National Garden Festival 2010 Intro to Native and Invasive Species in the Western New York Landscape and Habitat Kenneglenn Nature Preserve Sunday, July 11, 2 pm to 4pm Join hike leaders Paul Fuhrmann and Jason Sorens for a native and invasive plants tour and discussion at the Kenneglenn Nature Preserve, a protected property of the Western New York Land Conservancy located outside of East Aurora in the Town of Wales. Participants will gain an understanding of the benefits of plants that are native to the Western New York area, as well as the challenges of invasive species that are taking over the natural landscape, to the detriment of our native birds, wildflowers, and wild life. Tips and hints will be shared with gardeners for how they can landscape their own backyard with native plants, for the protection and preservation of native wildlife. The Kenneglenn Nature Preserve is a 131-acre preserve owned by the Western New York Land Conservancy, and protected permanently with a conservation easement. Central to the property is a small cottage which houses the offices of the Land Conservancy, and is surrounded by garden, lawn, and diverse terrain for habitat. Formerly deforested for farming, this property is now in a regrowth phase, with plans being made to develop the garden areas into a landscaped natural habitat for the plants and animals that thrive in this region. Paul Fuhrmann, of Ecology & Environment, Inc., and the New York State Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM) brings 20 plus years of environmentally friendly landscaping experience specializing in native plant communities. Jason Sorens, a professor and amateur naturalist, landscaped his back yard with a native plants meadow (viewable on the Ken-Ton Garden Walk this year), and volunteers with the Western New York Land Conservancy to protect native habitats for our birds, insects, and wildflowers.

Reservations are required as space is limited. Please call (716) 687.1225 or email mweaver@wnylc.org for directions and reservations.

The hike is a public event and is free of charge. The Western New York Land Conservancy is a not-for-profit land trust that protects over 4,500 acres of land including scenic vistas, forested lands, wetlands, fragile natural ecosystems, lakefront shorelines and working farms across the eight counties of Western New York.

For more information on upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, or the mission of the Western New York Land Conservancy, please call 716-687-1225 or visit www.wnylc.org.