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                                                                                                                                               March/April 2025

140 Years of Niagara Falls

In 2025, Niagara Falls State Park celebrates 140 years of amazing history and millions of memories.

The land that we cherish as the State Park today looked drastically different in the early 1800s when it was owned by private interests. During this time the area was heavily industrialized, taking advantage of the mighty Niagara River. However, in the late 1860s through the 1880s, Fredrick Law Olmsted and other visionaries worked to preserve the natural beauty of the Falls for public enjoyment.

With immense support from the public for the preservation of the Falls, the Niagara Reservation Movement, aka the Free Niagara Movement, was born. This movement was the first in the country to advocate for the purchase of land by the State for purely aesthetic purposes. Finally in 1885, a bill was passed for the sale of the land to be dedicated as a State Park, making Niagara Falls the oldest state park in the nation. Its creation marked a significant milestone in the conservation movement, setting a precedent for the protection of natural landmarks across the country.

Today, Niagara Falls State Park continues to welcome millions of visitors each year, serving as a testament to the importance of preserving natural wonders for future generations. You can learn more about the fascinating history of Niagara Falls at the Cave of the Winds with The World Changed Here Pavilion or on one of the Interpretive Team’s guided walks around the Falls!

Highlighting the Season

When food might be sparse in the winter months, wildlife may resort to strange eating habits! At Deveaux Woods State Park, we recently observed that Eastern Gray Squirrels had stripped almost all the bark off a boxelder tree. After further investigation, we discovered that a number of other trees in the woods had been affected as well. Bark stripping has been recorded elsewhere in several tree species, including maples, elms, ashes, and honey locust. Bark stripping is a common squirrel practice and is a major problem in forests in England, where the E. Gray Squirrel is an invasive species. So why do squirrels do that? There is no definitive answer to this question; but most likely, they are eating the cambium of the inner bark and the sweet sap from the phloem cells. Squirrels can eat cambium, because squirrels are hindgut fermenters; they have a cecum which is a pouch between the small intestine and their large intestine. The cecum allows them to ferment the cellulose in plants using bacteria and enzymes, making it possible for the large intestine to access the nutrients. Unfortunately, once all the bark is stripped off the tree, it will eventually die since nutrients for the tree are transported from the roots to the branches through that inner bark.

Spring Equinox

The First day of Spring, also known as the Spring Equinox, is March 20^th this year. Although the warmer winds of spring do not reach us here in the Niagara Region until much later in the season, there is still something to celebrate. The Spring Equinox not only is the first official day of spring (though it rarely feels that way) but it also marks the time when the scales tip to having a longer duration of daylight versus darkness. After the Winter Solstice in December, the shortest duration of daylight in the year, the days slowly start to become longer. Maybe you have noticed that it is a bit brighter when you head to work in the morning and as you head home in the evening. However, the Spring Equinox marks when the duration of daylight and darkness are equal. After the Spring Equinox, the amount of daylight begins to overtake the amount of darkness until the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year. So this Spring Solstice, take the time to watch the sun rise and set knowing that Spring, and then Summer, are on its way.

Earth Day

Tuesday, April 22nd, marks the 55th Earth Day! Celebrate by joining the Interpretive Team for any of their public programs to learn something new, share your own knowledge, or just to get out of the house and appreciate our natural world!

Programs and Events for March and April

This upcoming spring we have a variety of programs to keep you busy while the seasons change!

Join us for our variety of birding programs to look for waterfowl, blue birds, woodcocks, and prepare for spring migrations! Enjoy some crafts with our watercolor, rock painting, and DIY birdhouse programs. Explore vernal pools in Joseph Davis State Park as one of the many signs of spring. Celebrate April Fools' Day with our Falls Misconceptions Walk at Niagara Falls and our Not-So-Serious Stroll at Evangola. Join one of our educators for our night programs in search of nocturnal wildlife or meteor shadows. Bring your furry friend along for our dog-friendly programs at DeVeaux Woods and Niagara Falls.

55th Annual Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show! 

Come visit us at the Buffalo Geological Society’s 55th Annual Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Show on March 15-16th. This highly educational family event affords attendees the opportunity to interact with demonstrators who work with minerals and gems. Demonstrators include fossil preparation, jewelry designers, and other lapidary artists.

To learn more about this event, please visit the Buffalo Geological Society webpage.

Amphibian Programs One of the sure signs of spring is the emergence of the Spotted Salamanders, Wood Frogs and Spring Peepers ready to begin the life cycle again. When these amphibians emerge from their underground burrows, they make a tract to their breeding grounds called vernal pools – large pools that form from snowmelt. This allows the unique opportunity to view these amphibians this spring through our many themed public programs!

** Please note that we do not allow pets on our park programs, unless otherwise specified. This does not apply to service animals.

We’re excited to introduce the NY State Parks Wellness Challenge for the 2025 season! Throughout the year, immerse yourself in all kinds of wellness activities at state parks and historic sites across the Empire State. From trying your hand at yoga to engaging your senses to packing a picnic, achieve wellness through a variety of ways in the outdoors.

Ready to take on the Wellness Challenge? We’ve gathered a list of 50 wellness-related missions you can achieve at most state parks and historic sites. Complete 25 of the missions this year, either as an individual, as a team or group.

Regional Department Spotlight!

Here at Niagara Falls State Park, the maintenance department works tirelessly to ensure the park’s beauty and functionality, no matter the season.

The Niagara Maintenance team is always hard at work. During the warmer months, their focus is to keep the park’s landscapes, infrastructure, visitor areas, and restrooms well kept, ensuring all public amenities are in top condition. In addition, the team meticulously tends to the park's shrubs, pruning trees, planting flowers, and maintaining the grounds that add to the park’s beauty, while also keeping over 75 acres of grass cut and trimmed. The maintenance facility is staffed 24/7, 365 days a year including holidays. We never close.

As winter approaches, the maintenance crew faces a new set of challenges. They are responsible for clearing snow and ice from pathways on Goat Island, Prospect Point, and other sections of the park, ensuring that all areas remain accessible and safe for visitors, despite the relentless ice build up from the mist and cold weather conditions. In the winter months, the team also maintains and inspects the infrastructure for any wear or damage, which includes repairs and upgrades of the lighting systems, paver replacement, roads, and park furnishings. This proactive approach ensures the park remains functional and safe year-round.

Perhaps one of the most impressive aspects of the maintenance department is their commitment to sustainability. The department has incorporated eco-friendly practices, such as recycling programs, energy-efficient lighting, and investment in battery powered equipment. These efforts not only help preserve the park’s beauty but also contribute to a healthier environment for patrons.

Niagara Maintenance located on Buffalo Ave is the base of maintenance operations. Here is where the maintenance office staff coordinates logistics from procuring supplies and equipment to receiving parcel deliveries. They keep the maintenance department running continuously.

Whether it’s planting tulips in the spring, making repairs to buildings, or maintaining pathways for access to the stunning views of winter, the maintenance department at Niagara Falls State Park plays a critical role in preserving the beauty of the park. Their dedication ensures that each visitor can enjoy a seamless and memorable experience, no matter when they choose to visit. Their hard work ensures the park remains a beautiful and safe place for all who come to experience its beauty.

Apply for Parks!

State parks and historic sites are staffed by a core of permanent employees who work year-round to maintain these precious resources. During the peak of our operating season (May through September), the permanent staff is supplemented by several thousand seasonal employees who work to ensure that our visitors have a positive and safe experience when visiting our sites.

Park Spotlight!

Wilson Tuscarora State Park

Wilson-Tuscarora State Park is a spacious and well-preserved natural area acquired by New York State in 1965. Its history dates to the former Lake Island Amusement Park and the Tuscarora Park Club. Today, the park is home to a wide variety of plants and wildlife. It spans 476.5 acres, featuring mature forests, open meadows, and marshlands. Located along the shores of Lake Ontario and Tuscarora Bay, the park is separated from the lake by a narrow land strip known as "The Island." Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, such as fishing from the shore or by boat, as well as exploring the park's four-mile nature trail, ideal for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The park also offers an 18-hole disc golf course. To learn more, click here!

Check out our Eventbrite Page!

Use the button below to register for our upcoming programs online! Search #niagaranyseei

Registration is open for all programs. If a program fills up before you are able to register, please join the waitlist; we will contact you if a spot opens up!

Please note: We are no longer taking registrations over the phone but will gladly walk you through how to do it online! Please call (716) 282-5154 with any questions.