Learning at the Chautauqua County Fair
Photo by Forrest Fisher The new Conservation Education Center at the Chautauqua County Fairgrounds will feature multiple wildlife mounts from around the world.
Photo by Forrest Fisher New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Chautauqua County Federation of Sportsmen share the entrance to the Chautauqua County Fair Conservation Education Center to answer sportsman questions with the right answers.
Photo by Forrest Fisher The new Conservation Education Center at the Chautauqua County Fairgrounds will feature multiple wildlife mounts from around the world.
Photo by Forrest Fisher New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Chautauqua County Federation of Sportsmen share the entrance to the Chautauqua County Fair Conservation Education Center to answer sportsman questions with the right answers.
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The Chautauqua County Fair has been a summer tradition since 1881, making this year’s event the 145th annual fair. While families flock for the rides, livestock shows, tractor pulls, games, and irresistible fair food, one of the most fascinating stops is the new Conservation Education Building, now entering its second year.
The fair opens today!
Centrally located on the fairgrounds, the building showcases nearly 100 wildlife mounts from around the world, including African kudu, springbok, and impala alongside North American deer, elk, bear, and other familiar species. More than a display, it tells the story of wildlife management and demonstrates how science-based conservation, including regulated hunting, has helped restore and sustain wildlife populations while funding habitat protection and anti-poaching efforts across North America and around the globe.
The building was made possible through a donation from Henry Leworthy in memory of his father, Renny, whose vision was to inspire the next generation of youth and conservationists. The facility is designed to host hands-on environmental education, youth programs, and partnerships with schools, 4-H, Scouts, and conservation organizations throughout the year, and is still expanding.
Visitors will find booths staffed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, National Wild Turkey Federation, Chautauqua County Conservation Education Center, Chautauqua County Federation of Sportsmen, Bear Lake Rod and Gun Club, Westfield Fish and Game Club, Northern Chautauqua County Conservation Club, Kids on the Fly, SCOPE, New York Forest Owners Association, Ripley Rod and Gun Club, Chautauqua Beekeepers Association, the Chautauqua County Water Quality Task Force, the Soil and Water Conservation District, and others.
A new live fish aquarium and interactive exhibits offer children and adults an up-close look at the natural world.
Perhaps the greatest value of the building is the opportunity to ask questions. DEC biologists, fisheries experts, environmental educators, conservation officers, and experienced volunteers are available to explain everything from bird watching and pollinator conservation to fisheries management, forest stewardship, and why healthy wildlife populations require active management.
At a time when habitat loss, invasive species, and changing landscapes present growing challenges, conservation has never been more important. The outdoors also remains one of the few places where generations come together -- whether hunting, fishing, hiking, birding, or simply enjoying nature. Those shared experiences build an appreciation for wildlife and remind us that conservation belongs to everyone.
After enjoying the midway, don’t miss this remarkable building. You can stand eye-to-eye with an Alaska brown bear, admire wildlife from Africa, meet the people protecting New York’s natural resources, and perhaps leave with a new appreciation for the outdoors that surrounds us every day.
Gotta love the outdoors
Outdoors Calendar
July 21: Erie County Fish Advisory Board, monthly meeting, 7 p.m., open to the public, Bison City Rod/Gun, 511 Ohio St. Buffalo.
July 22-23: Boat Safety Course, Bison City Rod and Gun Club, 5:30-9:30 p.m. both days, Info: 716-984-2880.
July 23: Erie County Federation of Sportsmen, monthly meeting, 6:30-9 p.m., Niagara River Station, 355 East River Rd., Grand Island.
July 25: Introduction to Upland Hunting, Chautauqua County Bird Dog Association at the Randolph Rod/Gun Club, 4424 Van Slyke Road, Randolph; 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; lunches and up to 125 rounds of ammo provided. Limited to 20 participants: must be at least 21 years of age; Contact Paul Steward at 716-397-2855. Will also include a mentored pheasant hunt in October.
July 26: Ellington Rod and Gun, "Don't Know Partner Trap League," 1045 Hagerdon Hill Rd., Ellington; Info: 716-287-3987.
July 31-Aug. 1: 21st Annual Con Club Walleye Team Derby, $300 registration fee, 3 fish bag, 2 days; info: 716-366-8836.
July 31-Aug. 2: Youth Archery Summer Camp, Elma Conservation, 600 Creek Rd., Elma. Pre-registration required.