Buckhorn Island State Park, Nature preserve in Grand Island, New York.
Buckhorn Island State Park is a nature preserve on Grand Island in New York State, covering marshlands, meadows, and woods along the western shore of the Niagara River. The park sits between the river's north and south branches, offering several distinct landscape types within a walkable area.
This land is one of the last remaining wetlands of the type that once lined the entire Niagara River corridor. Drainage and development during the 20th century removed most of this original landscape from the region.
The park is designated as a Bird Conservation Area, which means birdwatchers can spot gulls, waterfowl, and rare species like the Least Bittern. On quiet mornings, it is not unusual to see herons standing along the river's edge.
The park is open year-round from dawn to dusk and can be explored on foot along marked trails. Paths can get muddy after rain, so sturdy footwear is a good idea, especially near the marsh areas.
Along the western shoreline, an active restoration project is removing non-native plants to give more space to native species, and the work is easy to spot from the trail. Areas of fresh planting and marked zones alternate along this stretch, making the process visible as you walk.
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