The Western New York Land Conservancy will host its annual gala from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, in the Golden Ballroom at Statler City, celebrating 25 years of conserving our region’s special places. The regional land trust and its thousands of supporters have saved more than 6,000 acres of forests, wetlands, meadows and farms in the eight counties of Western New York since 1991. These places include, among many others, the Stella Niagara Preserve in Lewiston, Niagara Escarpment Preserve in Lockport, Kenneglenn Scenic and Nature Preserve in Wales, Mill Road Scenic Overlook in Aurora and farmland throughout the region. These places are protected forever because of the Land Conservancy and the efforts of its members. 

The Western New York Land Conservancy will be hosting a special history walk at the Stella Niagara Preserve in Lewiston on Saturday, Aug. 27. The hike will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. and will be led by Karen Noonan, a member of the Town of Porter Historical Society and the Youngstown Heritage Tours and Tourism Committee. Tickets cost $25 each and can be purchased at Eventbrite.com (search keywords “Stella Niagara Preserve”). All proceeds will support the work of the Western New York Land Conservancy.

The Stella Niagara Preserve was permanently protected last year when the Land Conservancy purchased the property from the Sisters of St. Francis. The property is located on the Niagara County Historic Trail and is part of the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area. 

Jamestown, NY – If you wonder if your iPhone can give you better, more interesting photographs than you’ve been taking, the answer is “Yes!”

On Saturday morning, August 20, 2016, at the Audubon Nature Center’s iPhoneography workshop you can learn from photographer Cathy Panebianco how to make artistic photographs with your iPhone.

During the 10 a.m-12 p.m. class, you will learn to use your iPhone to take, and create, more imaginative photographs. You will learn tips and tricks, new apps, and creative ways to use your iPhone photographs.

Bring your fully charged iPhone (4 or higher). Make sure you have an Apple iTunes account so that you can purchase a couple inexpensive apps. While not required, students may want to download the following before class: Camera Plus (camera replacement app), Snapseed (editing app), and Hipstamatic.