The Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy will host a tour of the David and Margaret Naetzker Preserve in North Harmony at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 22.

Jonathan Townsend, conservancy lands manager, will lead the tour of the relatively new preserve while identifying edible and medicinal plants that are found throughout the region.

The David and Margaret Naetzker Preserve is roughly 76 acres in size and consists of steep slopes with large stands of mature oak as well as many unique wildflower species. In order to repair a failing access road, the conservancy obtained funding from the state Conservation Partnership Program administered by the Land Trust Alliance to regrade the road, install erosion control devices, and create a wetland pond at the top of the hill to retain water and create wildlife habitat. In fall of 2017, the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy led a team of volunteers who planted more than 1,200 individual plants from almost 50 species on the preserve.

The tour is free for members, with a suggested donation of $5 for non-members and $10 for families. Reservations are encouraged by calling 664-2166 or sending an email to info@chautauquawatershed.org to the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy in advance.

The Naetzker Preserve is located near 5078 Route 474 in North Harmony. A Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy preserve sign marks the entrance on Route 474. For a map showing the location, visit www.chautauquawatershed.org and click on the “Preserves” tab.