincoln statue overlooking the Japanese Gardens or race the clock and pick up as much litter as you can in 60 seconds.
Your team will have 2 hours to complete as many challenges as possible, with the goal of scoring more points than the other teams. Additional points and prizes can be earned through fundraising leading up to the Hunt.

Mural Unveiling and Celebration at Moore Street
2023-10-06 17:00 - 19:00 | Mammoth Recording Studios, 44 Moore Street, Buffalo, NY, 14204, United States
The Riverline Community Arts Program and Buffalo Center for the Arts and Technology will present the Moore Street Mural Awakening & Celebration event on Friday, Oct. 6. This is free and open to the public.
The event will take place from 5- 7 p.m. at 44 Moore Street, near the corner of Ohio and Miami streets, home to Mammoth Recording Studios.
The Riverline Community Arts Program commissioned the Youth Mural Club at Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology to complete a new mural at the edge of The Riverline corridor. The unveiling will feature free food, music and craft activities.
For more information, visit https://theriverline.com/ or contact the Riverline Support Specialist at mgadenz@wnylc.org.

Planting Event for Hyde Park
2023-10-07 09:30 - 12:30 | Hyde Park, 3398 Linwood Ave, Niagara Falls, NY, 14301, United States
We are hosting a planting at Hyde Park in Niagara Falls on Oct. 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Volunteers are sought for this event, and those interested can click the button below to learn more and register for the event.
The plan is to install “rock-socks” along the waterway. These items contain plants that help us in our living shoreline restoration work and will keep Hyde Park Lake healthy and stable. The rocks-socks are pictured below.

Rock-socks are a novel wetland planting technique developed during the Buffalo River restoration. It involves filling biodegradable burlap bags with a special planting substrate and planting them with wetland plugs in a nursery setting. These plants are left to grow in the nursery for several weeks, developing dense root systems, before they are installed in shallow water areas at restoration sites.
Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper has worked with the Friends of Silo City to grow these rock-socks and we are ready to install them in the landscape. During the event, we will separate into groups of (3) Wheelbarrow Loaders, (3) Wheelbarrow Runners, (3) Rock Sock Handoff Folks, and (3) In-water Installers. Rock-socks can simply be placed in shallow water areas, so the only tools/gear needed to complete these plantings include wheelbarrows for transporting the plants and waders for installing them in shallow water areas.
These supplies will be provided by BN Waterkeeper, but if you have your own pair of waders, feel free to bring them.
Volunteers should be able to bend and walk on uneven surfaces and should be prepared to get a little wet during the day’s activities. The Rock Socks weigh between 35 and 50lbs, and we are anticipating each volunteer will be able to move between 15 and 20 rock socks during this volunteer event.
The Hyde Park Restoration project is located in Niagara Falls, New York near the Rose Garden. Please consider arriving 15 minutes early in order to find parking and locate our group! Volunteers can park at 3200 Pine Ave. Niagara Falls NY, 14301.
If you have any difficulties with the registration, please reach out to Brittni Anderson (banderson@bnwaterkeeper.org).
Register Here
