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 Robert 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 |
| Robert Altieri | Town Councilman, Liasion to CAC | baltieri@clarence.ny.us |
Agendas and Minutes
Conservation Advisory Council Minutes
Meeting Schedule
Conservation Projects
The following link describes 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!
Giant Hogweed
The DEC announced that it is no longer removing Giant Hogweed. If you identify Hogweed in the Town of Clarence right-of-way, contact the Highway Department. If you think you have Hogweed on your own property, do not come in contact with it, and check out these directions from the DEC. Hogweed information from New York State DEC:
https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/plants/harmful-plants/giant-hogweed
Boxwood Moth Information
The boxwood moth is becoming increasingly prevalent in Erie County NY. The moth infests boxwood shrubs and requires treatment to protect the plant. Please take a look at this link from Cornell for more information:
https://cals.cornell.edu/integrated-pest-management/outreach-education/fact-sheets/box-tree-moth
If you are considering planting boxwoods, or more likely considering the removal of infested boxwoods, the link below lists some alternatives. Also, there is information on spray treatments.
https://cals.cornell.edu/integrated-pest-management/outreach-education/fact-sheets/box-tree-moth/alternatives-boxwood
Tick Information
Ticks are present in many natural areas such as those found at the Clarence Nature Center on Thompson Road, Tillman Swamp and Beeman Creek Park. You can take precautions to minimize risk when visiting these areas:
https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/public-safety/be-tick-free
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
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/2023-05/nature_center_application.pdf