The Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy (CWC) has established the Cassadaga Lakes Nature Park Care Fund at the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation. Located on Route 60 north of Cassadaga, the Cassadaga Lakes Nature Park (Nature Park) is in the heart of Chautauqua County. When heading south on Route 60, the driveway into the Nature Park is the first right after Camp Gross.
Through various grants and commitments, CWC closed on the Nature Park property in late 2019. The 77-acre site features 26 acres of shoreland wetlands, 1,100 feet of natural shoreline along Upper Cassadaga Lake, and is a refuge for birds, waterfowl, amphibians, and other wildlife.
Rebecca Nystrom, Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy President and Co-founder, reminds us that “This is a special place. It has lakes, ponds, wetlands, and forests. We are just starting to explore the diversity of life in the park, and there is so much more awaiting discovery!”
“It is important to remember that the Nature Park preserves the wetlands that serve an import roll in filtering the waters flowing into the Cassadaga chain of lakes,” states Nancy Wickmark, Cassadaga Lakes Association (CLA) President.
This fund will provide future financial support to the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy or its successor to support the ownership costs of maintaining the Cassadaga Lakes Nature Park, such as maintenance of the land, vegetation, and improvements.
“The Cassadaga Lakes Nature Park Care Fund is essential to the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy's life long obligation to support and maintain this community treasure. The endowment fund will grow over time and provide the financial support necessary for the Nature Park’s care forever,” says Diane Hannum, NCCF Executive Director.
To contribute to the Cassadaga Lakes Natural Park Fund, visit www.nccfoundation.org/clnpc-fund.org or contact NCCF at nccf@nccfoundation.org or call 716-366-4892.
The NCCF, incorporated in 1986, is a tax-exempt charitable organization. Since its establishment, the NCCF has distributed more than $16 million to the community through its various grant programs. It is an organization inherently committed to enriching the northern Chautauqua community and encouraging local philanthropy. For more information on the NCCF, visit www.nccfoundation.org or call 716-366-4892.
PHOTO CAPTION: Dennis H. Collins, CWC Board of Directors & President of the Cassadaga Lakes Association, Nancy Wickmark, Cassadaga Lakes Association (CLA) President., Jeremy R. Woolson, CWC Lands Manager