The Western New York Land Conservancy has announced that it will raise funds this year to purchase a 223-acre property adjacent to the College Lodge Forest near Fredonia. The Land Conservancy will assemble a Friends of the Floating Fen committee to help steer fundraising activities, and they encourage any individual interested in land conservation to reach out if they would like to join the committee. The Land Conservancy is looking to raise $925,000 by December 31st.
This incredibly diverse forest is home to a unique wetland that includes a bog-like area the Land Conservancy calls "the floating fen." Every summer, the floating fen comes alive with a carpet of blue flag iris, carnivorous sundews, and a trove of rare plants. The surrounding forest also teems with porcupines, beavers, fishers, great flocks of migratory songbirds, and other spectacular wildlife.
Once the land is protected, the Floating Fen will join the College Lodge Forest as a nature preserve, combining to form nearly 400 acres of protected land. The Land Conservancy will then maintain the forest and wetland, and it will open a walking trail so visitors can enjoy the site's nature.
Click here to learn more about the Floating Fen.
Photos by Erik Danielson
