When Genesee Land Trust creates a public nature preserve, we rely on strong relationships to keep protected land and water thriving. Hipp Brook Preserve in Penfield is a great example.
Connecting River Neighbors at New “Bridging Communities” Party
To continue our work engaging riverside residents - particularly those from the Edgerton and El Camino neighborhoods - Genesee River Alliance will host a new summer celebration called “Bridging Communities.”
“We have a mixed history with our river, but the future is bright,” says Luis Burgos, former commissioner of Rochester’s Department of Recreation and Human Services (DRHS). “Connecting neighbors and building community support for the mighty Genesee is a great service to the entire city.”
A Party for All People
Driving Park Avenue Bridge (pictured) will become an entertainment stage featuring local talent during the party.
The bridge and nearby Maplewood Park will host local artisans, community resource tables, free
food, and fun activities for all ages. New York State Parks Department will run a Q&A session about the proposed state park at High Falls.
A photo booth from DigiBooths will promote our #RocYourNature summer campaign. And tours along the riverway trail to Lower Falls will focus on local history, like the connection to the Underground Railroad.
Building Community Support
Our thanks to our partners: the 14621 Rising, Agape, City of Rochester, Foodlink, Greentopia, Lower Falls Foundation, Maplewood Neighborhood Association, Next Generation and You, and NY State Parks.
Bridging Communities is currently sponsored by ESL Federal Credit Union, FIFCO/Genesee Brewing, DigiBooths/DigiGroup Entertainment, Coca Cola, and Canandaigua National Bank.
Driving Park Bridge crosses the Genesee River gorge at Lower Falls and connects the El Camino and Edgerton+Maplewood neighborhoods.
Bridging Communities River Party
Sat., July 27th • Noon -3 :30 pm
Maplewood Park Rose Garden (across from Maplewood YMCA)
For more information visit:
If you would like to become an event volunteer and/or sponsor, please contact Helen Dumas, Director of Urban Engagement, at
hdumas@geneseelandtrust.org or 585.450.3932.
Sweet success for Steimer family farm
A Year of Impact - Fiscal year April 22 - March 23
In 2023, Genesee Land Trust protected 1,300+ acres across 5 properties in Monroe, Wayne and Ontario counties. This article - updated from our Fall/Winter 2023 newsletter with final totals - highlights our progress since founding in 1989. We couldn’t do it without the ongoing support of our generous donors. Thank you!
Winter Adventure Ideas
Keeping the Farm in Farmington
Advocating for High Falls Neighbors
Celebrating Scouts That Improve Nature Preserves
Island Cottage Woods Closed
Embracing the “New Normal” of Caring for Protected Lands
The cracking skeletons of large dead ash trees at Island Cottage Woods tell the tale of invasive species and higher flooding levels - both due to climate change . To protect visitors and manage these issues, Genesee Land Trust closed the nature preserve in mid October.
