In 2023, Genesee Land Trust protected 1,300+ acres across 5 properties in Monroe, Wayne and Ontario counties. This article - updated from our Fall/Winter 2023 newsletter with final totals - highlights our progress since founding in 1989. We couldn’t do it without the ongoing support of our generous donors. Thank you!

Members of our staff and board share some of their favorite local winter adventures - from a small ski slope in Spencerport to a peaceful snow shoe trail in Macedon, there are lots of options.

Since 2019, ten scouts have completed projects to build bridges, boardwalks, benches, and bird nests at various public nature preserves. This timeline celebrates their contributions. Many other scouts have helped over the years.

Embracing the “New Normal” of Caring for Protected Lands

The cracking skeletons of large dead ash trees at Island Cottage Woods tell the tale of invasive species and higher flooding levels - both due to climate change . To protect visitors and manage these issues, Genesee Land Trust closed the nature preserve in mid October.

We hosted an Orchard JamBoree to celebrate the permanent protection of G and S Orchards in Walworth. It was a huge hit!

A family of beavers, nature’s eco-engineers, have built a lodge near the wetland observation platform.

Read different children’s books as you explore beautiful places around the region.

Explore the wetlands along the creek, the meadow, and the woods during a recent visit.

Greater Rochester’s land and water conservation organization promotes a proven leader to help write its next chapter. Lorna has 10+ years of experience at the land trust.

More than 3,500 tree saplings will increase biodiversity and help store carbon along Lake Ontario.

Mary Hadley, a member of Genesee Land Trust’s Board of Directors since 2014, currently serves as Board President. Read this Q&A to learn about her work with the Land Trust and her passion for nature.

Take a look at Corbett’s Glen on a snowy day in February - with a video of ducks in Allen’s Creek.

On a sunny winter walk our staff explores 62 acres of protected woods in North Rose.

Genesee Land Trust is applying for renewal of accreditation. You can submit a comment on our application until April 10, 2023.

A popular U-pick orchard will permanently protect its 200 acres of farmland in Walworth.

Teens for the Earth - our reimagined and expanded youth workforce development program - spent 2022 learning about the rich natural resources of our region, the issues and threats to local water and land, and how they can make a difference. Meet some of these future conservationists and find out more about the program.

The Community Design Center of Rochester honored Gay Mills with the 2022 Activism Award in recognition of the impact Genesee Land Trust has had under her leadership. Join us in celebrating!

Get a look at some features of Deer Creek Woods and learn what comes next for this special place that’s now permanently protected. Thank you for your support!

Don’t let the cold and snow stop you. Heading outside is great for your mood and health any time of year - and especially when it’s cold out. Dress for the weather, grab a thermos or water bottle and go exploring. Here are 6 places to take a winter walk. All have plowed parking lots and beautiful winter views.

The State of the Birds Report 2022 came out October 12, and its results are both deeply concerning and re-emphasize the critical work Genesee Land Trust does to protect bird habitats. Read the high-level results, and how we’re helping threatened bird species.

Amanda Grisa joined Genesee Land Trust in October 2021. She runs a farm in Naples with her family and spends every weekend in the summer at local farmer’s markets.

We opened Salmon Creek Nature Preserve in Hilton in September 2022. Find out how we’re focusing on accessibility, and share your feedback and ideas for improvements we can make.

On November 8th, 2022, New York voters will have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to protect clean water, update infrastructure, build parks, and improve quality of life in every county of the state. All without increasing taxes.

Helen joined Genesee Land Trust in 2019 to run the Genesee River Alliance and build community engagement around the Genesee River. She spent most of her childhood outside and loves tulips.

In 2016, Greg Hartt and Jenney Stringer purchased a 57-acre farm in Henrietta to start an organic pig farm. In May 2022, Genesee Land Trust received a grand to permanently protect their land from future development.

Last fall we purchased 25 acres of land on Bennett Road in Hilton to create the Salmon Creek Nature Preserve and make it an accessible birding and recreation spot. The property, surrounded on 3 sides by hundreds of acres of conservation land, is bordered by Salmon Creek and includes a small pond. More than 30 species of grassland birds have already been observed, including northern shrike, American wigeon, and horned lark.

Kevin joined Genesee Land Trust in 2015. He oversees all our protected properties and works closely with land owners and community members. In his free time, he loves birding.