Partners in Preservation
Together with partners we can make positive changes for the health of the community, changes none of us could do alone. Here we recognize our partners in preservation and thank them for the wonderful work they do.
Braddock Bay Bird Observatory
Genesee Land Trust and Braddock Bay Bird Observatory (BBBO) created a partnership in 1999 to preserve the land where BBBO had been conducting migratory bird research each spring and fall since 1985. To see birds close up, you are invited to join occasional activities we hold at the facility.
Quick fact: More than 300 banders from 25 states, Canada, Mexico, and Australia have been trained in BBBO's beginner, advanced, and teen banding classes.
Visit the BBBO website and learn more about our collaboration on this page.
City of Rochester
Genesee Land Trust acts with neighbors, volunteers, and community partners as friends of Conkey Corner Park and the Thomas R. Frey Trail at El Camino. Starting in 2000, Genesee Land Trust acted as the catalyst to transform an abandoned rail line into a neighborhood trail. Conkey Corner Park, a gateway to the trail was built in 2008 and is now a community hub for the neighborhood. In 2012, residents and neighborhood organizations celebrated the opening of El Camino, a City of Rochester park.
The trail was re‑dedicated to Genesee Land Trust board member Tom Frey in 2017 for his commitment to the trail and neighborhood.
Quick fact: Over 300 community volunteers built the playground in 2010.
Visit the City's page about El Camino and learn more about our collaboration on this page.
Rochester Birding Association
The Rochester Birding Association (RBA) is for all people interested in birdwatching in the Rochester area. We bring together people at all levels of knowledge and experience. We were established in 1987 with a focus on education and birdwatching in the birds’ natural environment. RBA provides opportunities for birders to expand their skills, meet others who share their interest in birds, and see more species throughout the upstate New York area.
Quick fact: RBA hosts over 50 field trips each year, that are free and open to the public.
Visit RBA's website to learn more. https://rochesterbirding.org/
Cracker Box Palace
Cracker Box Palace and Genesee Land Trust together preserved the 627-acre Alasa Farms property on Sodus Bay. A no-kill farm animal haven based in historic barns, Cracker Box Palace has an extensive volunteer program caring for the animals, a Large Animal Rescue Team, and many fun events throughout the year. In addition, Cracker Box Palace has an active adoption program for animals that are ready for a new home.
Quick facts: In addition to the farm, Cracker Box Palace and Alasa Farms has over seven miles of trails for you to explore.
Visit the Cracker Box Palace website and learn more about our collaboration on this page.
Friends of Webster Trails
Friends of Webster Trails (FWT) is the volunteer arm of the Webster Parks and Recreation Department. When FWT was established in 1997 its only activity was the maintenance of the Hojack Trail, but that has quickly grown to include spots like Whiting Road Nature Preserve, Gosnell Big Woods Preserve, Four Mile Creek Preserve, and more. These trails provide a place for hiking, cycling, running, cross‑country skiing, and snowshoeing.
Quick fact: FWT has now built 19.5 miles of trails in Webster—all ready for you to explore.
Visit Friends of Webster Trails website to learn more about the organization and to become a member.
Full Lotus Farm
Sarah Hilfiker and Sam Zguta worked at Peacework Farm for the 2017 season before taking over management of the land in 2018 to become the next farmers of this protected farm. Full Lotus Farm follows a permaculture model of farming which increases organic matter retention, cycling nutrients in the soil, and decreasing erosion.
Quick fact: The farmland at Full Lotus Farm has been organically farmed for nearly three decades.
Visit the Full Lotus Farm website to learn more about the farm and this page to learn about the protected land they farm on.
Genesee Valley Audubon Society
Genesee Valley Audubon Society (GVAS) is a chapter of the Audubon Society that serves the western New York region. GVAS focuses on sharing their commitment to and love of birds and wildlife in order to educate and advocate for the protection of the wildlife habitats that they need and caring for the environment. Genesee Land Trust and GVAS partner on projects throughout the year including guided walks, educational programs, and projects that improve habitat for native species.
Quick fact: GVAS sponsors R Falcon Cam, a website that shares live streaming video of Peregrine Falcons living in downtown Rochester.
Visit the Genesee Valley Audubon website to learn more.
Rochester Accessible Adventures
In 2023, Genesee Land Trust partnered with Rochester Accessible Adventures to begin an accessibility audit of our public nature preserves, our programs, and our digital content. RAA started in 2015 when a group of 26 community members gathered to find solutions to a recurring problem:
People with disabilities do not have the same access to participating in health and wellness activities as their peers without disabilities.
Quick fact: Rochester Accessible Adventures created an inclusive basketball program called Rochester Rockets.
Visit their website to learn more.
Peacework Farm LLC (retired)
In 2009, Genesee Land Trust and Peacework Farm developed a model that provided a long-term commitment to sustainable farming practices and low barriers to access the land for new farmers. The Peacework Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) led by Elizabeth Henderson and Suzanne Wheatcraft worked with Genesee Land Trust to buy the land from Rebecca Field Kraai and develop the lease that continues today. Learn more about the history here.
Greg Palmer and Ammie Chickering continued the farm after Elizabeth retired. In 2017 Greg and Ammie retired, passing the lease to Full Lotus Farm.
Quick fact: Peacework was one of the first CSAs in the country when it began in 1989.
This protected land is now farmed by Full Lotus Farm. Learn more about our collaboration on this page.
Sanctuary at Crowfield Farm
Sanctuary at Crowfield Farm was formed to help families and individuals reconnect with nature and Native American traditions—located on land that is protected by Genesee Land Trust with a conservation easement donated by Rebecca Field Kraai. The trails are open to the public for exploration.
Quick fact: Sanctuary offers outdoor programs for grandparents and their grandchildren to connect to nature together.
Learn more about our collaboration on this page.
Ibero American Action League
Ibero is a dual language multi service agency that uplifts, empowers, and advocates for Latinos and the underserved to achieve equity and become fully valued community members. Genesee Land Trust works closely with Ibero on a number of community nature events in the El Camino neighborhood.
Quick fact: In 2022 Ibero opened a new community center adjacent to Conkey Corner Park and the Thomas R. Frey Trail at El Camino.
Learn more about Ibero at their website.
Towns and Villages
Since its formation in 1989, some of Genesee Land Trust’s strongest partners have been the Towns throughout the greater Rochester region. Notable projects have included Corbett’s Glen in Brighton, Gosnell Big Woods in Webster, Lehigh Crossing Park in Victor, Macyville Woods Nature Preserve in the Village of Sodus Point, and protecting valuable farmland in Macedon, Ontario, Parma, Palmyra, and Walworth.
Photo by Nigel P. Kent.
Trail Works
Trail Works, Inc., a not-for-profit organization, was founded in Wayne County in 1997 by a small group of dedicated trail users interested in trail development and expanding trail use. Trail Works provides a unified voice for Wayne County trail users and coordinates the development and maintenance of high-quality, year-round multi-use trails. They educate the community on trail benefits and inform the public about trail issues.
Quick fact: Trail Works plans guided walks and paddle excursions for people to explore Wayne County.
Visit the Trail Works website to learn more.
Interested in partnering with Genesee Land Trust for a special project or event? Learn more here.