Western New York Land Conservancy completes purchase of Love Road property on Grand Island

The Western New York Land Conservancy has purchased a 44-acre forest on Love Road on Grand Island from the Buffalo Ornithological Society. The purchase was funded by the Greenway Ecological Standing Committee and was supported by the Niagara River Greenway Commission.

A press release stated, “With this purchase, the Land Conservancy will establish the Love Road Preserve. The property is not open to the public, but the Land Conservancy hopes to open a walking trail system in future years. The Love Road Preserve includes mature forests that are home to colorful songbirds like Scarlet Tanagers and elusive salamanders like the Blue-spotted Salamander. As a forest, it absorbs and filters stormwater, reducing flooding in nearby neighborhoods and improving water quality in the Niagara River where hundreds of thousands of people get their drinking water. The Land Conservancy continues to work toward protecting other forests on Grand Island.”

Nancy Smith, executive director of the Land Conservancy, said, “By purchasing the Love Road property, we are protecting another crucial piece of open space to the Niagara River Greenway. We are thrilled the Buffalo Ornithological Society worked with us to permanently protect this wonderful place.”

David F. Suggs, president of the Buffalo Ornithological Society, said, “The Buffalo Ornithological Society was organized in 1929 to scientifically study birds and improve the conditions affecting birds. For the last few years, our society has faced the challenge of preserving and maintaining our Grand Island Bird Sanctuary. Although we have owned the property since 1953, our members firmly agreed that it was time to find a new steward to uphold the property as an accessible, permanent sanctuary. Thanks to the sale of our property to the Land Conservancy, we have fulfilled our optimistic goal, and respected the intentions of the founders of our society.”

This sentiment was shared by Island residents including Supervisor John Whitney.

“We welcome the purchase of this important parcel on Grand Island by the Land Conservancy. They have been tremendous partners for the town,” he said. “Our residents are the beneficiaries of this partnership, and we’ll all be able to enjoy greater watershed protection, cleaner air, and more wildlife. Preserving this Love Road property is yet another significant public benefit to the people of Grand Island, Erie County, and the state of New York.”

The Western New York Land Conservancy is a regional, nonprofit land trust that has protected more than 7,000 acres of land with significant conservation value in Western New York for the benefit of future generations.

“We envision a future in which forests, farms, meadows and waterways are connected, cherished and protected in Western New York,” it stated. “Our clean air, clean water and fertile soils will equitably support the health and wellbeing of future generations of every living thing.”

The Land Conservancy is accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. For more information on upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, or the mission of the Western New York Land Conservancy, call 716-687-1225 or visit www.wnylc.org.