As a follow up to Earth Day, the Western New York Land Conservancy is bringing award-winning author Doug Tallamy to the UB Center for the Arts for a presentation on the critical importance of native plants for the ecology and vibrancy of our region.

Tallamy’s research and his book, “Bringing Nature Home,” have sparked a national conversation about the importance of using native plants in our gardens and landscapes to reverse the loss of wildlife and to make our communities healthier. After decades of intense urban sprawl, our natural places are shrinking and becoming more fragmented. The use of native plants in our yards and gardens will make a difference, no matter the size. 

The Western New York Land Conservancy will host a presentation to unveil the draft Concept Plan for the Stella Niagara Preserve on Thursday, Jan. 21. The Concept Plan is a landscape design for the entire property. The keynote speaker is Darrel Morrison, the nationally-renowned landscape designer known for his ecological approach who is guiding the Land Conservancy’s restoration efforts at Stella. The public is welcome to attend and provide feedback. The presentation will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Lewiston Senior Center at 4361 Lower River Road.

Today’s news reports are full of buzzwords about the environment. Climate resiliency. Sustainability.

And it’s no surprise why. Humankind has left quite a mark on our land in the last couple hundred years. While we celebrate our new technological advancements, many of them separate us from the land even further. The scientific community analyzes our impacts and suggests ways to best manage our land. We struggle to find ways to lessen our footprint.

But not so long ago, indigenous peoples were sustained by this land for countless generations. What can we learn from native peoples as we look to the future?

Dr. Robin Kimmerer believes that the scientific community can apply traditional ecological knowledge in a way that respects and protects indigenous knowledge to reconnect people with the land.