If you’ve driven down Mill Road recently, you may have noticed construction is underway at the Mill Road Scenic Overlook. The Western New York Land Conservancy has hired Johnson’s Nursery to improve the area around the benches that overlook the permanently protected 60-acre property. These improvements will include adding gravel and topsoil to stabilize and level the ground, and planting grass atop the new soil.
The Land Conservancy and the Friends of Mill Road ask that visitors to the Overlook respect the roped off areas around the benches to ensure that this repair work is successful. Visitors are encouraged to bring folding chairs over the next month or so until the work is complete and the vegetation has come in.
“These improvements will make the overlook even more incredible than it already was,“ said Nancy Smith, executive director of the Western New York Land Conservancy. “We know many people will be visiting the overlook this month to admire the fall colors. The slight inconvenience now will make the overlook better for everyone in the long run.”
In addition to repairs to the bench area, visitors will also notice the addition of a new sign that tells the story of the preserve and points out wildlife that can be spotted there. The Land Conservancy and the Friends of Mill Road were excited to partner with the Southtowns Scenic Byway to make this possible.
Bob Lennartz, president of the Western New York Southtowns Scenic Byway, said, “The Byway was honored to play a role in the creation of the Mill Road Scenic Overlook. This new stop on the Byway is one of the most scenic spots in all of Western New York. It defines our concept of a scenic byway, and the new interpretive sign joins 14 others on the 108-mile scenic byway route.”
The Western New York Land Conservancy is a regional, not-for-profit land trust that permanently protects land with significant conservation value in Western New York for future generations. The Land Conservancy envisions a future in which open spaces, working lands, wildlife habitat and scenic beauty are cherished and protected as part of the landscape and character of Western New York. The Land Conservancy is accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission and is one of 1,700 land trusts nationwide, including 90 in New York State. Land trusts have protected 40 million acres over the last 20 years. For more information on upcoming events, volunteer opportunities or the mission of the Western New York Land Conservancy, please call (716) 687-1225 or visit www.wnylc.org.