Grassland birds get a boost, community gets new trails
Meadow making is not a typical day’s work for Lou Brongo of Parma-based BC Excavating, but this past March he found himself loading up 600 pounds of specially selected seeds to spread across 14 acres of former cornfield. “This is gonna turn out real nice,” Lou said as he drove across the mud. “I’m glad you’re taking care of this spot. Listen to those birds.”
The timing couldn’t be better.
According to a 2019 report by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, nearly 3 billion birds have been lost in the United States since 1970. Grassland populations have been reduced by 53 percent – about 720 million birds - due to loss of habitat, pesticides and climate change.
It’s a wakeup call that demands action.
Last fall we purchased 25 acres of land on Bennett Road in Hilton to create the Salmon Creek Nature Preserve and make it an accessible birding and recreation spot. The property, surrounded on 3 sides by hundreds of acres of conservation land, is bordered by Salmon Creek and includes a small pond. More than 30 species of birds have already been observed, including northern shrike, American wigeon, and horned lark.
New hope for threatened birds
Grassland Birds: American Kestrel (NPS Andy Bridges); Bobolink (Jim Hudgins_USFWS); Northern Harrier (Dan Pancamo); Northern Shrike (Alan Schmierer); Vesper Sparrow (Alan Schmierer)
Now, thanks to the generosity of land trust community members, the initial funding has allowed Lou to plant 29 types of seeds, including warm-season grasses designed to withstand a changing climate, sedges, and native wildflowers like butterfly weed, blue vervain and lance-leaved asters. Fast-growing annual rye and oats were also planted as a cover crop to help keep out weeds while the slower native species germinate and grow.
“The grasses will grow in clumps and create hiding places and corridors for ground-nesting birds and other animals like rabbits to help them stay safe from hawks and other predators.”
Will has spent months observing the property’s seasonal changes, consulting with various experts and neighbors, and planning improvements like the meadow planting.
Bigger is better for grassland birds, so Will plans to remove shrubs from the northern hedgerow that currently divides the new meadow from neighboring grassland to make it feel like one large open space. The meadow planting also benefits pollinators threatened by extreme weather and loss of habitat, like bees and butterflies.
Creating a welcoming experience for birds and people
Establishing a meadow takes time. So too, is the establishment of welcoming trails and overlook areas. This year, in addition to the initial meadow seeding we are working to create 1.5 miles of wide, gentle grass trails mowed several times a month as needed. They’ll provide a place for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy nature.
A new gravel parking lot and signage is also underway. As funding becomes available, we’ll install new observation platforms, benches and a fishing deck to welcome visitors and help everyone enjoy these special wide-open spaces every day, all year long.
Lou and Will smile when thinking about what Salmon Creek Nature Preserve is going to mean to so many people in the region. “If the Pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that people need nature. Birds bring such joy to so many people, yet there hasn’t been a welcoming way to experience them here in the past,” reflects Will. “That’s about to change.”
Save the Date: Opening Weekend - Rain or Shine
Saturday, September 24: A community celebration, with guided birding walks, plein air painting, kid-friendly games, a special selfie station, and light refreshments will take place from 11 am - 2 pm. Opening remarks are at noon, with guided walks to follow. On-site parking is reserved for people with physical limitations. Please park at Hilton High School (1/2 mile away) and use the free shuttle running from 10:30 - 2:30.
RSVP here: Opening Party: Salmon Creek Nature Preserve
Sunday, September 25: You’re also invited to Gentle Yoga in the Meadow from 1-2 pm and Nature Crafts and Games with the Unicorn Sprouts from 2:30-4. Pre-registration is required. Parking will be on-site or along the side of the road.
A wheelchair-accessible porta potty and a large shade tent will be on site all weekend.
Salmon Creek Nature Preserve is located at 492 Benett Rd. in Hilton, NY 14468.