The Beat

Buffalo, NY - Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House is pleased to announce plans to reopen for public tours on Thursday, July 16. The site has been closed since mid-March due to the Covid-19 pandemic but is prepared and eager to begin public tours of both the interior and the grounds of the estate.

“We are excited to welcome guests once again to the fully-restored Wright masterpiece,” said Executive Director Mary Roberts. “The health and safety of our guests, staff, and volunteers will remain our number one priority, and we will continue to closely adhere to the guidelines and recommendations released by experts.”…

North Tonawanda, N.Y. – The Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum will be reopening on Wednesday July 8th. The museum is excited to welcome visitors back into its space after a long hiatus due to COVID-19. During its first week open only the interior of the museum, including both carousels, will be open. The museum will evaluate opening its Kiddieland Testing Park, outdoor rides, and extending its hours on a weekly basis.

The Botanical Gardens Reopens to the Public on July 15 With Early Access for Members on July 8

Buffalo, NY - The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens announced today they will reopen to the public on July 15, 2020 with early access to members on July 8. They can’t wait to be #BackUnderTheDome! The COVID-19 health crisis is rapidly evolving and the health and safety of all visitors, staff, volunteers and the extended community is extremely important.

The President/CEO, David Swarts states, “Public gardens are indispensable to community healing, offering much-needed places for respite and connection with nature.  The loss of revenue due to the COVID-19 situation is devastating and with 94% of our budget coming from membership, admission and fundraising efforts, the community’s support of the Botanical Gardens is important now more than ever.”…

Various Positions Available as Park Prepares to Reopen

Darien Center, N.Y. – June 26, 2020—In anticipation of safely reopening at the appropriately deemed time, and following the direction outlined by civic leaders, State Officials, health professionals, epidemiologists, and industry experts around the world, Six Flags Darien Lake, the Thrill Capital of New York, is currently seeking qualified individuals to fill more than 1,000 positions in various departments as it prepares to reopen for the 2020 season. Six Flags Darien Lake has established cleanliness, health, and safety standards that meet federal, state, and local guidelines.

Campground to Reopen June 25 Featuring Extensive New Safety and Sanitation Measures

VIDEO FOR MEDIA USE

Darien Center, N.Y. — June 15, 2020 — Six Flags Darien Lake today announced plans to reopen its campground on Thursday June 25, 2020. In accordance with New York State’s phased reopening requirements and CDC guidelines, Six Flags Darien Lake is now taking reservations requests for its various cabins, campsites, and RV rentals. Guests will also have access to limited dining and retail amenities in Darien Square including the General Store, Pizza in the Square, and the Arcade. The campground will provide a safe and clean get-away for families looking to spend quality time outdoors.

The Waterfront is Open and Health and Safety Will Be the First Priority for Visitors

See visual of new signage at Canalside and the Outer Harbor here

Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) and Be Our Guest are encouraging visitors to the Buffalo Waterfront to engage in responsible recreation during the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis. ECHDC and Be Our Guest recommendations incorporate guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the New York State Department of Health for reducing the spread of infectious diseases and encourage everyone to enjoy local recreation areas while, practicing social distancing and using common sense to protect themselves and others.

Buffalo, NY - The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens announced they will host a wide variety of NEW live online classes this spring and summer.  The newest online series is entitled Botanical Extras that includes several interesting, informative and entertaining classes; The Fantastic World of Mosses on May 21, The History and Future of the Botanical Gardens on June 4, Floriography: The Secret Language of Flowers on June 11, Dendrology Demystified on June 18, Indulge - Delectable Botanical Luxuries on June 25, The English Plantswomen on July 9 and Gardening for Butterflies on July 16.  An online Succulent Garden Workshop will also be offered on June 10.

Buffalo, NY - The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens is holding their annual Great Plant Sale online for the first time ever.  The Botanical Gardens has been closed to the public since March 2020, and the Great Plant Sale is an extremely important fundraiser for the not-for-profit organization.

This year, The Great Plant Sale is bigger and better than ever! Be the envy of all your neighbors with exciting and unusual plants not found anywhere else such as; exotic Japanese maples, Ginkgo trees, native and drought-tolerant rarities, plants for sun and shade, luxurious hanging baskets and striking house plants. There are over 100 different annuals, many perennials suited for different areas of your garden, interesting shrubs and trees of all different shapes and sizes, expanded vegetable and herb selections, container gardens ready for your outdoor space and gardening supplies available.

Aquarium Has Bred the First New Penguins in the State-of-the-Art Penguin Habitat, a Priority Project of Governor Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Council Initiative 

See photo of the new Humboldt penguin chicks here  

The Western New York Regional Economic Development Council (WNYREDC) today congratulates the Aquarium of Niagara on successfully breeding Humboldt penguins in the $3.5 million Penguin Coast exhibit. The exhibit, which opened in 2018, allowed the Aquarium to receive accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and restart a breeding program for these threatened species. Two recently hatched chicks join the existing colony of 14 adult Humboldt penguins. This is the first penguin hatching at the Aquarium of Niagara since April 2006. Animal care staff hope to welcome additional chicks over the next several weeks as they continue to monitor the penguin colony. The Aquarium of Niagara is currently closed to the public in response to the COVID-19 virus but a video of new penguin chicks can be seen here.