A Month-Long Appreciation of Scajaquada Creek.
Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper dedicates the month of September to recognize the history and promote the vision of restoration for Scajaquada Creek.
Waterkeeper’s vision is based upon the belief that water is the common thread which binds together community, economy, and ecology.
Today, Scajaquada Creek is a highly impaired waterway. However, the Creek is very important to the fabric of our community and the potential for a restored, healthy, and thriving Scajaquada is possible. Through patience, partnership, and perseverance, Western New Yorkers came together as a community to restore the Buffalo River; we can do it again for Scajaquada Creek.
Explore the list of events and community meetings planned by Waterkeeper and our partners throughout September.
Events
Virtual Lunch ‘n’ Learn #1
Weds., Sept. 2 | Noon – 1 p.m.
Location: Virtual/Zoom
Join us as we highlight specifics of the Habitat Restoration Plan alongside Black Rock Riverside Alliance, Jesse Kregal Pathway tree planting, and GObike Buffalo’s East Side trails project.
Register Here for Zoom LinkFriends of Freedom Park Host Annual Healing by the Water Series
Thur., Sept. 3 | 5 – 8 p.m.
Location: Freedom Park
The 2026 season of Healing By the Water is hosted by Friends of Freedom Park. This date will feature a performance by Kevin Hall.
Habitat Restoration Plan Meeting #1
Weds., Sept. 9 | 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Location: Anna Reinstein Memorial Library
Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper and the consultant for the Habitat Restoration Plan will be at the library for a community meeting to further discuss the plan and its future.
Walk & Talk @ North Creek Park
Thur., Sept. 10 | 6 – 7 p.m.
Location: North Creek Park in Cheektowaga
Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper will be at the park to take people on a brief tour and explain proposed projects from the Habitat Restoration Plan that could happen along the creek in these neighborhoods.
Registration not needed, but encouraged for planning purposes.
Register HereFriends of Freedom Park Host Annual Healing by the Water Series
Thur., Sept. 10 | 5 – 8 p.m.
Location: Freedom Park
The 2026 season of Healing By the Water is hosted by Friends of Freedom Park. This date will feature The Drum. People are asked to wear white for this event.
Scajaquada Sweep
Sat., Sept. 12 | 10 a.m. – Noon
Location: Park at Tops Market on Amherst St., Cleanup along Jesse Kregal Pathway
Sign up for this cleanup along the Jesse Kregal Pathway. Help pick up litter and also record important data during the sweep to support clean water advocacy.
Open Buffalo to Host ECO Justice Block Party
Sat., Sept. 12 | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Jefferson-Utica Plaza, 1307 Jefferson Ave. Buffalo, NY
Join Open Buffalo for its third annual Eco Justice Block Party at the Jefferson-Utica Plaza. Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper will have a table at this event.
Enjoy a free day of:
-Bounce Houses
-Free Food
-Live Music
-Local Vendors
-Environmental education & community resources
-And so much more!
Admission is FREE, but registration is encouraged! Register at the following the link: https://tinyurl.com/y2ujvstb
Habitat Restoration Plan Meeting #2
Tue., Sept. 15 | 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Location: Delavan Grider Community Center
Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper and the consultant for the Habitat Restoration Plan will be at the community center for a meeting to further discuss the plan and its future.
Virtual Lunch ‘n’ Learn #2
Wed., Sept. 16 | Noon – 1 p.m.
Location: Virtual/Zoom
Learn about the history of Scajaquada Creek through the eyes of the Buffalo Sewer Authority (BSA). Rosaleen B. Nogle, Principal Sanitary Engineer, with the authority, will discuss the creek’s history, as well as it’s future related to work done by BSA.
Explore Buffalo Bike Tour
Wed., Sept. 16 | 5:30 p.m.
Location: Front entrance of the Richardson-Olmsted Complex, facing Forest Avenue.
Explore Scajaquada Creek by bike during a bicycle tour led by Explore Buffalo. This nearly 2-hour tour will make its way around the city and creek to explain how it became pivotal point in Buffalo’s history. General admission tickets are $20 for this ride. Learn more and register below.
BRRAlliance Hosts River Rock Run 5K
Fri., Sept. 18 | 6 p.m.
Location: Riverside Park
The BRRAlliance (Black Rock Riverside Alliance) is hosting its annual River Rock Run 5K on Friday, Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. This starts and ends at Riverside Park. This sunset run lets runners view a sunset over the Niagara River during the run. Proceeds benefit the BRRAlliance and its mission to improve quality of life and community enrichment for those that live and work in North District of Buffalo.
The cost is $35. Click below for more info and to register.
Lancaster Fall Festival & Sustainability Expo
Sat., Sept. 19 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: W. Main St. & Cayuga Park in Lancaster Village
Celebrate the beauty of autumn at the Village of Lancaster’s annual Fall Festival. Along with a vibrant marketplace featuring local artisans, crafters, vendors, community organizations, and unique handmade goods, there is also the Sustainability Expo. This will showcase local organizations, businesses, and resources dedicated to environmental stewardship, conservation, recycling, clean energy, and sustainable living. Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper will have a table at this event.
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Hosts How-To Festival
Sat., Sept. 19 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Central Location
Hosted by Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, the How-To Festival is a community event designed to help people learn a little about a lot. For a few hours, the library will be filled with people sharing skills, hobbies, knowledge, community resources, and hands-on activities. Topics will range from creative and practical skills to local organizations and services. Patrons, for example, can learn how to do tai chi, how to letterpress, and how to fix a flat tire.
Habitat Restoration Plan Meeting #3
Tue., Sept. 22 | 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Location: Buffalo History Museum
Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper and the consultant for the Habitat Restoration Plan will be at the museum for a meeting to further discuss the plan and its future.
Walk & Talk @ Schiller Park
Thur., Sept. 23 | 6 – 7 p.m.
Location: Schiller Park in Buffalo. Location is here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LLzfGubYfCt1yUFq5
Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper will be at the park to take people on a brief tour and explain proposed projects from the Habitat Restoration Plan that could happen along the creek in these neighborhoods.
Registration not required but is requested for planning purposes.
Register HereClean Waters Fair Hosted by Buffalo Sewer Authority
Sept. 25 | 4 – 7 p.m.
Location: Hoyt Lake, Delaware Park
Buffalo Sewer Authority (BSA) invites you and your family to the Queen City Clean Waters Fair — free entry and open to the public! Waterkeeper will have a table at the fair, stop by to learn more about Scajaquada Creek.
Check back soon for more details.
Virtual Lunch ‘n’ Learn #3
Weds., Sept. 30 | Noon – 1 p.m.
Location: Virtual/Zoom
Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper will hold a roundtable discussion with the consultants who assisted with drafting the habitat restoration report on Scajaquada Creek.
