Funds Will Help Create New Trails at Public Nature Preserves in Greece, NY and Ontario, NY
Rochester, NY, JUNE 11, 2025 – Genesee Land Trust, the region’s land and water conservation organization since 1989, has secured $100,000 in grants to support two trail improvement projects and increase access to nature for everyone. These projects are supported with funding from the New York State Conservation Partnership Program (NYSCPP) and New York's Environmental Protection Fund. The NYSCPP is administered by the Land Trust Alliance, in coordination with the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
Thanks to generous member support, Genesee Land Trust will contribute $39,000 in matching funds and staff time for these community-focused projects. The work is part of the Land Trust’s ongoing efforts to create more welcoming public nature preserves - including for people living with disabilities – so everyone can explore and enjoy these special places.
The projects:
$50,000 for Deer Creek Woods Preserve, Town of Ontario (Wayne County)
Concept illustration of Deer Creek Woods Preserve by Shannon Eustice.
At Genesee Land Trust’s newest nature preserve – opened in fall 2024 – grant funds will go to widening and evening the trails and making them more accessible with stone dust or a similar surface. Benches and informational signs about the habitat and history will be added, along with split rail fencing along Deer Creek to create a scenic view of the floodplain and wetlands. Construction will begin this summer/fall.
$50,000 for Island Cottage Woods Preserve, Town of Greece (Monroe County)
Video tour of current trail conditions, and planned improvements, at Island Cottage Woods Preserve.
Grant funds will partially support the design, engineering, and planning of resilient and accessible new trails at this migratory bird “hotspot.” Since the preserve opened in 1999, the changing climate has increased Lake Ontario flooding, made year-round wetter trails, and damaged existing boardwalks. The property is currently closed while the Land Trust works to build wider boardwalks, ramped footbridges, observation platforms, benches, and new engaging features for visitors of all ages.
““We want local nature preserves to be welcoming space where everyone can enjoy the mental and physical rest and rejuvenation provided by spending time outside. We appreciate New York’s ongoing commitment to fund our local conservation efforts and we thank our caring community of generous donors, partners, and volunteers who make these vital spaces thrive. The work we do today will benefit generations to come.””
Additional Comments from a DEC press release:
Amanda Lefton, DEC Commissioner
“The Conservation Partnership Program demonstrates the power of collaboration in advancing New York’s environmental goals. Land trusts are essential partners in protecting critical habitats, expanding public access to nature, and making communities across the state more climate resilient. The Conservation Partnership Program grants announced today build upon the successful partnership between DEC, the Land Trust Alliance, and New York’s land trusts, and reflect our dedication to working hand-in-hand with local organizations to achieve our shared conservation goals and protect public land. Congratulations to the awardees—your dedication is helping to build a greener, healthier, and more sustainable New York.”
Ashley Demosthenes, CEO of the Land Trust Alliance
“Supporting land trusts and private land conservation benefits the people of New York in countless ways, from protecting open spaces to preserving farmland and conserving natural resources. New York’s Conservation Partnership Program grants illustrate the state’s commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of its residents and the environment by leveraging the strengths of New York’s land trust community to protect treasured local outdoor spaces and enhance resilience against the impacts of increasingly severe weather and a changing climate. Thank you to Governor Kathy Hochul, DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie for working to ensure the continued availability of clean water, outdoor recreation and economic opportunities for all New Yorkers.”
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. Learn more at https://www.geneseelandtrust.org/