© 2025 Western New York Public Broadcasting Association

140 Lower Terrace
Buffalo, NY 14202

Toronto Address:
130 Queens Quay E.
Suite 903
Toronto, ON M5A 0P6


Mailing Address:
Horizons Plaza P.O. Box 1263
Buffalo, NY 14240-1263

Buffalo Toronto Public Media | Phone 716-845-7000
BTPM NPR Newsroom | Phone: 716-845-7040
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
red and white text reading OPPOSE RESCISSION PACKAGE CONTACT SENATE NOW 202-224-3121 against a blue background

Documents Signed Preserving Amherst Park

By Mark Scott

Buffalo, NY – Final documents were signed Monday night that preserves a large natural area of Amherst for generations to come.

The Western New York Land Conservancy and the town have reached agreement on an arrangement that will protect Nature View Park in the northwest section of the town from future development. Land Conservancy spokeswoman Nancy Smith says it will be the largest municipally-owned park in the western end of the state to be protected by a conservation easement.

"The conservation easement is an additional layer of protection," Smith said. "What it ensures is that the park will remain an expansive, open natural area that is ideal for outdoor recreation."

There have been battles between pro-development town board members and those who wish to preserve green space for many years. Smith says saving Nature View Park represents a significant victory.

"I think what allowed it to happen is how much the residents cared about preserving the rural character that used to exist in Amherst," Smith said. "This whole effort was started by a young woman who cared very deeply about the park. She went door-to-door with petitions. She led hikes in the parks. She raised awareness in the community over a number of years."

Back in the 1970s, a sludge dump was planned for the site and then a golf course.

Smith says the park has 20 miles of trails that are used for walking, bird watching and nature photography. She says the park also has significant wetlands which provide a natural habitat for wildlife.