Charles E Burchfield Nature Art Center Union Road West Seneca Ny Rotting Problems

A little over a week ago, while taking my dogs to "Dog Island," I noticed a alert sign by Solitude Lake Direction LLC, stating that the waterbody surrounding the island was going to be treated with Aquathol Yard and Aquathol Super K pesticides to control the invasive species Hydrilla, which is found in the Tonawanda Creek section of the Erie Canal. The sign warned that during the days of treatment, there should be no swimming in the waters.

As a precaution, I decided to have some time before visiting the dog park, since my pups love to frolic in (and drink) the water. It was my wife who suggested a 20-minute excursion (from Allentown) to the Charles E. Burchfield Nature & Art Centre (BNAC), located in Due west Seneca. "The what?" I asked her.

Incredibly, I was not aware that in that location was a local park that was dedicated to the prolific WNY creative person. With that, we hopped into the car and gear up out for an adventure. And what an take chances it turned out to be. From the moment that we arrived to the fourth dimension that we left – nearly a two hour span – we had an admittedly wonderful hike through the park.

The park itself is a feast for anyone who loves the swell outdoors, the forest, picnicking, nature, art, history… there'due south and so much to take in. Not only is this park very dog-friendly, it's besides i of the more kid-friendly parks that I have come across. From the large playground at the entrance, to an assortment of interactive "treasure hunts," I was impressed past the family unit-oriented nature of the park. There's so much to explore, plenty of places to sit in the shade, seating areas, gardens, meadows, an amphitheater, wayfinding markers, QR codes, and a creek.

We concluded up taking my mother in law on this gamble, due to the ease of the hiking trails, boardwalks, a shaded pergola, and the fine art component. It turns out that Charles Burchfield lived nearby and would come to the site – originally function of the Buffalo Creek Reservation – for inspiration and to paint. At that place's a historical timeline that is spelled out in a handy brochure, which begins with the Seneca Nation reservation (and their love and respect for nature), then home to German settlers in 1843, the site of Island Park Hotel in the 1900's, and finally the BNAC in 1998. At that place'due south as well a minor cemetery on the grounds, chosen Centre Ebenezer Cemetery.

Aside from the 2-miles of nature trails, the park itself is 29 acres, with 19 acres existence accessible by the public. In that location is too a BNAC Gallery and classroom building, which is situated almost the entrance to the park. I learned on the BNAC website that the gallery has been airtight since 2017 due to the demand for structural repairs, which is unfortunate because information technology would be such a please to run into it functional (with a minor café maybe?).

Despite the gallery edifice beingness closed, there were plenty of other park avails to enjoy. There are also restrooms for anyone looking to make a pitstop.

Towards the end of our hike (stroll), we came beyond the "Sinisteria" art installation by artist Frank O'Connor. This is a very bright and colorful lean-to type of shelter, mainly constructed from dead branches collected at the park. The within of the installation is quite magical, as the sun illuminates the structure's riveted plates, creating a about ethereal effect.

Aside from reading all of the Burchfield wayfinding placards, and drawing inspiration from the artist's human relationship with the setting, I found myself mesmerized past the ancient waters of Buffalo Creek (Seneca Creek), although I was equally unimpressed by the amount of what appears to be didymo (d idymosphenia geminata ) aka "rock snot." The presence of the slimy dark-brown algae that cakes onto the riverbed underfoot makes for some treacherous walking, so be very careful if you venture out into the waters.

Aside from the "stone snot" and the gallery closure, everything else about the park was remarkable. Nosotros plant it informative and relaxing, with surprises effectually every corner. I highly recommend paying this Nature & Art Centre a visit. To a small degree, it reminded me of being young and visiting Artpark dorsum in the day. I love the combination of art and nature as a premise for a park. I as well honey that there is such a spellbinding dedication to Charles Burchfield, whose legacy tin be seen in every tree and meadow along the creek.

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BNAC is cared for by Friends of the Burchfield Nature & Art Center

2001 Union Rd | Westward Seneca , NY 14224-1436

Open dawn to dusk

Website

burchfieldnac@gmail.com

716-677-4843

Newell Nussbaumer is 'queenseyes' - Eyes of the Queen City and Founder of Buffalo Rise. Co-founder Elmwood Artery Festival of the Arts. Co-founder Powder Keg Festival that congenital the earth's largest ice maze (Guinness Book of World Records). Instigator behind Emerald Embankment at the Erie Basin Marina. Co-creator of Rusty Chain Beer. Instigator of Buffalo Porchfest, and Paint vs. Pigment. Founder of The Peddler retro and vintage market on Elmwood. Instigator behind Liberty Hound @ Canalside. Throws The Witches Ball at Statler City, the Hertel Alley Street Art Festival, and The Flutterby Festival. Coming soon... 'fig' Fashion Show. Contact Newell Nussbaumer | Newell@BuffaloRising.com

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Source: https://www.buffalorising.com/2021/08/charles-e-burchfield-nature-art-center/

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