​BUFFALO, N.Y. — ​A new program celebrating the diverse cultural history of Buffalo’s riverfront communities is making its debut this summer.

The Riverline Initiative comes from a collaboration between the Western New York Land Conservancy and local artists.

Organizers say it will be a place for people to find refuge and have small social gatherings.

They hope the art program will allow residents of the Valley, Old First Ward and Perry neighborhoods to tell stories and promote their communities.  

”Use the culture of this community to create something that fits into the community and works with the community and for the community,” Sara Heidinger, an artist and photographer, said.

Once completed, the Riverline will include outdoor activities connecting to parks and kayak launches along the Buffalo River.

The Land Conservancy says the project will be a model for connecting people with nature.