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Jackson Falls becomes Owens Falls Sanctuary after fundraising goal is surpassed

Sep 22, 2016 | In the News

The Western New York Land Conservancy made a big announcement at their 25th Anniversary Gala on Sept. 21 – the Jackson Falls Preserve fundraising goal of $600,000 has been surpassed! The Golden Ballroom at Statler City was filled with thunderous applause and cheers as more than 270 guests celebrated this milestone in the journey to create the new 57-acre nature preserve on Hubbard Road in the Town of Aurora.

The property features two magnificent waterfalls that were formed by a 2,000-foot long stretch of Mann’s Creek that flows through a 100-foot deep ravine. Its mature hemlock and beech woods, vernal pools and forested wetlands are home to migrating birds, breeding frogs and salamanders, and dense patches of rare wildflowers. The property also includes mature headwater forests, which, along with the wetlands, are vital to maintaining water quality in the Buffalo River and Niagara River watersheds.

The Land Conservancy and the Friends of Jackson Falls, a 30-person group of community members committed to protecting the property, had only until Oct. 31 to raise the $600,000 needed to purchase the property and create the preserve. This was a daunting task, as it took two and a half years to raise a similar amount to protect Aurora’s Mill Road Scenic Overlook. This time, the Land Conservancy had only 10 months. The group, led by Nancy Smith of the Western New York Land Conservancy and Kerrie Gallo of Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper, was up to the challenge.

Donations began to arrive from the community and in May, the fundraising campaign reached the halfway point when the Land Conservancy received a $300,000 grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In July, the Gallogly Family Foundation gave a challenge gift of $20,000 for the protection of the land.

Then, after nine months of intense fundraising, the Land Conservancy received a deluge of funding that brought the fundraising campaign past its goal. These contributions included a $200,000 donation from Barbara and Don Owens, a $20,000 donation from Kathy Lasher and Scott Bieler, a $20,000 grant from the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, a $20,000 donation from Sue Sunderlin and a $20,000 donation from John Quill Taylor.

“As neighbors, we couldn’t stand the thought of this hidden gem being lost,” said Don Owens. Don, who is a Certified Professional Soil Scientist and founder of Earth Dimensions, recognizes the significance of the property to our region. “Our region’s geologic history is written on the walls of the gorge and on the giant rounded boulders that were glacially eroded from the Canadian Shield. Protecting this land will provide a place for future generations to learn those stories.” He and Barbara have long cherished this landscape just down the street from their home. Barbara said, “We know in our hearts that making this donation was the right decision.” The property will be named The Owens Falls Sanctuary in honor of Barbara and Don.

Sue Sunderlin worked as a service technician for Verizon in Aurora for many years. She had the unique experience of admiring Aurora’s beauty from a birds-eye view while she worked. When she read about the property in Artvoice, she was astounded that she had never come across this treasure on her home turf. Following a tour of the land with Land Conservancy Executive Director Nancy Smith, Sue felt compelled to take action. “I couldn’t think of a more perfect way to give back to the community and the people of Western New York and I hope my colleagues will utilize the Verizon company matching program to donate to this most worthy organization.”

John Quill Taylor felt compelled to make a difference after reading about the project in the North Tonawanda Sun. He drove out to see the area and bumped into one of the current owners, who showed him around. The trip was familiar to him, as he had spent many years fishing the streams of Wyoming County. A true nature lover, John has long been involved with Trout Unlimited and he understands the value of protecting headwater forests. “I learned to love and appreciate the clear, cold running waters and wild trout living in this area as a kid,” said John. “I discovered long ago that only where there are undisturbed lands do we allow nature to maintain the pristine headwaters that source these clear-flowing streams in which wild trout, and an abundance of other natural wildlife, can live and thrive and reproduce.”

Thanks to these and many other generous donors, the Western New York Land Conservancy can now proceed with creating The Owens Falls Sanctuary.

The Western New York Land Conservancy is a regional, not-for-profit land trust that permanently protects land with significant conservation value in Western New York for future generations. The Land Conservancy envisions a future in which open spaces, working lands, wildlife habitat and scenic beauty are cherished and protected as part of the landscape and character of Western New York. The Land Conservancy is accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission and is one of 1,700 land trusts nationwide, including 90 in New York State. Land trusts have protected 40 million acres over the last 20 years. 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.

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