Nature Walk with Orlando Monaco at Sinking Pond Wildlife Sanctuary

Location: 400 Pine St., East Aurora, NY 14051

Time: 10am walk followed by lunch and discussion at 42 North Brewing Company, 25 Pine St., East Aurora, NY 14052

Join East Aurora resident and organizer of Friends of Sinking Ponds, Orlando Monaco, for an information-packed nature walk at this beautiful wildlife sanctuary. You will learn why he has pledged himself to help preserve and maintain this gem on the edge of East Aurora, NY.

Orlando and members of Friends of Sinking Ponds have worked tirelessly with little funding to upgrade this long-neglected property. Although maintained by the Village of East Aurora, this important preserve, which is frequented by migratory birds and home to varied wildlife, sorely needs upgrades to the parking area, entrance, and other areas.

This rich habitat has been studied by students from the University of Buffalo’s Archaeological Field School (1960 and 2011), which revealed evidence of human habitation going back some 4,000 years. Students even found that the “evidence of the site suggests that some impressive prehistoric creatures might have once disturbed the now tranquil site,” specifically, mastodons.

Orlando is an avid nature photographer, and he recommends participants bring binoculars and cameras (however, posting of pictures to social media sites is not recommended by Friends of Sinking Ponds as it will undermine the integrity of the sanctuary).

Those interested must RSVP to Pam Sander with a contact home or cell phone number at [email protected]. Spaces are limited to 16-20 participants.