Joined Genesee Land Trust March 20, 2015

Education: B.S. Environmental Conservation Studies, University of New Hampshire

Favorite conservation property and why: Too hard to name just one! Manitou Beach Preserve in the spring to enjoy the colorful songbirds, Cornwall Preserve in the summer for the cool Lake Ontario breeze, Gosnell Big Woods in the fall for the transitional colors, and Crackerbox Palace at Alasa Farms for animal tracks in the winter.

Describe what you do: I oversee Genesee Land Trust’s portfolio of conservation lands and relationships for our 31 conservation easements, 17 nature preserves, preservation partnerships, and stewardship contracts. I get to work with landowners, volunteers, and community groups on programs and projects that improve natural habitat and create opportunities for people to connect with the outdoors.

What is a typical day like for you? A typical day can involve site visits to conservation lands to meet with neighbors or contractors, check-ins on active projects or issues, and conducting monitoring visits. The other half of the day may be spent working in the office managing projects or grants related to habitat restoration, engagement and accessibility, or the acquisition of new properties.

Why do you work for Genesee Land Trust? I work for Genesee Land Trust because of the organization’s commitment to implementing its mission across the entire service area. This includes conserving high-quality natural resources, but also making sure we’re connecting people to those resources and growing support for this work into the future.

What are you most proud of from your work with the land trust? I’m proud when I get to see or hear that people enjoy the places Genesee Land Trust has conserved - whether that’s enjoying trails, recommending them to others, or taking a sense of ownership by volunteering their time to improve them. I also love hearing about the plant and wildlife observations from these properties, which help guide our habitat management efforts. Some of my favorite observations over the past few years include yellow lady-slipper orchids, bobolinks, and fishers.

What goals do you have for the future of the land trust? I’m excited for the direction Genesee Land Trust is going. This includes using conservation and management tools to create outdoor spaces that address community needs—ranging from recreation to health and wellness. From plant and wildlife habitats to our towns and neighborhoods, our region is very diverse. I’m excited that the organization focuses on being intentionally inclusive.

Please share a magical moment you’ve had in nature: In college I had the opportunity to study abroad for a semester learning ecology, environmental policy, and biogeography in New Zealand. While there I had some remarkable wildlife experiences including seeing pufferfish inflate, swimming with wild dusky dolphins, moray eels, and rays, and seeing a variety of amazing birds including albatross, blue penguin, and remarkable endemic birds like the kokako and kea, to name a few. Seeing the joy and skill my instructors had when it came to birds motivated me to get into birding on my return to the United States, which has only grown since then.

What do you like to do in your spare time? When I’m not working, I like to play disc golf, go birding, run, camp, cook, and spend time with friends and family. I enjoy exploring Rochester and traveling.

What is your favorite animal, and why? Another tough one to answer, today I’m going to say the sparrow hawk, aka American kestrel.

What kind of hiking boots/shoes do you wear? If you were to open the back of my car, you would find a minimum of four different pairs of footwear. Muck boots for wet conditions, work boots for durability and safety, hiking boots for comfort, and a pair of Crocs for style.

Tell us about your family/pets: Suzy and John Farrell, my parents, are active volunteers with Genesee Land Trust and participate in Trail Keepers, work parties, and are regular walkers of El Camino and Gosnell Big Woods. Both are involved in several organizations doing great work in and around the City of Rochester including First Unitarian Church and the Mendon Foundation. My older brother, Owen, lives in Rochester and my younger sister, Cara, lives in Massachusetts.

How did your childhood connect you to nature/put you on the path to the Genesee Land Trust? I spent time growing up camping and being outdoors with my family. In middle and high school, I spent lots of time at Mendon Ponds Park and Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area, cross country running and skiing. As I got older, I wanted to help ensure there are spaces like those for others into the future.

What do you always take on a hike? Binoculars! You never know what you’ll see.