Erie County Legislator John Mills has honored the Chestnut Ridge Conservancy Board of Directors as Erie County Legislature’s Citizens of the Month for December. This award is in conjunction with the 10th anniversary celebration of the conservancy’s work to protect and improve Chestnut Ridge Park.

Located in Orchard Park, Chestnut Ridge has 1,213 acres of park land and is one of the first parks established by Erie County in 1926. Currently, Chestnut Ridge is the largest park operated by the Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry.

The Chestnut Ridge Conservancy was formed in 2010 to support the restoration and preservation of Chestnut Ridge Park. Conservancy members volunteer and raise money for park events and projects such as the annual youth fishing clinic, the Blue Star Memorial Byway Marker, Santa Land and Winterfest, and many more.

Members of the Conservancy work closely with Erie County and other groups to improve the park by adding a wildflower garden, tennis court wind screens, pet waste collection stations, memorial benches, a fishing pier, stone work restoration and several other projects.

Legislator Mills said, “The work that the Chestnut Ridge Conservancy Board of Directors does will allow Erie County residents and others to enjoy Chestnut Ridge Park for generations to come. Thank you to board members for volunteering your time and energy for the sake of the park. Your hard work and dedication to the park does not go unnoticed.”

Conservancy President Gordon Panek said, “On behalf of the Chestnut Ridge Conservancy's Board of Directors, it is with great pride and respect to be honored by the Erie County Legislature as Citizen of the Month.  Throughout its ten years of service, many people; directors, donators, sponsors and volunteers alike have contributed thousands of hours and dollars to the mission of the Conservancy resulting in numerous preservation and restoration achievements for Chestnut Ridge Park.  The Conservancy's mission is ongoing and we are poised to continue as a helpful custodian to Chestnut Ridge Parks future preservation and restoration efforts. Our hats off to the Erie County Legislature, especially Legislator John Mills,  Erie County Parks Commissioner Troy Schinzel and Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz for allowing the Conservancy to be a part of taking care of Chestnut Ridge Park.”

Legislator Mills had a proclamation presentation planned for the Chestnut Ridge Conservancy Board of Directors in early December, but this has since been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The presentation will be rescheduled at a later date in 2021.