Improvements focus of Zaepfel Nature Center panel - The Salamanca Press

"Improvements focus of Zaepfel Nature Center panel" from the Monday July 2, 2001 issue of The Salamanca Press

NAPOLI – Directors of the Zaepfel Nature Center are working with state conservationist to enhance the preserve's appeal to both wildlife and humans.


Wildlife habitat improvements and trail development were the focus of a recent meeting of nature Center directors Rick and Lynn LeFeber, Ecological consultant Richard White, Natural Resource Conservation Service staff members Michael Townsend, Robert Hartrick, Richard Edlund and Arthur Schaub.

Center directors are looking to establish warm-season grasses on suitable sites in the Zaepfel property.

"These grasses were the original grasses in the northeast and provide superior bird habitat for nesting and winter cover. Twelve available acres were found to have suitable well-drained soils for war season grass establishment. Forty-three acres of lower drainage class soils now dominated by invasive reed canary grass was designated for NRCS Wildlife Incentive Program (WHIP)," explained LeFeber.

Pending approval, this acreage will be converted to a cool season grass/legume mix more favorable to wildlife. The WHIP program provides technical and financial assistance to improve wildlife sites.

The renovated pastures will be used for habitat comparison studies and differential bird species' use of the two grassland types will be monitored.

Work will also be done on the portion of the property used for human recreation.

"Enhancement of existing trails and creation of a new trail will create a network of access throughout the nature center. The existing snowmobile trail in the southern portion of the easement will remain as well," said LeFeber.

Eagle and Osprey nesting platforms, wood duck boxes and wildlife viewing blinds were all discussed and approved.