Wildlife Preserves in Western New York

When the rat race of normal life gets you down or when you just feel the need to rediscover some of the wonders that nature has to offer, why not consider taking a little trip to one of the many wildlife management or nature preserves that have been created in Western New York. This geographic area being what it is, makes it possible to travel to any one of a wide selection of nature areas without having to put a lot of miles on the family sedan.

The first place to visit, before getting in the car, would be the Buffalo Audubon Society internet site. There, you will be able to discover where some of the nature centers in the area are located. These areas are identified on the Audubon Society site because of the wide diversity of birds that can be found in Western New York as either year round residents or migratory visitors.

My personal favorite happens to be Beaver Meadows Audubon Center in North Java. This is the nature center my wife and I visited on September 11, 2001. It was within the peace and serenity of this wildlife refuge, that we found relief and insulation from the insanity that attacked our country that day. We found the solitude and silence, shared only with the migrating geese and ducks, to be the calming, saving grace for us that fateful day. In the years since, we have tried to revisit this refuge every September 11th so we can pause and reflect and be grateful that we are still able to visit such a wonderful place. We also try to visit Beaver Meadows at other times throughout the year just to get away from the hustle and bustle distractions of daily life.

A very little known refuge site, is the Tillman Road Wildlife Management Area. A quick Google or Yahoo search for that location, will reveal it's location in Clarence. While not overly large, this management area contains a great variety of birds, mammals, amphibians and insects for those ready to hike it's trails. Geese, ducks and herons are some of the birds that might be seen swimming or flying within the preserve. Lucky hikers might catch a glimpse of whitetail deer, muskrats, mink or even beaver. Painted turtles are common residents of the area as well as their larger cousin, the dangerous snapping turtle. I know there are "snappers" within the preserve as I have seen them crossing the highway on occasion while driving in the area. Some of these critters are quite large and if challenged or cornered, can cause a lot of damage with their powerful bite! Butterflies and Dragonflies are always plentiful during the summer and fall.

The Tifft Nature Preserve, is a 264 acre wildlife refuge area located within the shadows of downtown Buffalo. Created in 1972 and opened to the public in 1976, this wildlife area became a department of the Buffalo Museum of Science in 1982. Unlike other wildlife areas, there is fishing allowed in the large pond located in the preserve. This is not the waterway that will produce a trophy catch, but it will provide hours of entertainment for kids and adults alike who are just trying to feel the efforts of a panfish at the end of their fishing line.

The largest wildlife management area in Western New York, is the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, located in the towns of Alabama and Shelby, approximately mid-way between Buffalo and Rochester. This area was created in 1958 under the designation of the Oak Orchard National Wildlife Refuge but the name was changed in 1964 to avoid being confused with the neighboring Oak Orchard State Wildlife Management Area. The Iroquois refuge sprawls over 10,828 acres and attracts 268 species of birds. Included in the birds that nest in the refuge, are the Bald Eagle and Great Horned Owl. Entering a search for Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, will bring you their web site, which contains all pertinent information regarding that location.

Birds and other animals need not be the only reasons to visit any of these wildlife management areas. Trees, plants and wild flowers are also attractions that should not be overlooked. A framed photograph of a field of wild flowers, a dramatic image of a majestic Fir tree or a Sugar Maple, clad in flaming fall colors, would become quite a beautiful addition to any den or family room. Either take the time or make the time, and visit one of the many wildlife areas found in Western New York. It will be good for your soul and a little walking will be good for your health.