For Immediate Release

September, 2007

Genesee Land Trust Awarded $90,000 from HSBC

The Genesee Land Trust prides itself on making a significant impact in the Greater Rochester area. And now, a “green banking” campaign by HSBC Bank USA , NA has made a big impact on the Trust—in the form of a $90,000 gift.

HSBC’s gift, as part of a national There’s No Small Change campaign, follows a number of years of steady corporate support for GLT efforts. “HSBC’s support over the past five years has been a crucial element in allowing the Genesee Land Trust to do what it has done, and to grow from a fledgling organization into a solid community partner,” said Trust President Suzanne Wheatcraft. “With this wonderful new gift, the Trust will be able to vigorously pursue the protection of unique natural places that add to our community’s quality of life and environmental health.”

Representatives of HSBC will attend the Trust’s Forever Green Auction, an annual fundraiser, being held at Artisanworks on October 27 th . The presentation of the check for $90,000 will be will take place at that time.

Genesee Land Trust was one of only 11 charities nationwide to be selected as a recipient of this grant related program. Other charities include the Friends of the National Arboretum in Washington , D.C. , SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse , Zoological Society of Buffalo, Buffalo Olmstead Parks Conservancy, National Arbor Day Foundation, City Parks Foundation in New York City , Citizens for a Better Florida, New York Botanical Garden , and Environmental Volunteers of Palo Alto, CA. “It’s a wonderful group of charities, each working in its own way to protect and enhance the environment,” Wheatcraft said. “Genesee Land Trust is more than pleased to be among that select group.”

HSBC initiated the There’s No Small Change green banking campaign last spring to reach out to customers and prospective customers regarding ways that individuals can make small (and large) changes to help the environment. In 2005, HSBC was the world’s first major bank to become carbon neutral and for two years has been named the Green Power Partner of the Year by both the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy. Last spring, HSBC celebrated the opening of its first local green bank building in the Town of Greece . With a strong and serious commitment to the environment, HSBC has a history of sponsoring grassroots efforts in the communities it serves. Over the past five years, HSBC support for the Trust has totaled $55,000, not counting the 2007 award.

“For 18 years, the Genesee Land Trust has had a tangible impact in the Greater Rochester region, protecting nearly 3,000 acres of critical habitat,” said Paul Lawrence, President and Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Bank USA, N.A. “We are proud to continue to support the great work they do and demonstrate our commitment to the environment and the communities we live, work and do business in.”

“We are grateful for HSBC’s confidence in Genesee Land Trust and thankful for their long-time commitment to the environment,” said Executive Director Gay Mills. “The support of our 1,000 members and corporate contributors—especially HSBC—has made our land conservation success possible.

“Genesee Land Trust will reap the benefits of this unprecedented corporate support throughout the coming year, as it enables us to accelerate the pace of conservation projects,” Mills added. “More natural habitats and productive farmland will be saved and preserved forever, due in no small part to the commitment of HSBC to the Trust and the environment of the Greater Rochester region.”

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Contact:

Suzanne Wheatcraft, President, Board of Directors

Work: 262-8405 ( Rochester City School District )

Home: 442-2177

Or Gay Mills, Executive Director, Genesee Land Trust

256-2130