WildWood Western New York

WildWood Western New York is a small business based out of South Wales, NY that specializes in environmental education outreach programming. We provide programs that connect people of all ages with the flora, fauna, fungi, and natural features found in Western New York. Our mission is to provide quality, accessible education through nature exploration to learners of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.

Relatively! WildWood WNY was incorporated as a business in 2024. However, WildWood WNY’s founder, Syd Mecca, is a lifelong student of nature and a career environmental educator. Learn more about the folks involved with WildWood WNY here: wildwoodwny.org/staff/.

Both! We cater our programs based on the audience that we’ve been booked to teach. We work with audiences of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, and pride ourselves on creating and delivering programs that meet people where they are and allow them to better understand and enjoy their environment.

Schools, libraries, senior centers, homeschool co-ops, Scout groups, day-hab programs, and more! Programs can be booked by individuals for private events, such as birthday parties, but we do not offer programs at private residences (houses, apartments, etc.) at this time.

Information and pricing for our general in-person and virtual outreach programs can be found here: wildwoodwny.org/outreach-programs/. If you’re interested in learning about our Scout programs, please visit: wildwoodwny.org/scouts/.

Yes – if you’d like to book a program that covers a topic that is not listed on our website, please contact us! We’re able to develop programs that discuss nearly anything nature-related that can be found in Western New York, and beyond!

If we feel that we are able to fulfil your custom program request, we’re happy to point you in the direction of an organization or individual who may better suit your programmatic needs.

Yes – we love bringing tabling programs to all types of events! If you’re planning a school science night, community picnic, festival, environmental awareness fair, or other similar event that you’re interesting in having WildWood WNY, please contact us. We have a few “fan favorite” tabling programs that we offer, including Mammal Mania, or we can customize a table for your event! Current pricing can be found under the “Community / Event Tabling” header here: wildwoodwny.org/outreach-programs/.

This one is a bit tricky – if your group / organization has access & permission to use a park, greenspace, or nature trails, then yes! If not, then maybe! We do not currently have a location where we can host guided walks, but we’re more than happy to work with you to see what options may be available for your program. Many public parks have rules about conducting business on their property and permit requirements, so please reach out to us at least a month in advance of the date of your program to discuss potential location options.

We’re working towards providing an easier booking process for nature walks and guided hikes, please stay tuned!

Bird of the Day is a daily email that we write and publish that highlights different bird species found in the Northeastern United States! A samples from a past Bird of the Day email can be viewed here: Black-capped Chickadee. Interested in receiving these emails? Subscribe here: Bird of the Day Sign Up.

Note: Every Bird of the Day email is written by humans. In a time when more and more things, including educational resources, are being generated by A.I., we feel that it’s important to make this distinction.

Share our website and program information with folks in your life who may be interested in booking with us! Virtual and in-person “word-of-mouth” marketing is an incredibly powerful way to support small businesses. Additionally, we have a donation option on our Support page and an online store.