New

Maps

Niagara River Greenway

Niagara River Region

NY National Heritage Area

Niagara Gorge Waterfalls

Ancient Cedars

NYS EcoRegions Level 3

Hardiness Zone

NYS Great Lakes Basin

Bird Conservation Areas

Pollinator E. Broadleaf

NYS Hardiness Zones

Site

Programs

Resources

Reference

Books

Film

Schools

Parks and Open Space

Natural Heritage Program

How2 Projects

Plants

Regional Plants

Forest

Flora

Reference sheets

NYS Plant List

Invasives

Wildlife

Wildlife Species List

Birds

Butterflies

Pollinators

Insects

Frogs

FAQ

Advocacy

Contact

Contact Us

About Us

Citizen Science

Links

PlantLists

Projects

Vacant Lot 1 Habitat

Vacant Lot 2 Habitat

NF Hampton Inn Habitat

Ecological Restoration

Media/Press

Home

Michelle Vanstrom, Master Naturalist

Niagara's Native Species

About Us
Congratulations to Michelle Vanstrom, who has completed the training and volunteer requirements to become a Level 9 Master Naturalist! Michelle spends many volunteer hours sharing her passion for pollinators. She writes articles for the Pollinator Conservation Association Magazine “The Pollinator” (http://www.pollinatorconservationassociation.org/the-pollinator.html) on topics like why native plants better support pollinators than nativars, and participated in their Times Beach Nature Preserve Butterfly Count (http://www.pollinatorconservationassociation.org/butterfly-counts.html, http://www.friendsoftimesbeachnp.org/butterfliespollinators-and-important-insects.html). During the Buffalo Garden Walk (https://www.gardensbuffaloniagara.com/garden-walk-buffalo) she tabled a native plant booth, providing handouts and information about local native plants. Michelle also continues to share her naturalist knowledge through her website (http://www.mdvnaturalist.com/) and by moderating and posting on several natural-resource-focused Facebook groups. The With the WNY Land Conservancy (https://wnylc.org/you-can-help/volunteer/), Michelle planted locally sourced native wildflowers at Stella Niagara Preserve. She also worked with them and WNY PRSIM (https://www.wnyprism.org/get-involved/volunteer/) to remove invasive plant species like privet, multiflora rose, and honeysuckle. Thank you, Michelle, for your commitment to conservation and your enthusiasm for helping others learn about natural resources! Best Regards, Kristi Kristi L. Sullivan Director, New York State Master Naturalist Volunteer Program Cornell University Dept. of Natural Resources 218 Fernow Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853
"Michelle completed 56.5 hours of course work and 485 hours of volunteer work since beginning the [NewYork State Master] program in 2010!
Michelle is passionate about the use of native plants and the ecological restoration of the Niagara Gorge Rim, and much of her volunteer time is focused on these topics. For example, Michelle designs, creates, and manages pollinator habitats in Niagara County, specifically in Niagara Falls and at her home in Youngstown. Her yard is certified as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation, and as a Monarch Way Station by MonarchWatch. 

As Beautification Chair for Main Street [Business and Professional Association] in Niagara Falls, she planted and maintained 16 annual pollinator container gardens, and won numerous awards for her work. Michelle also created and maintains a Niagara County Native Plant website at www.mdvnaturalist.com (check it out!). She has spent time monitoring and controlling invasive species (hemlock wooly adelgid, knotweed, garlic mustard, buckthorn), and participates in various citizen science monitoring programs including Project Bud Burst and Project Bud Break, Celebrate Urban Birds, pollinator monitoring for the Xerces Society, and the Museum of Science’s FireFly Watch.

Kristi Sullivan, Certified Wildlife Biologist
Co-Director, Conservation Education and Research Program
Director, New York Master Naturalist Program
Cornell Dept. of Natural Resources
B20 Bruckner
Ithaca, NY 14853
607-255-5508 


  vanshel400@yahoo.com
P.O. Box 2827 Niagara Falls, N.Y 14302 / 716-913-5324

Website powered by Network Solutions®