Farming in a Changing Climate

“Farming has never been an easy job, and these days it’s getting harder for me and other farmers,” says Erin Bullock, founder of Wild Hill Farm in Bloomfield. “Due to all the weather changes, every year I feel like a first-time farmer again.” “

Just before Memorial Day, Erin sent an email to her 350 Consumer Supported Agriculture (CSA) members asking for help to overcome the challenges she’s already faced this season.

“We’re behind on planting due to the cold wet spring, and the weeds that have grown quickly in these conditions,” she wrote.

“Then the heat came, and yesterday’s rainstorms missed us completely so we’re running around getting irrigation on everything instead of planting…”

Adapting to Extremes

Erin is one of the thousands of farmers across our region working to keep their soil healthy and make food production sustainable in the face of a changing climate.

Higher temperatures and long droughts require expensive irrigation systems. Warmer winters aren’t killing invasive pests the way they used to. And extreme weather events can dramatically reduce crop yields, like last May’s late hard frost which damaged entire orchards of apples and grapes.

In recent years Erin has shifted her planting schedules, switched to hardier crop varieties, and now only grows tomatoes in high tunnels — also known as hoop houses.

Good Soil is Good Business

“Adapting my practices to keep this farmland healthy as the climate changes isn’t just good for the planet — it’s good for business,” Erin says. “Great soil produces great crops, and my customers want delicious, nutrient-rich, organic fruits and vegetables.”

Wild Hill Farm operates on “forever farmland” protected by Genesee Land Trust in 2016 with landowner Hank Stebbins.

Farmers on the Front Lines

“Farmers are on the front lines of climate change, and we know finding ways to keep agriculture viable isn’t easy,” says Amanda Grisa, our Farmland Protection Manager and a farmer herself.

Some of the farmers that have conserved their land with us have used some of the proceeds to invest in more sustainable practices. From organic vegetables to traditional crops like wheat, sustainable solutions are being implemented by more and more farmers every year.

Cover Crops Store Carbon

Bill Steimer, a long-time Land Trust volunteer and farmer in Chili, has focused on the health and protection of local farmland for decades.

To improve soil quality and reduce erosion, many years ago Bill started planting his fields in contour stripes and using cover crops (pictured above).

Cover crop roots prevent soil run-off during heavy rain, improve water retention, and restore important nutrients to the soil. They also help slow climate change by absorbing excess carbon dioxide from the air.

In 2023 Bill and his wife Audrey preserved their 132-acre farm on Reed Road.

“Local farms are vital to the future of our region and nation,” Bill says. “Land isn’t just a farmer’s life, it’s everyone’s.”

“Adapting my practices to keep this farmland healthy as the climate changes isn’t just good for the planet-it’s good for business.” - Erin Bullock

Doctor Says New Yorkers Need More Time Outside

Mervyn, pictured with his four granddaughters, has long realized that being outside in nature is critical for our health.

Courtesy of Mervyn Weerasinghe

Dr. Mervyn Weerasinghe, 81, says spending time in nature helps him stay active as he ages.

“Being exposed to nature definitely reduces stress and increases a sense of wellbeing,” the Pittsford resident and avid gardener explains. “Because we have chosen to live this far north of the equator, if we don’t spend enough time outside in the sun we don’t get enough vitamin D.”

Mounting evidence suggests low vitamin D levels increase the risk of respiratory illnesses, osteoporosis, dementia, diabetes, and some cancers.

Mervyn grew up and studied medicine in Sri Lanka before moving to the United States. He and his wife Jane have been long-time members, and Mervyn volunteered for many years as a Preserve Steward of Christine Sevilla Wetlands in Caledonia.

I felt a sense of responsibility to make sure it was safe,” Mervyn says. “Preserving precious lands — whether it’s a wetland, something by a stream, some farm — I’m glad to support something so important to our region and our future.”

Deer Creek Woods Opening!

For 30 years a group of passionate neighbors has worked with Genesee Land Trust to permanently protect old growth woods, grassy meadows, and creekside wetlands in the Town of Ontario.

The result is a high-impact conservation win — 294 acres near Lake Ontario will continue filtering our air and water, storing excess carbon, and supporting wildlife and people for generations.

Thanks to your ongoing support, Deer Creek Woods opens this fall as the 19th public nature preserve created and cared for by Genesee Land Trust.

Introducing West and East

Deer Creek Woods has two public areas buffering three private conservation properties (see map). Deer Creek Woods East — purchased from Bob Smith in early 2024 — has a loop trail along the creek and will be the focus at opening. Volunteers recently planted 200 tree saplings and a parking lot will be added this summer.

“I’m so glad this land my late wife Janet and I have loved for so long is in good hands,” Bob says. “Genesee Land Trust has been a good friend to our family. I feel good knowing Deer Creek Woods will be preserved as a natural treasure for our community to enjoy forever.”

Deer Creek Woods West, purchased from John Creatura in 2022, isn’t as easy to explore yet due to the terrain. The diversity of habitats makes it more resilient for birds and other wildlife as the climate changes.

The First Step Towards Forever

Genesee Land Trust began working in Ontario in 1994 when Janet Buchanan-Smith, Bob’s wife, donated her first voluntary conservation agreement (conservation easement) while retaining ownership of the land. That kicked off a series of protection projects (see map).

Our deepest thanks to Janet, Bob, John, Amanda Smith-Hatch and Keith Hatch, Ann and Floyd Welker, the Town of Ontario, and the Land Trust’s nearly 1,000 members for saving Deer Creek Woods.

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.