Event Description: Celebrate Native American heritage with Trish Corcoran and Genesee River Alliance at Genesee Valley Park. During this walk, you’ll visit the White Pine Tree of Peace, planted by the Indigenous Peoples’ Day Committee three years ago, while Trish shares the story of the Peacemaker and the significance of the White Pine.
Learn how the Onondowaga (Seneca) Nation connects with and cares for nature and engage in conversation about both the historical and present-day impacts on the land and its people. Trish will talk specifically about the Indigenous history woven into the flora and fauna of Genesee Valley Park. Due to the Beaver trade sparked by colonization, one of the most traveled trade routes on Turtle Island ran between Irondequoit River and the Genesee River, turning Genesee Valley Park into a significant crossroad.
We’ll gather at the Roundhouse Shelter before heading off to walk the trail along the river. The Roundhouse Shelter does not have an official address across the mapping apps, but will appear if you type in, “Roundhouse Shelter, Rochester, NY 14620”. Check out the images below to see the Roundhouse Shelter’s location highlighted on Monroe County’s map of the park and Google Maps. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Mckenna Erwell at merwell@geneseelandtrust.org.
More about Trish: Trish Corcoran is Tonawanda Onondowaga, Bear Clan. She is a leader of Rochester's Indigenous Peoples' Day and a board member for both Genesee Land Trust and Friends of Ganondagan. She teaches Indigenous and Environmental studies at the Harley School to all grade levels. The Pollinator Garden and Wild Wood are under her care and have gained over one hundred trees planted by students. Trish also serves on the Indigenous Advisory Council for the Climate Solutions Accelerator, the Seventh Generation Land Defenders, and the Indigenous Peoples’ Health Coalition. Trish works with Neighbors of Onondaga Nation on the Witness to Injustice blanket exercise. She is also a writer and director of “Remnants”, an immersive walking art installation that uncovers the history of the land. Most of all she is the proud mom of two, whose family loves to hike, canoe, and camp amongst all their relations.
Trail Description: The trails at the park are paved with high quality asphalt with mostly even terrain. Slight inclines can be expected while crossing bridges over the river.
Accessibility: For questions about accessibility, reach out to Inclusion Point of Contact, Kevin Farrell, at kfarrell@geneseelandtrust.org.
Parking: The parking lot is located at the Genesee Valley Sports Complex at 131 Elmwood Avenue.
Restrooms: There are no public restrooms at the park, as they have closed for the season.
Pets: Dogs, other pets, emotional support, comfort, and companion animals are not allowed at Genesee Land Trust events. Although your pet may be friendly, everyone has different familiarity and experiences with animals. Thank you for being respectful to other attendees.
Service Animals: Service animals, which are dogs or miniature horses that are specifically trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities, are welcome. Service animals must always be under the control of the handler, housebroken, cleaned up after, and vaccinated in accordance with state laws.
Photo by Kathryn Elble