Land Trust Alliance Rally

The National Land Conservation Conference: Rally 2005, brought together over 1800 conservationists from around the country. Representing Genesee Land Trust were Andy Wheatcraft, board member and chair of the development committee, Suzanne Wheatcraft, board vice president, Sonya and Carl Christensen, and Kathy Rivera, all volunteers in the Urban Trail Project (cover story, summer edition: GLT) and executive director, Gay Mills.

A feedback posting on the LTA Website states that “a certain theme ran through every speech conveying that “Land trusts are in the business not just of conserving lands, but of conserving the human values that those lands embody.” Keynote speaker, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told a packed auditorium of conservationists: “Our values come from the land protected by all of you.” Steve Miller, commissioner of the IRS, said, “The IRS recognizes that conservation easements play a vital role in American society.”

These inspiring words plus the unique networking opportunity elicited many responses from the Genesee Land Trust representatives. Sonya Christensen, who received a scholarship from the Rochester Area Community Foundation to attend the conference, was impressed by the level of commitment and passion her fellow conservationists shared and their work of “preserving livable spaces for multiple uses.” She attended workshops dealing with urban projects and learned about community garden and pocket park projects being done in Chicago, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Milwaukee and Madison. She came away with lots of ideas and with renewed admiration for the Parks and Environmental Services Departments of the city of Rochester because of their commitment and flexibility. She was reminded of the importance of inclusiveness, of establishing a true sense of ownership in the projects from the low-income residents to the top rung, inviting all to be a part of the decision making process. The Rally encouraged Christensen to “keep up the good fight.”

Trust vice president, Suzanne Wheatcraft says, “I was reminded that there is a wealth of knowledge and information out there for the Land Trust to take advantage of. I also relish the opportunity to network with board members from other land trusts because I am frequently reminded that we are known for our efficiency, effectiveness, our quality staff and our innovative projects.”

Executive Director, Gay Mills, is always invigorated by attending an LTA Rally but adds that watching the enthusiasm of new Land Trust volunteers, Kathy Rivera and the Christensens, is most gratifying. Land Trust Alliance Rally 2006 takes place in Nashville Tennessee,, October 12 through the 15th.

For more information on any of these events or to volunteer, please call 256-2130 or send e-mail to info@geneseelandtrust.org. For maps go to www.geneseelandtrust.org.