News and Events for Allegany, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Erie, Niagara and Wyoming Counties (Region 9)

In this issue:

• Winter Wonderland at Reinstein Woods
• $460,000 in Grants Available to Support Projects that Implement Great Lakes Action Agenda Priorities
• DEC Releases 2020-2022 Report on Restoring and Enhancing the Health of New York's Great Lakes
• DEC's Annual Tree and Shrub Seedling Sale is Now Open
• Above and Beyond -- Responding to the 2022 Buffalo Blizzard
• Take Part in the DEC Informational Kiosk Survey
• Empire State Fellow Applications Accepted Through April 3, 2023
• Living the Green Life
• Green Purchasing Communities
• Invasive Plants Surveyed at Onondaga Escarpment Unique Area

Winter Wonderland Returns to Reinstein Woods on February 4

Join us for Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve's annual "Winter Wonderland in the Woods" to be held on Saturday, Feb. 4, from noon to 4 p.m.

Ice-fishing demonstrations will take place throughout the afternoon and visitors will be able to try cross-country skiing in a demonstration area (weather permitting). Snowshoe rentals will also be available for those who wish to explore the trails. Children will be able to try snowshoeing for free and enjoy winter challenges, including a snowball target toss, a Bird Spotting Challenge trail, and a snowflake investigation station. Kids can also express their creative side in the snow art area and craft station.

The SPCA Wildlife Department will present an informative talk on wild animal rehabilitation at 12:30 p.m. and DEC Forest Rangers will lead a flat ice rescue demonstration at 1:30 p.m. Visitors can enjoy and learn about maple sugaring from Earth Spirit Educational Services and practice winter birding on a guided walk. There will also be door prizes, exhibits, and snacks sold by Friends of Reinstein Woods.

The event is being hosted by DEC in partnership with Friends of Reinstein Woods and will take place regardless of snow conditions, and additional activities featuring nature experiences will be added in case of warm weather.

Registration is not required for this event. There is no entry fee, but donations to Friends of Reinstein Woods are always welcome. Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve is located at 93 Honorine Drive, off Como Park Boulevard in Cheektowaga. For more information, contact Reinstein Woods at 683-5959, or visit the Reinstein Woods website and search for "Winter Wonderland."

$460,000 in Grants Available to Support Projects that Implement Great Lakes Action Agenda Priorities

New York Sea Grant, in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), announced funding is now available for projects that apply an ecosystem-based management approach to address local watershed challenges. Projects will implement the goals of New York's Great Lakes Action Agenda and address actions specifically identified in locally supported plans pertaining to water quality, natural resources, or sustainable land uses. A total of $460,000, with up to $50,000 per project, in New York Great Lakes Basin Small Grants will be awarded.

County and local government or public agencies, municipalities, and regional planning and environmental commissions, not-for-profit organizations, and educational institutions including, but not limited to, public and private K-12 schools, colleges, and universities, are eligible to apply.

Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. EST on March 1, 2023; instructions are online at the New York Sea Grant website. For more information, contact New York Sea Grant at 716-645-3611.

Read more about:

• New York's Great Lakes Action Agenda;
• New York Great Lakes Basin Small Grants projects; and
• other New York Great Lakes-related information on New York Sea Grant's website.

New York Sea Grant is a cooperative program of Cornell University and the State University of New York, and one of 34 university-based programs under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Sea Grant College Program. 

DEC Releases 2020-2022 Report on Restoring and Enhancing the Health of New York's Great Lakes

Be sure to check out the 2020-2022 Great Lakes Program Report (PDF) highlighting collaborative efforts to conserve, restore, protect, and enhance New York's Great Lakes land and water resources, in support of the New York's Great Lakes Action Agenda.

The report is prepared every two years and highlights partnerships and achievements completed during the prior two years that support New York's Great Lakes Action Agenda, including improving shoreline and tributary resilience, restoring and connecting aquatic habitats, educating the next generation of environmentally literate, stewardship-minded citizens and environmental professionals, and building capacity in communities that have been disproportionately impacted by environmental pollution, also known as Environmental Justice communities.

Read the press release on DEC's website.

DEC's Annual Tree and Shrub Seedling Sale is Now Open

The Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery annual spring seedling sale is open to the public and runs until May 12. Each year, the nursery offers low-cost, New York-grown tree and shrub species for sale to encourage plantings that help conserve the state's natural resources and foster the next generation of forests.

Trees provide a variety of benefits:

• absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, making them a powerful tool in the fight against climate change;
• helping to lower heating and cooling costs;
• providing food and shelter for wildlife;
• improving water quality by filtering runoff;
• preventing erosion;
• supplying a variety of wood products that support local economies; and
• increasing our overall health and well-being.

DEC's tree nursery grows more than 50 conifer and hardwood species from local seed sources, creating seedlings that are well-suited to our state's climate. They are available in bundles of 25 or more, plus there are several mixed species packets for those looking for a variety. Seedlings are a minimum of five inches tall and are one to three years old depending on the species. For more information including how to order, visit the Spring Seedling Sale webpage on DEC's website. Some species sell out early, so it is recommended to place orders by phone for the most up-to-date availability information.

Free Seedlings Available for Youth Education Through the School Seedling Program
Applications are now being accepted for the nursery's School Seedling Program. From now until March 31, schools and youth education organizations across New York State may apply to receive up to 50 free tree or shrub seedlings to plant with their students.

All schools (public, private, nursery, elementary, secondary, vocational, college or university), homeschool groups, and any youth education-based organization may apply, provided trees are planted within New York State. Individual homeschools must apply through a homeschool group, co-op, or other association. Seedlings are two to three years old, about four inches to 12 inches tall, and bare-root. There are three packets available - 50 white spruce, 25 red oak, or 30 mixed shrub species good for wildlife habitat - and each school or organization may only receive one packet per year. Visit DEC's website for more information and to apply online. For assistance or questions, contact the Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery at nysnursery@dec.ny.gov or 518-581-1439.

Photo: Staff from DEC's Division of Lands and Forests sort bare-root seedlings at the Nursery during the annual spring sale.

Above and Beyond -- Responding to the 2022 Buffalo Blizzard

DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers, and Regional and Statewide emergency response staff worked continuously over the course of the extreme blizzard event that hit Western New York during the 2022 holiday season. Some traveled hundreds of miles to Buffalo to help staff and bring equipment for response efforts. Others assisted with the rescues of approximately 100 motorists from across various Western New York roadways during blizzard conditions, made food and water deliveries to those in needs, conducted vital welfare checks throughout the community, ferried emergency medication, and assisted with snow removal and other critical actions to protect public safety. More than 50 DEC staff assisted in the response, sacrificing time with their families and their own safety over the holiday weekend to serve Western New York communities.

Video of DEC ECOs and Forest Rangers assisting with the snow emergency in Western New York can be found on DEC's YouTube page.

Photo: City of Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown stands with members of DEC's Division of Law Enforcement during a ceremony in Buffalo recognizing the outstanding service of first responders to the 2022 Buffalo Blizzard. From left: ECO Holzle, Lt. Ward, City of Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, DLE Director Przyklek and ECO Damrath.

Take Part in the DEC Informational Kiosk Survey

Give us your feedback and win a gift card to a sporting goods store! DEC would like your opinion on our informational kiosks. Kiosks are small, open wooden structures that provide cover for educational/informational signs. These kiosks are located at various state properties such as state forests, wilderness areas, conservation easements, wildlife management areas (WMAs), boat launches, and more. Take our survey to let us know what you think and be entered to win a $50 sporting goods store gift card and a free subscription to the Conservationist magazine! Winners will be announced each month from January 2023 through January 2024. A grand prize winner will be announced in January 2024 and will receive a $200 sporting goods store gift card and a free magazine subscription. By providing input, you can help us improve your outdoor experience!

For prize rules and regulations, please visit DEC's website.

Empire State Fellow Applications Accepted through April 3, 2023

The application period for the 2023 class of Empire State Fellows is now open. The prestigious program attracts exceptional and diverse talent from New York State and across the country to serve in high-level positions in the administration. Since the program's inception 11 years ago, graduates of the Empire State Fellows program have gone on into senior roles, including Deputy Commissioner, Deputy Secretary and Chief of Staff positions throughout state agencies.

The Empire State Fellows Program is a full-time leadership training program that prepares the next generation of talented professionals for careers as New York State policymakers. The incoming class of Empire State Fellows will serve from September 2023 to September 2025, and receive an annual salary of $85,000, plus a generous benefits package. At the end of the fellowship, a performance review process will identify Empire State Fellows that will be given the opportunity to continue to serve as leaders in New York State government after completing the program.

The Governor's Office will appoint each Empire State Fellow to work directly with a Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, or other high-level policymakers at a New York State agency or authority, or in the Executive Chamber. Work assignments offer Fellows unparalleled experience collaborating with senior officials and participating in the policy-making process.

While taking part in the work of state government, Empire Fellows will participate in educational and professional development programs that will help them to serve as effective and ethical government leaders. The educational component of the Empire State Fellows Program kicks off with an orientation course in September 2023. Educational coursework will continue on a semi-monthly basis. Meanwhile, professional development activities, including a mentoring program and regular meetings with Cabinet members and other government leaders, will enhance Empire Fellows' collaboration with policymakers.

Applications opened on Sunday, January 1, 2023, and will be accepted through Monday, April 3, 2023. Read more information on the program and instructions on how to apply.

Living the Green Life

Information on sustainable clothing is available on this month's Living the Green Life webpage.

Each month we feature a new theme to provide tips to be a friend of the environment. Past topics have included sustainable food sources, pollinator protection, greening your home/work office space, and more.

You can also find information on NYSDEC's social media. Share how you Live the Green Life with us by using #LiveGreenNY.

Want to receive monthly tips in your inbox? Sign up for the Green Living monthly newsletter!

Green Purchasing Communities Program Launches

Good news for local governments! Governor Hochul recently announced the new Green Purchasing Communities Program, a first in the nation program that makes it easy for local governments to ensure that the products they are purchasing have a lower environmental impact. In addition, local governments that participate will receive recognition for their commitment to purchasing green products and services. Learn more at the Green Purchasing Communities Program website.

Benefits to local governments of becoming a Green Purchasing Community:

• Adopting a simple-to-administer green purchasing program.
• Moving the market in a more sustainable direction.
• Being recognized for their commitment to the environment.
• Getting points towards Climate Smart Communities Certification.

Local governments that become a green purchasing community commit to following the GreenNY purchasing specifications that New York State government uses. By making this simple change, local governments can work towards purchasing products and services that are better for our public health and environment. With over 75 different GreenNY purchasing specifications covering office and building management supplies, electronic equipment and appliances, food service items, and transportation items, there are specifications to follow for a wide variety of items frequently purchased by local governments. In addition, GreenNY is constantly working to update existing specifications and create new ones, meaning that Green Purchasing Communities will automatically be following the latest green purchasing specifications.

Applying and becoming a Green Purchasing Community is as easy as 1, 2… that’s it!

1. Add model language that states the local government will follow GreenNY specifications to the government's purchasing policy. This is passed by the local government's legislative body or other body that handles procurement policy.
2. Submit the application, along with the resolution approving the addition of the model language, and a copy of the new purchasing policy to gpc@dec.ny.gov.

The Department of Environmental Conservation and the Office of General Services are hosting a webinar on January 17, 2023, at 2 p.m., for potential applicants. The webinar will provide an overview of the new Green Purchasing Communities Program and how local governments can participate. Those interested can register for the webinar.

Additional information is available on the Green Purchasing Communities program website or by contacting gpc@dec.ny.gov. 

Invasive Plants Surveyed, Inventoried at Onondaga Escarpment Unique Area

Eighteen different invasive plant species were identified at the DEC-managed Onondaga Escarpment Unique Area in Akron, Erie County (Region 9) during a survey by a team from the Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM).

The survey was conducted as part of PRISM's Crew Assistance Program (CAP). Landowners and partner organizations can apply for a CAP crew to survey, map, remove or otherwise manage invasive species infestations. The CAP provides individuals and groups invaluable assistance in achieving land management goals.

The PRISM survey team determined invasive plant infestations are limited and manageable at the 50-acre UA, which boasts unique rock formations and rare and threatened plant species. DEC will use the data collected by PRISM to develop invasive species management strategies on the property.

View WNY PRISM's field notes from the UA.