Chapters in New York

HGCNY Presents: Meadow Creation by Sam Quinn

An overview of meadow creation for private landowners in Central New York: timelines, nativity, costs, establishment methods and other guidance

Today, many landowners are interested in meadows as a way to benefit wildlife and reduce some of their lawn area, which can save money long-term compared to typical lawncare.  But, this process can be daunting with so many factors to consider like how to remove the lawn or other vegetation, how to design meadow plant composition, where to buy seeds and other materials, how to monitor to ensure the meadow is functioning as intended, and numerous other questions.  Upland meadows in the northeastern US are an example of an artificial ecosystem, i.e., a plant community created and maintained by people to meet certain objectives, like supporting pollinators in our rapidly changing landscape.   Many of these upland meadows trace back to the land-management practices of Native Peoples, who created and maintained these open spaces in landscapes that would otherwise be wooded.  Sam is a conservation biologist who has been creating meadows since 2010 and has recently expanded this effort through his company, Meadowcraft Ecological Services.  He will present on the meadow creation process and share practical guidance geared toward landowners interested in learning about this multi-year process.  

Sam Quinn is a conservation biologist who helps clients design, establish and manage meadows, as well as other natural features of their land.  He is the co-owner of Meadowcraft Ecological Services, a company focused on working with landowners to enhance their property's ecological function and habitat quality for pollinators, birds, soil biota and other elements of biodiversity.  He has helped create thousands of acres of meadows throughout the US, primarily in the Northeast.  In addition to establishing these plant communities, Sam’s biggest motivation is to help landowners become confident stewards of their land.

Schedule
• 1:00 p.m. — Refreshments and conversation with fellow native plant enthusiasts
• 1:30 p.m. — Presentation begins

Location
This meeting is both in-person at the Liverpool Public Library and online via Zoom. Zoom attendees will be able to hear the speaker, view their slide presentation, and ask questions during the Q&A at the end.

Registration is required for Zoom attendance only.

Recording
Meetings are typically recorded and posted on our YouTube channel.

Join us and help expand our native garden, while harvesting and taking home native seeds. We need help with transplanting, mulching, and fencing. Our garden is located near the orange bathroom building inside the park. 

Help Wild Ones Southern Adirondacks prepare for the Seed Swap! Come enjoy some warm drinks and pastries, and help us get ready for our most memorable event of the year! We will be preparing seed jars, making labels and information tags, and planning the layout on the tables. Last year we did all of this for 50 different species of native seeds!

The Seed Swap in November involves the most hours of preparation for our small team of volunteer officers. So we are deeply grateful for anyone who helps!  

Please Register at the link posted below.

Join us for an engaging evening with renowned bat biologist Dr. Jonathan Townsend as we explore the fascinating lives of bats, their importance to healthy ecosystems, and the habitats they depend on. 

The program will also highlight the connections between bats, insects, native plants, and the landscapes that support them. Geared toward teens and adults, this program welcomes families, native plant and conservation enthusiasts, and anyone interested in learning more about bats and the habitats that support them. Presented in collaboration with Tifft Nature Preserve, Buffalo Bat Habitat, and Wild Ones Western New York, bringing together bat conservation, native plants, and habitat education.

Ages 12+

Advance registration required. FREE

Ann Lee Pond is a 180-acre preserve with a large pond, woodlands, and extensive wetland between. We will take the red trail, about 0.8 miles, around and over the pond.

There is ample parking at this site just off the main airport road, and we will meet at the side of the pond near the parking area.

Everyone is welcome, with no need to RSVP. To get reminders and be informed of any last-minute changes, sign up for meet-and-hike updates.