The Nature Sanctuary Society of Western New York Inc. has received a $25,000 grant from the New York State Conservation Partnership Program and New York’s Environmental Protection Fund.

The funding will be used to support program implementation of nine specific national Land Trust Standards and Practices, growing the capacity of NSSWNY to preserve rare species, habitats, and geologic sites in Western New York.

The award, which will be administered by the Land Trust Alliance in coordination with the state Department of Environmental Conservation, is anticipated to arrive in January, according to Jacqueline Courtney Swift, nature Sanctuary Society of Western New York president.

“The grant will enable us to implement LTA standards and practices that will enhance our organizational abilities and the accomplishment of our mission to preserve Western New York’s native biodiversity,” Swift said. “We are deeply grateful to NYSDEC and the LTA for their generous support of our vital work,” she added.

Specifically, the Nature Sanctuary Society of Western New York will use the funding to develop organizational capacity for land trust standards that will strengthen the organization’s administrative and fiscal accountability, record-keeping practices, public outreach and education, and management of its nature preserves.

“It has been a great honor to work with our members, board of directors, and grant writer to arrive at this high point in NSSWNY’s success,” Swift said.

The application was supported locally by the Roger Tory Peterson Institute.