Category Archives: WWNP Group news

News items pertaining to the Wildlife Watchers and Nature Photographers [WWNP] group

‘Travel’ Topics

West Seneca Oxbow Wetland Restoration, WNY

As someone who is not exactly from Western New York originally — {:-) — I had no idea that there even were any old oxbow lakes in the area, let alone one on which restoration efforts had been made, but there is and its in West Seneca.

The Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper [BNRK] website states that “West Seneca’s oxbow wetland on Buffalo Creek is just a few miles upstream from the industrialized Buffalo River, a Great Lakes ‘Area of Concern’. As one of only three major wetlands in the lower Buffalo River watershed, it is considered a source area for future habitat and species restoration in the AOC. Planning studies over the past 40 years have recommended that the oxbow site be protected.”

According to the ERIE [Ecosystem Restoration through Interdisciplinary Exchange] webpage, “the restoration of the oxbow wetland began in 2008 as part of the Buffalo River Watershed and AOC restoration effort. The project was led by BNRK and funded by a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

“In Fall 2009, six ERIE trainees became involved in the restoration project… [and] donated over 1000 hours in fieldwork and analysis of flora, fauna, soils and groundwater. The trainees developed a habitat restoration and management plan for the 14-acre parcel of the oxbow. The plan used an adaptive management framework to control invasive plant species and reintroduce native plants to the site based on historical and nearby reference communities. ”

To see pictures of the Oxbow and ERIE trainees working on the project (courtesy of Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper), click here.

IfI can establish that there is public access to this site, or get us permission to visit, then this seems like a good venue for one of our ‘Wildlife Watchers & Nature Photographers’ group walks. I’ll let you know the outcome of this.

Major NAT. GEO. Wildlife Photography Presentation by Paul Nicklen – Buffalo, March 4, 2014

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Western New York debut of National Geographic’s “POLAR OBSESSION: PHOTOGRAPHY FROM THE ENDS OF THE EARTH”

Tickets are $25, although a VIP package is available for $75 per person and includes a one-hour meet-and-greet with Mr. Nicklen, refreshments, polar-themed gifts and preferred seating.

For details of the speaker and/or to buy tickets, go to http://www.paulnicklen.com/speaking-engagements and scroll down.

Tickets are also obtainable at: https://tickets.bpo.org/public/show.asp

Excerpts from comments about Paul’s photography:

“In each generation of wildlife photographers, a handful emerge as the standard bearers. They show us the natural world in a way we have never seen it before. Paul Nicklen is just such a photographer. His images have presented the mysterious underwater world of the frozen deep not as an icy silent landscape but as a rambunctious, lively street scene–think of him as the first underwater ‘street’ photographer. His photography has brought us right up close to shy albatrosses, swimming polar bears, propelling penguins, massive manatees, and the elusive spirit bear–to name just a few of his subjects. Paul’s training as a biologist, his exciting presentation style and his eye-popping photos make every lecture not just an educational evening but an inspirational event for the entire audience.” – M. Mulvihill

“Had a great time. Really enjoyed the presentation! As an avid amateur photographer, Paul’s talk cured me of any desire I ever had to Shoot for National Geographic. The lengths Paul goes to to get his amazing shots are just incredible. Paul dedication to his craft, his passion for the environment and his presentation style made for an evening we will not forget for a long time.…”

In a susequent addition to this topic, on March 2, I have added details of Paul Nicklen’s book ‘BEAR — The Spirit of the Wild’ (click to go to that page) .