Walk & Talk at Veterans Park Nature Trail
2025-05-07 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Grand Island Library
Join us for a Walk & Talk at Veterans Park Nature Trail!
Get ready to stretch your legs and enjoy nature at its finest. This walk through nature begins in the parking lot of the Grand Island Memorial Library. Please park towards the south east corner of the lot. Our GINA members will lead you through the new nature trail at Veterans Park, pointing out interesting flora and fauna along the way. We will start the walk by showing our fellow walkers how to use the Seek app, which helps us identify whether plants and other species are native or not.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or just looking for a fun outdoor activity, this event is perfect for all ages. Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting a little dirty or wet. We can’t wait to see you there!

Native Plant Sale & Talk
2025-05-09 17:00 - 18:30 | Nike Base Community Center, 3278 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, NY, 14072, United States
Join us at the GI Nike Base Community Center to learn how to enhance your property with native plants that support biodiversity, attract pollinators, and create a more sustainable landscape. Lyn Chimera, Erie County Master Gardener, frequent speaker on native plants and other gardening topics, and owner of “Lessons from Nature”, will share expert tips on reducing lawn space while improving ecological health.
Meet our vendors- Primeval Forest Nursery, North Tonawanda Botanical Gardens, CW Native Plant Farm and Silo City- offering a variety of plants for your space. Take home some beautiful native plants from our sale to kickstart your garden transformation and become certified by the Grand Island Habitat Certification Program.

Master Gardener Plant Sale
2025-05-23 08:30 - 15:00 | First Presbyterian Church of Buffalo, 1 Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY, 14201, United States
The Cornell Cooperative Extension Erie Master Gardener Annual Plant Sale is a perfect opportunity to buy great plants at great prices. The sale includes a choice selection of sun and shade perennials, natives, pollinators, herbs, annuals, shrubs, and vegetables from the gardens of CCE Erie Master Gardener volunteers, as well as plants donated from area horticultural businesses: annuals, hanging baskets, and houseplants. There will also be a variety of garden treasures. CCE Erie Master Gardener volunteers will be available throughout the sale to share education on selecting and growing plants.

Master Gardener Plant Sale
2025-05-24 08:30 - 14:00 | First Presbyterian Church of Buffalo, 1 Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY, 14201, United States
The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie Master Gardener Annual Plant Sale is a perfect opportunity to buy great plants at great prices. The sale includes a choice selection of sun and shade perennials, natives, pollinators, herbs, annuals, shrubs, and vegetables from the gardens of CCE Erie Master Gardener volunteers, as well as plants donated from area horticultural businesses: annuals, hanging baskets, and houseplants. There will also be a variety of garden treasures. CCE Erie Master Gardener volunteers will be available throughout the sale to share education on selecting and growing plants.

Wonderful World of Wasps
2025-05-24 10:00 - 11:30 | Alt Nature Center, 2489 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, NY, 14072, United States
Join us at the Alt Nature Center where Michael Klepp will present on the importance of wasps to our ecosystems. Discover how these insects contribute to nature in amazing and unexpected ways. Learn how you can support “beneficial” insects.
Following the presentation this “Hike with Mike” will head outdoors through the Alt Nature Preserve, weather permitting! Dress for the conditions.
All ages are welcome. This event is free and open to the public.

Walk & Talk at Nike Base Trails
2025-06-11 18:30 - 20:00 | Nike Base
Join us for a refreshing evening walk at Nike Base Trails! This in person event will take place at Nike Base Park, where you can enjoy the beauty of nature while getting some exercise. Our Walk & Talk event is a great way to meet new people, get some fresh air, and maybe even learn something new along the way. We will be identifying trees, wildflowers and looking for signs of animals. Check on the vernal pools and share observations.
Diane Evans, a GI Nature Alliance steering committee member and serves on the GI Conservation Advisory Board will be our guide. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore the trails and have a great time with fellow nature enthusiasts. See you there!
Please dress appropriately for the weather. The trails maybe wet and muddy, depending on how much rain they recently had. Also please protect yourself against mosquitos and ticks! We will be walking at a casual pace on mostly level ground.

Gardener's Chat Hour
2025-06-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Alt Nature Center, 2489 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, NY, 14072, United States
Join us for a Gardener’s Chat Hour at the Alt Nature Center!
Whether you’re just getting started or deep into your native plant journey, this is a great chance to connect with fellow gardeners and get expert advice. A few of GINA’s experienced gardeners will be on hand to answer questions, offer guidance, and share tips to help your garden thrive.
This event is especially helpful for those working toward habitat certification, but all are welcome to stop by, learn, and chat.

Purple Martins: Up Close with Nature’s Aerial Acrobats
2025-06-16 17:30 - 19:00 | Beaver Island State Park Marina Parking Lot
Join NYSDEC representatives to learn about the life of Purple Martins. In eastern North America, Purple Martins are urbanites, living almost exclusively near cities and towns in man-made nesting boxes. Participants will explore the nearby habitat at Beaver Island and get an up-close look inside the nesting gourds. The purple martin nesting project is part of the Niagara River Area of Concern efforts to address declining wildlife populations. It was funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and is managed by NYSDEC. Registration for this program is required.
Meeting location: We are meeting at the Marina Parking Lot at Beaver Island State Park.

Purple Martins: Up Close with Nature’s Aerial Acrobats- Summer Solstice!
2025-06-20 18:00 - 19:30 | Beaver Island State Park Marina Parking Lot
Join NYSDEC representatives to learn about the life of Purple Martins. In eastern North America, Purple Martins are urbanites, living almost exclusively near cities and towns in man-made nesting boxes. Participants will explore the nearby habitat at Beaver Island and get an up-close look inside the nesting gourds. The purple martin nesting project is part of the Niagara River Area of Concern efforts to address declining wildlife populations. It was funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and is managed by NYSDEC. Registration for this program is required.
Meeting location: We will be meeting at the Marina Parking Lot at Beaver Island State Park.

Gardener's Chat Hour
2025-06-25 18:00 - 19:00 | WNY Welcome Center, 1999 Alvin Rd, Grand Island, NY, 14072, United States
Join us for a Gardener’s Chat Hour at the WNY Welcome Center!
Whether you’re just getting started or deep into your native plant journey, this is a great chance to connect with fellow gardeners and get expert advice. A few of GINA’s experienced gardeners will be on hand to answer questions, offer guidance, and share tips to help your garden thrive.
This event is especially helpful for those working toward habitat certification, but all are welcome to stop by, learn, and chat.

Fireflies: An Illuminating Experience
2025-07-09 20:30 - 21:30 | Alt Nature Center, 2489 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, NY, 14072, United States
Join entomologist Wayne Gall at the Alt Nature Center on Grand Island to learn all about fireflies and what you can do to ensure they continue to thrive in WNY for generations to come. Following a brief presentation in the Alt schoolroom, attendees will venture out to the preserve’s native meadow for an illuminating experience. This is a family-friendly event for kids of all ages. Photo: Katja Schulz.

Nike Base Trails Walk & Talk
2025-08-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Nike Base
WNY Prism and GINA are partnering to host a fun and educational nature walk on Saturday, August 16th at the Nike Base Trails on Grand Island! This will be a leisurely, relatively flat, and easy walk. Please be prepared with appropriate clothing and footwear for walking along trails, and bring water as needed. For any questions, email WNY PRISM at wnyprism@buffalostate.edu.

Identifying Invasive Plants: What to Look For
2025-09-09 18:30 - 20:00 | Aurora Senior Center, 101 King Street, East Aurora, NY, 14052, United States
Presented by Carol Ann Harlos and Lyn Chimera.
Gardeners keep a close eye on weeds trying to decide if they are seeing a common weed or an invasive species. Learn how to recognize and identify invasive plants such as Garlic Mustard, Lesser Celandine, Mugwort, and Common Buckthorn in your garden and some management strategies.
For more information, contact (716) 652-5400 x176, or jah663@cornell.edu.
$15 per class, Public: $45 all classes, Master Gardeners: $40 all classes

Soil Health
2025-09-17 18:30 - 20:00 | 84 Parkside Lodge, Buffalo, NY, 84 Parkside Ave, Buffalo, NY, 14214, United States
Presented by by Peggy Koppmann.
It’s not just dirt; healthy soil is the foundation for healthy plants. Factors such as soil pH, texture, and organic material content are critical to building a healthy soil system. Learn about the complex nature of soil and the role of microbes and mycorrhizal fungi in plant health and soil fertility.
$15 per class, Public: $45 all classes, Master Gardeners: $40 all classes
For more information, contact (716) 652-5400 x176, or jah663@cornell.edu.

Monarchs & Milkweed
2025-09-19 17:00 - 18:30 | Nike Base
Come join us at the Nike Base Park for a fun-filled evening learning about monarchs and their favorite plant, milkweed! This event is perfect for nature enthusiasts of all ages. Discover the fascinating life cycle of monarch butterflies and why milkweed is crucial for their survival. Enjoy hands-on activities, educational presentations, and maybe even spot some monarchs in the park! Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with nature and learn how you can help protect these beautiful butterflies. See you there!

Let's Talk Native Trees & Shrubs!
2025-09-23 18:00 - 19:30 | Grand Island Library
Presented by Peggy Koppmann.
Join us for a fun and informative discussion on why native trees and shrubs are vital for healthy landscapes. Learn how to choose species that not only add beauty, shade, and privacy, but also support wildlife, improve soil and water quality, and thrive with minimal care.

Seed Collection and Storage
2025-09-27 10:00 - 11:30 | Roswell Park Community Outreach and Engagement Center, 907 Michigan Ave, Buffalo, NY, 14204, United States
Presented by by Nora Saintz.
Collecting seeds is easy, inexpensive, and a great way to make more of your own plants or add new varieties to your garden. Learn about saving open-pollinated plants, avoiding hybrids, collecting at the correct time, and storage techniques. You can build your own seed library and save seeds for your own garden and to share with others.
$15 per class, Public: $45 all classes, Master Gardeners: $40 all classes
For more information, contact (716) 652-5400 x176, or jah663@cornell.edu.

Tree ID Hike
2025-10-07 16:30 - 18:00 | River Oaks Drive, River Oaks NY, Grand Island, NY, 14072, United States
Come join us for a fun and educational Tree ID Hike at the end of River Oaks Drive! Here, we will explore a brand NEW trail and learn how to identify different tree species. This in-person event is perfect for nature enthusiasts of all ages. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to connect with nature and expand your knowledge of trees. See you there!

Grand Island Habitat Certification Celebration!
2025-10-22 17:30 - 19:30 | Grand Island Library
Welcome to the Grand Island Habitat Certification Celebration! Join us at the Grand Island Memorial Library for a fun-filled event celebrating our community’s dedication to habitat preservation. This gathering allows you to interact with our neighbors who have went through the process of certifying their garden as a Grand Island wildlife habitat! Come listen to their triumphs and tribulations as they worked on their certification and see how the gardens have progressed. Additionally, you will hear about many of the great events that the Grand Island Nature Alliance continues to offer. Let’s celebrate our shared commitment to creating a greener, healthier environment for all!

Wildlife Winter Wonderland!
2025-12-13 17:00 - 21:00 | Alt Nature Center, 2489 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, NY, 14072, United States
Join the Citizen Coalition for Wildlife and Environment at the Alt Nature Center for the 3rd Annual 2025 Wildlife Winter Wonderland! Walkable displays will include holiday-themed nature scenes and wildlife educational displays! This free event includes hot chocolate and cookies and craft-making appropriate for all ages inside the holiday-decorated historic schoolhouse. Make your own holiday cards, paper snowflakes, and more! Wear your boots, dress for the weather and come to engage in festive foofaraw while learning how wildlife survives and thrives in wintertime!

Winter Sowing with Native Seeds
2026-01-31 10:30 - 12:00 | Nike Base
Come join us for a hands-on workshop on winter sowing with native seeds at Nike Base Park Community Center! Learn all about the benefits of using native plants in your garden, including how easy they are to maintain and how they improve the quality of your soil. If you love gardening and miss it during the winter months, this event is for you! It is perfect for both beginners and seasoned gardeners looking to enhance their knowledge. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with nature and learn new skills. See you there!

You must bring your own transparent milk or water jugs that have been thoroughly washed and sanitized in hot water. You can bring up to 3 jugs, the Grand Island Nature Alliance will provide the soil, seeds and labeling materials. Since we are working with soil, things can get a little messy, so be sure to wear appropriate clothing not your expensive cashmere sweater! Bring a smock (apron) and gloves if you like.

Composting Event
2026-03-05 16:30 - 18:00 | Grand Island Library
Join us on Thursday, March 5 at 4:30 PM at the Grand Island Memorial Library for a composting workshop led by the Erie County Department of Environment & Planning. The workshop will cover what composting is, why it matters, and how to get started at home. Attendees will also see a demonstration of composting bins available for purchase and learn about reusable water bottle recycling and other sustainable practices. The presenter will bring composting bins and water bottle products for viewing and discussion. This event is free and open to all!

Ecological Restoration on Grand Island with Paul Leuchner
2026-03-25 18:30 - 19:30 | Grand Island Library
Join us for a presentation on the ecological history of Grand Island’s archipelago and the restoration of the East River Marsh at Beaver Island State Park. Paul Leuchner, Environmental Scientist and Wetlands Restoration Advocate, will share how this coastal wetland, shaped since the end of the Wisconsin Ice Age, faced severe erosion in the 1990s from high water levels, storms, and wave action.
Learn how a dedicated restoration effort helped save this important ecosystem and how wetlands like the East River Marsh support wildlife habitat, improve water quality, and protect shorelines.

Grand Island Arbor Day
2026-04-25 11:00 - 14:00 | WNY Welcome Center, 1999 Alvin Rd, Grand Island, NY, 14072, United States
Join your neighbors for a celebration of trees and community! Bring the whole family for a fun and engaging day featuring hands-on crafts, local vendors, and interactive demonstrations and presentations.

Native Plant Fair
2026-05-16 10:00 - 14:00 | Alt Nature Center, 2489 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, NY, 14072, United States
Join the Grand Island Nature Alliance (GINA) and the Citizen Coalition for Wildlife and Environment (CCWE) on Saturday, May 16 from 10:00 AM–2:00 PM for a Native Plant Sale and Education Event at the Alt Nature Center (2489 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island). This collaborative event brings together regional native plant nurseries, educational resources, and presentations focused on ecological gardening and supporting local wildlife. Shop for native plants, learn how to garden sustainably, and connect with local conservation groups. The event is free and open to the public.

Invasive Species Talk
2026-06-23 18:30 - 20:00 | Alt Nature Center, 2489 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, NY, 14072, United States
Join us on Tuesday, June 23 at 6:30 PM at the Alt Nature Center for an informative talk on invasive species, led by WNY PRISM. The presentation will provide a high-level overview for general audiences, covering a variety of common invasive plants and aquatic species, their impacts, and practical control options. Topics may include buckthorn, teasel, phragmites, aquatic invasives, and invasive insects such as the emerald ash borer. Attendees will also learn why invasive species matter and what steps they can take to help mitigate their spread in the local environment. This event is free and open to all!

Wildlife on Grand Island - Let's Talk Deer & Ticks
2026-07-21 19:00 - 20:30 | Alt Nature Center, 2489 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, NY, 14072, United States
Join us on Grand Island to chat all about deer, ticks, and keeping safe outdoors!

Wildlife on Grand Island: Let’s talk Deer & Ticks
Please join Citizen Coalition for Wildlife and Environment (CCWE) and the Grand Island Nature Alliance (GINA) for an informative discussion exploring the complex relationship between deer, ticks, and the environment on Grand Island, NY.
This presentation will cover deer biology and behavior, tick life cycles and ecology, environmental conditions that influence both species, and the growing concerns surrounding tick-borne diseases and prevention practices. The program will also examine environmental mitigation strategies and practical approaches for reducing tick exposure while supporting ecological balance.
The speakers, Nicole Gerber and Dave Reilly are both NYS Master Naturalists and founders of CCWE. Nicole holds a PhD in Biological Sciences and is also a licensed wildlife rehabilitator and wildlife control operator. The information presented will be grounded in established reference sources and peer-reviewed scientific research.
Whether you are a homeowner, gardener, outdoor enthusiast, or simply interested in local ecology, this program offers a science-based look at one of Grand Island’s most important and timely environmental topics.
