Announcements:
Town of Clarence Conservation Advisory Council Mission Statement
The Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) promotes conservation efforts in the Town of Clarence. The CAC is sought by Town officials for consultation on conservation issues and seeks to partner with citizens and volunteer groups to fulfill its mission and enhance the Town’s natural beauty and resources. The CAC has a wide and comprehensive view of conservation, which includes: protection and management of wildlife, forests, wetlands, parks and natural areas, to name a few.
CAC members are Town residents who volunteer for two year terms. For a detailed list of duties, see Chapter 7 of the Clarence Town Code. Our liaison Town Council member is Bob Altieri.
Current Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) Members
| Member | Role | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Cheryl Cantlon | Co-Chair | ctcantlon@outlook.com |
| Steve Diver | Co-Chair | diver@buffalo.edu |
| Charles Biegner | Member | chicknbarb@verizon.net |
| Casey Diederich | Member | caseymdiederich@gmail.com |
| Dennis Londos | Member | dlondos@roadrunner.com |
| Barbara Maisch | Member | barbarajmaisch@gmail.com |
| Joel Radder | Member | joelradder@gmail.com |
| Lori Sauls | Member | lkuhmann@yahoo.com |
| Ron Walkowiak | Member | ronwinc@twc.com |
| Bob Altieri | Town Councilman, Liasion to CAC | baltieri@clarence.ny.us |
Agendas and Minutes
Conservation Advisory Council Minutes
Meeting Schedule
Conservation Projects
The following list includes some of the projects that the Conservation Council has prioritized due to their conservation value and their potentially broad impact across conservation efforts in the Town of Clarence. We would like to identify partnering groups to work together on these projects. Please contact any Council member to discuss these in more detail. Also, we would love to hear your ideas! Some of these projects have a lot of room for creativity and might be ideal community service projects for your volunteer group. We look forward to working together!
| Project |
| Wildflower planting along bike path |
| Waterway clean up |
| Trailwork at Beeman Creek Park (perimeter trail, planks to cross wet areas) |
| Trailwork at Clarence Nature Center (perimeter trail, wet section buildup, blazing, new map) |
| Trail re-route (avoid roads) at Clarence Nature Center |
| Interpretive Trail updated at Clarence Nature Center |
| Historical research of the Nature Center and Beeman Creek Park |
| Raptor utility pole nests at Beeman Creek |
| Improved Thompson Rd trailhead and signage |
| Boot station at Thompson Rd Park/Nature Center |
| Forestry management site at Beeman Creek |
| Tree maintenance, Thompson Rd Park and Nature Center |
| Owl boxes at Clarence Nature Center |
| Owl boxes at Beeman Creek Park |
Native Plantings
We encourage planting mostly native species in this region of western New York. Here's a list of native trees and shrubs.
Invasive Species
Here is a list of invasive species that should not be planted.
For alternatives to these, see Invasive Ornamental Plant Alternatives
Volunteer Waiver Form
This form is used for projects or work to be done on Town property:
- Volunteer Waiver Release - adult volunteers
- Consent, Waiver and Release of Parent or Guardian - volunteers under 18 years old
Clarence Nature Center
The Nature Center is a peaceful, natural space in the heart of Clarence with forested trails. The Clarence Nature Center Building is used mainly for educational activities.
Enter at 9030 Sheridan Drive, type “Clarence Nature Center Building” in GoogleMaps.
You can also access the Nature Center from Thompson Rd (see map below).
Obviously, no motor vehicles are allowed on any of the trails. For all visitors, please practice Leave No Trace principles.
Map of trails
(Link to pdf file of nature center trails)
Application for Using Nature Center
The Nature Center is used for educational purposes dealing with conservation, wildlife and environmental awareness. It is also a hub for volunteer activities centered there.
To request use of the Nature Center, please submit this application to the Clarence Town Clerk, Karen Hawes. This and other applications for the use of Town buildings can be found on the FORMS tab of the town website.
Nature Center Application: https://www4.erie.gov/clarence/sites/www4.erie.gov.clarence/files/2023-…