Time to Learn More About the WNY Wildway

The Western New York Land Conservancy has been making significant strides in advancing the WNY Wildway, a visionary initiative aimed at creating a seamless network of interconnected wild corridors across the region.

In October 2025, the Conservancy unveiled the Floating Fen Preserve in Chautauqua County. This 225-acre forest features a unique wetland with a floating peat mat, offering visitors a two-mile hiking trail through this remarkable landscape. The preserve plays a crucial role in the WNY Wildway by connecting vast forests from northern Pennsylvania to the Great Lakes. ([newyorkalmanack.com](https://www.newyorkalmanack.com/2025/10/floating-fen-preserve-chautauqua/?utm_source=openai))

Furthering their conservation efforts, the Conservancy acquired the 86-acre Bush property in Wales, NY, in January 2026. This acquisition completed the "4 for '24" projects, totaling 155 acres of protected land in southern Erie County. These properties are vital links within the WNY Wildway, facilitating wildlife movement between large forested areas. ([newyorkalmanack.com](https://www.newyorkalmanack.com/2026/01/western-new-york-wildway-protected/?utm_source=openai))

In November 2025, the Conservancy purchased the 226-acre Black Creek Preserve in Allegany County. This preserve encompasses forests, wetlands, and headwater streams, contributing to the protection of drinking water sources and enhancing the ecological integrity of the WNY Wildway. ([wellsvillesun.com](https://wellsvillesun.com/blog/2025/11/15/the-land-conservancy-purchases-226-acre-black-creek-preserve-in-allegany-county/?utm_source=openai))

Looking ahead, the Conservancy is hosting a Farmland Protection Workshop on March 18, 2026, at the Genesee County Old Courthouse in Batavia. This event aims to educate farmers and landowners on conserving their farmland, aligning with the Conservancy's mission to preserve natural areas and working farms. ([geneseelandtrust.org](https://www.geneseelandtrust.org/master-calendar/2026/3/18/genesee-county-farmland-protection-workshop?utm_source=openai))

These ongoing efforts underscore the Conservancy's commitment to establishing the WNY Wildway, ensuring a connected and protected landscape for wildlife and future generations.