Niagara County Soil and Water Conservation District

06/05/2026

Monday starts Invasive Species week!

Invasive species are non-native species that pose a significant threat to our environment, economy, and human health.
NCSWCD has a program to fight the battle against Japanese Knotweed that smothers out beneficial native plants, destabilizes foundations, and overtakes yards. We also treat multiflora rose, tree of heaven, honeysuckle, and phragmites in County ponds.

Other Invasive Species around Niagara County include:
Spotted Lantern Flies
Gobi
Zebra Mussels
Box Tree Moth
Asian Long Horn Beetle
Water Milfoil
Water Lettuce
Many more

WNY PRISM has some great events scheduled for it. Check out their website to register https://www.wnyprism.org/
Akron Falls Park June 9th 5:30-7:30
Audubon Library in Amherst June 18th 10:30-3:30 See less

WESTERN NEW YORK PRISMPartnering to Protect Western New York from Invasive Species About WNY PRISM MANAGEMENTWNY PRISM provides resources and technical assistance for prioritization and management planning, and Best Management Practices Learn More PROGRAMSFrom Early Detection to the Crew Assistance....

06/03/2026

Field Days 2026 was a Success!!
Thank you to all the presenters and teachers who joined us today. Kids of all species learned about our environments!

Thanks you to the RoyHart Rams and Newfane Panthers for sending their third graders!

Huge Thank You to the following for spending the day with us and teaching the kids (and adults)!
Niagara County Hazardous Materials Team - they also kept the day going!
Erie County Department of Environment and Planning
Eastern Monarch Butterfly Farm
Kenan Herb Club
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Niagara County Parks Department
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Niagara Region Park Interpretive Programs
NY State Parks & Historic Sites
SUNY Buffalo Archaeology
Niagara University
Niagara County Federation of Conservation Clubs - also our lunch spoonsor
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Niagara County
Heirloom Soul Florals
Tuscarora Environment
Aquarium of Niagara
NYS Public Service Commission
Hens Bees
WNY PRISM
Toby Mansfield

06/02/2026

🔄 Today, 6/2/26, is a Palindrome Date!

A palindrome date reads the same forward and backward when written in the short month/day/year format. In this case:

6/2/26 → 6226 → 6226

Pretty cool, right? 😎

Palindrome dates are rare, which is why many people consider them to be lucky. They're often associated with balance, symmetry, fresh starts, and positive energy. While there's no scientific proof that palindrome dates bring good fortune, they have long fascinated mathematicians, numerologists, and anyone who loves unique calendar events.

Even more interesting: June 2026 is packed with palindrome dates, including 6/20/26 through 6/29/26!

Do you think palindrome dates are lucky, or are they just a fun mathematical coincidence? Let us know in the comments! 👇🍀

06/01/2026

Congratulations to the Winners of the Niagara Orleans Envirothon for placing in the Top Ten at the New York State Envirothon last week!
The team from Orleans/Niagara Career and Technical Education Centers came in 6th overall!

05/29/2026

May is National Lyme Disease Prevention Month and as predicted Ticks are out at much higher rates already. In our office alone there have been a handful of ticks pulled off the crews.

If you've been outside be sure to:
Perform daily tick checks - Ticks can hide in hard-to-see places like behind ears, under arms, behind knees, bellybuttons, and along the hairline
Learn to recognize tick species
Remove ticks promptly and properly
Dress for ticks - tuck pants into socks and wear permethrin treated clothing

Some more tips:

👖Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and closed-toed shoes.
👩‍🌾Keep long hair tied back, especially when gardening.
🧹Check for ticks often while outdoors and brush them away before they attach.
✔️Perform a full body check multiple times during the day, as well as at the end of the day, to ensure that no ticks are attached.
🧺Tumble clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing after you come indoors.
🚿Shower soon after coming indoors.
🐾Check pets thoroughly for ticks after spending time outdoors.
🥾Consider using EPA-registered repellents labelled as effective against ticks containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535, and follow label instructions.
🧴If you are using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second.

Learn more at: www.DontGetTickedNY.org and https://cnylymealliance.org/

05/28/2026

First Fish Pick-Up is a Wrap!
🐠🐟🦈🐟
There will be a second fish pick-up this year! We will be taking orders for a late June pick-up. All the same pricing and types! Contact the office for an order form.

05/26/2026

Household Waste Event! Must Register!
https://circular.eco/event/wheatfield-hhw-collection

Rethink Your Waste

05/22/2026

Have you ever heard of a floating wetland?
Floating wetlands are artificial floating platforms planted with vegetation that can be deployed in stormwater ponds and other surface waters to help improve water quality. Floating wetlands absorb excess nutrients, provide habitat for aquatic and terrestrial wildlife, and may reduce the frequency of algal blooms.

Native plants sit on a porous mat or are held in place on a float made of cuttings (willows and red osier dogwood for example). Their roots hang down into the water and absorb extra nutrients and/or pollution in the water. You can let them float around or anchor them in place, your choice.

Floating wetlands are known to reduce the need for chemicals to treat water issues. They also provide wildlife habitat!

Check out how to create a floating wetland:
https://youtu.be/0oHMvt8Hfxk?si=OF_ortkz-yyVlqMQ