The Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy is holding a nature walk on a 14 acre site that sits along the mouth of Chautauqua Creek at Barcelona. Submitted photo

WESTFIELD — The Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy on Thursday will hold a nature walk to share the beauty and ecological importance of a future CWC preserve in Westfield.

The site is part of CWC’s current “Fish Hawks & Steelhead Habitat Campaign” that seeks to protect three parcels of land totaling 71 acres that provide critical habitat for our local osprey, bald eagle and steelhead populations. The 14-acre site in Westfield sits along the mouth of Chautauqua Creek at Barcelona and is a major tributary to Lake Erie, with both creek and beach frontage. It serves as a frequent hunting ground and breeding territory for bald eagles and is also one of the most popular and scenic steelhead fishing locations in Western New York. This pristine site has even been designated as a “Significant Habitat” by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

The nature walk is free and open to the public, with donations to CWC welcome. Any donations given from the tour will go towards funding the completion of the campaign. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars and cameras and should dress appropriately for the weather and gravel trail walking conditions. No RSVPs are needed. Those wanting to join the walk should park at the Chautauqua Creek public fishing stream parking lot at the top of Peacock Grove in Westfield. CWC event signs will be posted to help with directions to the site. For more information, call 716-664-2166 at ext.1006 or email info@chautauquawatershed.org.