A Place That Could Have Been Different

Along the high bluffs of Lake Ontario, in the town of Williamson, Cornwall Preserve feels like it’s always been here — grassy trails, meadow and woods, birds and butterflies floating through, and kids’ voices carrying on the wind.

Like many properties along the Lake, this land could have been developed. For a time, that was a real possibility. Many other places like this have disappeared — one field, one woodland, one view at a time. Without action, it was only a matter of years before this land was lost, too.

Long before it was protected, Carol May, a neighbor, was one of the few people who had permission to walk along the bluff. She remembers following the old farm lanes, seeing the migrating monarch butterflies, knowing it was something special.

She thought, “How special would it be to protect this land — to provide the habitat these butterflies need, forever? And what if instead of only a few being able to walk these trails, it could be shared with everyone?”

She wasn’t the only one who felt that way. Local community members also recognized what was at stake and began asking what it would take to protect this land.

That shared concern inspired a pivotal decision. Ten years ago, the Cornwall family chose to sell 74 acres, and later an additional 3 acres, so it could remain open.

Since then, with ongoing community support, trails have been established and are mowed and cared for. Wildlife habitat has been enhanced, providing places needed by bluebirds, hawks, and so many others. And most importantly — you, your family and friends, can rely on it being there, forever.

More Places at Risk

Today there are areas in our region where people can’t experience nature close to home, and where wildlife don’t have permanently protected land to return to year after year. Yet, it’s not from a lack of possibility. In Monroe and Wayne counties, many spaces could easily be overlooked: fields, woodlots, and stretches that may not seem remarkable at first glance — but hold the potential to become the “next Cornwall Preserve” kind of place where both people and wildlife thrive.

That’s why this year we’re already working with two families to conserve their land as neighborhood conservation areas.

Working alongside local communities, Genesee Land Trust is preserving these lands and waterways as a gift to the future — and to today.

Signs of a Loving Legacy

Ann Parks, right, smiles next to Diane Cass (one of our founders) at a 2012 Land Trust event. Ann has short white hair, wire-rim glasses, and is wearing a red turtleneck and blue sweater.

A quiet steady person with a passion for history and the outdoors, Ann Parks loved birding along Lake Ontario and taking early morning horse rides.

An active member of the Crescent Trail Hiking Association in Perinton, she also enjoyed caring for local trails.

In 1995, Ann became a member of Genesee Land Trust. Her devoted generosity included many hours of volunteering, and nearly 30 years of consistent annual gifts that helped our local conservation movement grow stronger.

“Ann’s legacy of generosity protects our region’s past, supports our community’s present, and helps prepare for our future.”

— Gay Mills, retired Executive Director of Genesee Land Trust

We miss her, and we are immensely grateful Ann also named Genesee Land Trust as a beneficiary to her IRA.

Thanks to Ann’s care and foresight, we’ll install historical markers at 30 protected family farms. The signs honor each family’s legacy. From the few signs already installed, we’ve seen how they raise awareness about local conservation and inspire more landowners.

And when our neighbors are ready to act, part of Ann’s gift will also make it easier for us to respond quickly and overcome barriers, including the funding needed to support a property’s long-term stewardship needs.

Ann’s gift reminds us that planned giving is about more than just generosity; it is also about believing in the work of the Land Trust to protect and steward lands and waterways now and forever.

If Your Neighbor Knows, Conservation Grows

Martin Farm protected their farmland and installed our very first historic preservation marker in 2010 in the Town of Parma.

Since then, the Zarpentine, DeMeyer, and Adams families have protected their nearby farmland.

Today, 559 acres in the Town of Parma are safe forever — and that’s a great sign!

From left: Linda Judd, Pat Buskey, Marilyn DeMeyer, Scott Copey, David Martin (owner), and Tim Thomas stand around a blue metal historic marker at Martin Farm. It says “MARTIN FARM In 2010, this farmland was permanently preserved by the Martin family, together with the Town of Parma, Monroe County, and Genesee Land Trust. Parma Farmland and Open Space Preservation Committee.”

2nd Annual Bridging Communities Celebration Returns to Driving Park Bridge on July 26th, 600+ Attendees Anticipated

Genesee Land Trust and Genesee River Alliance Host Free Event to Connect Neighbors in Edgerton and El Camino to Nature, Gather Input on River Projects

Genesee Land Trust, our region’s land and water conservation organization since 1989, will close Driving Park Bridge to host Bridging Communities 2025 on Saturday, July 26th.

Genesee River Alliance – a Land Trust initiative since 2019 – organizes the annual riverside celebration in partnership with the City of Rochester to help more people connect to the river and their neighbors – especially families and elders in the Edgerton and El Camino areas.

Bridging Communities offers free outdoor fun for everyone – right in the urban core of Rochester. A hot lunch will be provided thanks to generous support from Land Trust members, partners, and event sponsors.

More than 600 people – including 200 youth – joined last year’s inaugural event. Organizers anticipate 50+ community organizations and similar neighborhood attendance this year.

Bridging Communities 2025 will feature additional health resources, including free Zumba classes hosted by the YMCA. Rochester Regional Health’s mobile healthcare clinic will also provide free blood pressure and blood sugar screenings, and help applying for health insurance.

Attendees can also join historic tours of Lower Falls and will have a chance to learn about river-related projects, including the upcoming High Falls State Park, Inner Loop North, and ROC the Riverway.

Event Details:

Bridging Communities 2025

Sat. July 26th, Noon – 4 pm

Guided history walk of Lower Falls at 12:30, 1:45, 3 pm

Driving Park Bridge & Maplewood Park Rose Garden

Free – including hot lunch and all activities

Activities Include:

ROC City Circus, bounce house, face painting, costumed characters, bike raffle, DJ, guided walks

Quotes:

"Bridging Communities is more than a celebration, it brings neighbors together to uplift our heritage, improve our health, and create community connections along the Genesee Riverway. It's about belonging, bridging gaps, and building-together."

 – Helen Dumas, Sr. Director of Programs and Community Engagement

Bridging Communities Press Kit: https://geneseelandtrust.mediavalet.com/portals/bridgingcommunities25

2025 Bridging Communities Sponsors include:

Bridge Builder: ESL Federal Credit Union

River Keepers: FIFCO USA, Wegmans Food Markets

Water Advocate: Canandaigua National Bank

Friends: Allied Financial, Climate Solutions Accelerator, CMIT Solutions, Heveron & Heveron, UR Institute for Human Health and the Environment

About Genesee Land Trust:

Genesee Land Trust preserves and protects natural lands and waterways that enhance the quality of life in the Greater Rochester region—providing wildlife habitat, locally grown food, and connections to nature—for everyone. Genesee Land Trust works across Monroe, Wayne, Ontario, Genesee, Orleans, Livingston, Cayuga, and Seneca counties. Founded in 1989, Genesee Land Trust has permanently protected more than 9,700 acres of land, including 19 public nature preserves, 40 family farms, and more than 30 privately owned woods, wetlands, and meadows. A growing group of about 1,000 members support the non-profit organization, which also connects people to nature through complimentary events and educational programming. In 2019 the Land Trust founded the Genesee River Alliance, a leading advocacy group working with city and state leaders on river-related projects like the new state park at High Falls.

Media Contact:

Elliotte Bowerman

Director of Communications

Genesee Land Trust

(585) 256-2130 x200

(585) 450-3938

ebowerman@geneseelandtrust.org

Genesee River Alliance Report: Community Feedback on High Falls State Park

Genesee River Alliance — a Genesee Land Trust initiative since 2019 — is focused on the upcoming High Falls State Park in downtown Rochester.

As a close partner with the City and New York State, we’re working to ensure our diverse community members - especially park-side residents in Edgerton and El Camino - are heard in the process. You can see a project and community engagement timeline here.

Since the project was announced in 2022, we’ve organized special visits to the base of High Falls, surveyed 1,347 community members in English and Spanish, co-produced a project video with Tour Blend and Greentopia to raise awareness and survey engagement, and hosted a series of public community forums. In 2024 we also started the Bridging Communities riverside celebration with 600+ attendees, which will return to Driving Park Bridge this summer. And in April 2025, Genesee River Alliance announced our initial findings.

This is what we’ve learned so far:

Top 5 Community Requests:

ADA Accessibility, Bathrooms, Benches, Pedestrian Trails, Lighting

Top 10 Activities:

Walking, Relaxing, Reading Signs, Special Events, Picnics, Photography, Biking, Kayaking, Bird Watching, Dog Walking

Community Concerns:

Safety & Cleanliness

You can review the full survey results here.

For more information, please contact:

Helen Dumas, Senior Director of Programs and Community Engagement

hdumas@geneseelandtrust.org

(585) 256-2130 x130

Community Forum Gathers Input on Variety of Rochester Projects Transforming the Genesee River

Rochester residents and nearby neighbors came out on Sunday, Nov. 17th, 2024 to learn more about the future of the Genesee River, asking questions and sharing their input as part of the planning process for a collection of transformational projects in progress. 

Most attendees were excited about improving access and bringing out the beauty of the Genesee River, but concerned about accessibility for people living with disabilities, planners using native species, ongoing funding for trail maintenance, and the potential impacts to their homes and neighborhoods. Residents also shared their ideas for ways to make the river more appealing, from community event spaces and learning opportunities to safety features and street-level shade. 

Genesee Land Trust, Genesee River Alliance, and the City of Rochester hosted the gathering. Presentations and information tables covered ROC the Riverway updates, the Genesee Riverway Trail Extension to Lake Ontario, the Inner Loop North transformation project, and High Falls State Park. 

“With the support of Governor Hochul, local leaders at the Genesee Land Trust and the Genesee River Alliance, and our residents, we’re making huge strides toward revitalizing our waterfront and creating a unique destination that strengthens our region and fuels economic growth,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “This forum and other opportunities for public feedback will help ensure that final plans take into account the intimate knowledge of those who enjoy the river or live near its banks.” 

Residents also learned about organizations and resources serving riverside communities, and ways to enjoy the river year-round. They got to meet with City planners, project leaders and community organizations engaged in the various projects. Special thanks to New York State Parks, OLIN (the design firm leading the state park), Seneca Park Zoo, Climate Solutions Accelerator, Tour Blend, and Rec on the Move.

Genesee Land Trust has advocated for the Genesee River for more than 20 years and formed the Genesee River Alliance in 2019 to build city, county, and state support for our vital waterway running through the heart of Rochester. The forum was part of an ongoing effort to engage and support more riverside residents, especially marginalized and under-represented people in the Edgerton and El Camino neighborhoods.  

“Right now we’re at a pivotal moment for our mighty Genesee, the heart of Rochester and a critically important resource for our entire community,” says Helen Dumas, Director of Urban Engagement for Genesee Land Trust. “From big decisions to small details – these projects will transform our river and region. We need more diverse voices throughout the decision-making process to prioritize the needs and concerns of our entire community.”  

In July of this year, the Land Trust hosted its first riverside celebration - Bridging Communities. More than 600 people came together to enjoy beautiful waterfall views and have fun in nature. Bridging Communities will return to Driving Park Bridge and the Maplewood Park Rose Garden on July 26, 2025.  If you are interested in participating in Bridging Communities 2025, please fill out this form.

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Information about current river-related projects, community resources, and more feedback opportunities are available below.  

The City of Rochester invites anyone interested in signing up for updates or leaving comments about the ongoing Genesee Riverway Trail study to visit:

For anyone interested in contacting the Inner Loop North Project Team with any questions, ideas, and comments about the Inner Loop North Project, fill out this form:

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Check out the media coverage of the forum:

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