What Are These “Weeds”?
Many aquatic plants exist within Chautauqua Lake; its nutrient-rich sediments provide a fertile growing bed for vegetation. Some of these plants are native to our area and provide critical ecological and environmental benefits, while others were introduced from distant locales and have been negatively impacting the ecological function, recreational and economic value of Chautauqua Lake. Surprisingly, some of the most prevalent invasives have been with us for decades already, while a steady stream of nearby or newly arriving species poses additional challenges to the future health of the...
Read MoreAn introduction to Chautauqua Lake’s Aquatic Invasive Plants
Many aquatic plants exist within Chautauqua Lake; its nutrient-rich sediments provide a fertile growing bed for vegetation. Some of these plants are native to our area and provide critical ecological and environmental benefits, while others were introduced from distant locales and have been wreaking havoc on the ecological function, recreational and economic value of Chautauqua Lake. Surprisingly, some of the most prevalent invasives have been with us for decades already, while a steady stream of nearby or newly arriving species poses additional challenges to the future health of the lake....
Read MoreWhat’s In Our Water?
Have you seen this woman in the news lately? This is Dr. Sherri (Sam) Mason, the SUNY Fredonia Professor whose groundbreaking research on plastic pollution in the Great Lakes has earned her much recognition and press. RTPI staff have teamed up with Dr. Mason for guidance on evaluating the levels of plastic pollution in another freshwater system – the Chadakoin River in Jamestown. During our summer 2017 “education through conservation” initiative, the Project Wild America Youth Ambassadors Program (PWA), local students will work with RTPI staff to sample and assess the levels of plastic...
Read More“Amphibians All Around” at Long Point State Park
Check out these free nature education programs at Long Point State Park on Chautauqua Lake featuring some of our partner organizations and fellow experts! You definitely have to attend the “Amphibians All Around” program by RTPI Conservation Techician Elyse Henshaw this Saturday, July 16. Events start at 10AM at the Overlook Gazebo.
Read MoreChautauqua Lake Sunset
So, I can’t let Scott have all the fun shooting beautiful sunsets and felt that Chautauqua Lake was in need of some representation on the web. With that said, as soon as I got home from the office last night I grabbed my camera and ran to the water’s edge to capture this off of Bemus Point. With all the ice still on the lake, despite the warm temperatures we have had as of late, the withering sunlight was aglow across the frozen body of water. As the ice has sealed off food resources for many waterfowl, it has left the lake rather quiet and barren. However, taking in the...
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