Project in Forest Lawn Cemetery does more than create an oasis

Four pedestrian bridges, lagoons, a running trail and small parking areas--that's the sight you see in the center of Forest Lawn Cemetery.

After the area, which used to be Swan Lake, was filled in with hopes of cutting down pollution from nearby Scajaquada Creek, it sat untouched for almost 60 years.

The Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper, the Sewer Authority and the group Ducks Unlimited came up with a plan about 10 years ago to restore Swan Lake while also helping reduce pollution in the creek.

An initial investment of $100,000 dollars to create this oasis has now grown to a seven million dollar project.  Funding has come from federal, state and private donors.

"From here all the way onto the Niagara River we have a real opportunity to do something good for water quality," said Deputy Executive Director of Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper, Kerrie Gallo.

The hope is to have this project inspire others to do their part to clean up other parts of Scajaquada Creek. The project is set to be completed by the end of this year.

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