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Genesee Valley ConservancyGenesee Valley Conservancy NEWSNEWS

Volume XV : Spring 2014

Look familiar? Th is pendant, handmade by local artist Kristen Balschunat of Beads With A Twist, reminds us of the Genesee Valley Conservancy’s logo! Kristen thought so too, and approached the Genesee Valley Conservancy in March of 2014 with an idea to help conservation through her business selling handcraft ed jewelry. Kristen began working with beads and wire in middle school, spurred by a book from her aunt. She continued to develop her skills, and eventually set up a small business with her mother, participating in craft fairs and making custom orders for friends and family. Aft er completing her undergraduate education at SUNY Geneseo where she majored in Geography, Kristen has opened a shop of her own to the sell these handmade pieces online. Her inspiration for the jewelry comes from trees: “Starting as miniscule seeds and growing into old, wise giants, they never fail to inspire my sense of awe. To think that what we see above ground is only half the tree and that a network of

Coming Soon: New Website!

Continued on page 5

Handmade wire and bead pendant made by Kristen Balschunat of Beads With A Twist.

Local Artist Supports Conservation

Continued on page 5

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Thanks to a grant through the New York State Conservation Partnership Program, the Genesee Valley Conservancy is working to redesign and update the organization’s website! Th e original site, launched several years ago, utilized a frame system to navigate through diff erent pages. Th roughout the years, a few glitches were discovered, sometimes resulting in an orphaned page or dead end link. Th e new format will utilize a more dynamic menu to allow for easier maneuverability. Th e new website will also be search engine optimized, making it much easier to fi nd through a simple Google search of related topics and key words. By developing a stable, user-friendly website that is easy to navigate and search engine optimized, the Genesee Valley Conservancy will be able to reach and provide information to those unfamiliar with the organization.

Sneak peak at the new website.

This spring I had the opportunity to join colleagues in Washington DC for the third annual Land Trust Advocacy Day. Th is was the fi rst time Genesee Valley Conservancy participated in this national eff ort. Th e two day trip was booked morning until night. Th e fi rst day I met with fellow land trusts from across New York to plan presentations and double check our schedule so we wouldn’t miss any meetings. Th e second day was the main event, running back and forth between the Senate and Congress buildings, meeting with representatives to talk about the importance of conservation work and how they can help support these eff orts in their districts.

One of our priorities was to thank representatives for passing a Farm Bill containing signifi cant funding for conservation programs. Th e Farm Bill also included reforms to certain conservation programs that will make them more accessible to local farmers and help protect more farms in the area.

Our other priority for the visit was to renew support for the Enhanced Conservation Easement Tax Incentive. Our eff ort was focused on re-enacting and making permanent this incentive which expired at the end of 2013. In the six years with the enhanced tax incentive, landowners protected 45% more land each year with Genesee Valley Conservancy. In our mission to protect land in the Genesee Valley, the support of our legislators is crucial.

As I fl ew home, I thought about the political process and the very specifi c role that politicians play in setting up the laws and tax policy that make conservation possible. Th eir work, though miles away in Albany and Washington, is essential. In thinking through the signifi cant role they play, I realized everyone supporting the organization is similarly involved in a very specifi c and crucial role.

Students from the State University of New York at Geneseo intern at the offi ce each semester to lend their time and talents to various projects (). Experts lead walks and give talks to the community to share their knowledge on topics relevant to the local landscape that we cherish (Pages 6 &7). Individuals who purchase protected land become the new stewards of those natural resources and part of the legacy of ensuring these important properties are passed on to the next generation (Page 4). Of course, the list goes on: fi nancial supporters, the Board of Directors, the Staff .

So many people contribute to Genesee Valley Conservancy in so many diff erent ways. It is thanks to each and every person and the diff erent ways they contribute that make permanent conservation work possible here in the Genesee Valley.

In this newsletter, you will read about some of our goings on. We continue to work on several promising conservation projects and look forward to sharing those with you soon. In the meantime I hope to see you at one of our preserves or at one of our upcoming events.

Sincerely,

Benjamin Gajewski, Executive Director

2 geneseevalleyconservancy.org

From the Executive Director

Land Trust Professionals outside the U. S. Capitol building in Washington, DC.Provided

Genesee Valley Conservancy 2014 3

Utilizing the strengths of a community has always been a trademark of the Genesee Valley Conservancy and once again we are the benefi ciary of two terrifi c SUNY Geneseo student interns, Cailey Heffl ey and Kyle Davis.

Cailey, a senior majoring in geography, has been organizing and implementing the annual spring monitoring process in Livingston County. She has updated many conservation easement aerial maps with the most current 2013 satellite data available. Th ese images

Spring Internsprovide a detailed snapshot of the easement property and the surrounding land use for immediate feet on the ground monitoring and as a permanent record for future stewardship. Cailey contacts landowners by mail and then sets up appointments for personal visits. Her warm and friendly personal approach, as well as her effi cient organizational and technical skills

have saved staff time in the offi ce and provided a wonderful addition to our annual monitoring program.

Kyle, a senior majoring in geology, has spent his internship working on the Genesee Valley Conservancy’s internal mapping programs, providing a terrifi c foundation for streamlining and standardizing the many maps produced in-house. With a quiet and unassuming style, Kyle has focused his eff orts on bringing layer upon layer of shape and data fi les to a whole new level of profi ciency

and accuracy here. It is an inspiration to staff and those who

have worked with Cailey and Kyle to see the signifi cant qualifi cations and capabilities they contribute in their work. Not only do the Genesee Valley Conservancy and landowners benefi t, so does the community as a whole. We thank them admirably for their service and wish them the best in their future endeavors. GVC

Kyle Davis in fr ont of the GIS mapping soft ware he is updating as part of his internship.

Cailey Heffl ey on a montioring visit to a farm in Geneseo.

By Dave Bojanowski

Supporters in the news

Congratulations to the Mulligan family and Mulligan Farm for being honored as Livingston County’s 2014 Farm of the Year for its exemplary community involvement, environmental stewardship, good business practices, and advocacy for agribusiness. In 2010, the Mulligan family worked with the Genesee Valley Conservancy to place a conservation easement on their property, ensuring that the land remain in agricultural production for generations to come. Congratulations to the Mulligan family and Mulligan Farm! We are thrilled to be a part of your family’s legacy!

Congratulations to long time supporter Davies Nagel who received Livingston County’s Earth Day Award this year! Th is annual award is presented to an individual or organization to recognize outstanding achievements that are directed to help preserve, improve, or educate about the Livingston County environment. Nagel has provided more than 33 years of sevice to the education of youth, as well as sharing his enthusiasm and passion for nature with the community. Keep up the great work!

Environmental Management Council Chairmen Ray Case (left ) presenting Davies Nagel (right) with the Earth Day award.

Th e Mulligan family posing on their protected farm.

Provided


Aft er a vacation in the Finger Lakes, James Garner and Susanna Garrett were struck by the views of the sprawling Genesee Valley as their plane departed from Rochester International Airport on their way home to Cheyenne, Wyoming. Intrigued by the open space and vegetation, James and Susanna resolved to come back again. Aft er a few more visits, and the realization that the nearby Watkins Glen was home to a former Formula 1 racetrack (one of Jim’s

favorite sports), they began to look for properties to make the Genesee Valley their permanent home. James and Susanna recently settled on Second Street in the heart of the village of Geneseo, and own a little over 93 acres of conserved land on Little Road in Avon. I had the opportunity to sit down with Jim to learn a little bit about his reasons for coming to Geneseo, purchasing land, and his thoughts on conservation.

What is your background? I grew up on a small grain farm in England of about one thousand acres, that is now owned by my two brothers. Aft er coming to the United States in 1982 for post graduate studies in agronomy and crop production, I established a business consulting and providing vegetation management services in Cheyenne, Wyoming. My wife was born in the Catskills and grew up in Kansas. She is a physical therapist who taught special education, and was actively involved in conservation outside of work, attending workshops such as Wyoming Wildlife Camp.

What brought you to Geneseo?When Susanna and I decided to relocate, we were looking for three main things. First, we were looking for land that could be productive without the need for extensive irrigation. Second, we wanted a small community where we felt as though we would fi t in. Finally, we wanted the

place we settled to have an Episcopal church. When we came to Geneseo, we were thrilled to fi nd a welcoming community and church that fi t our needs wonderfully. When we learned of the signifi cant amount of conserved land locally, we knew we had found a community with values similar to our own and that we were in the right place.

What made you choose to purchase a property under conservation easement?Th e fact that the property had been conserved really added to our attraction. I

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Landowners James Garner and Susanna Garrett

Aerial view of Jim and Susanna’s conserved land.

Interview withConservation Easement Owner James Garner

By Katy Festa


have seen fi rsthand the development of England and thought it was wonderful that this protection was already in place.

What are your favorite features of the property?We love the tranquility of the valley. Th e view from the Livingston County courthouse of the sprawling valley is beautiful, and being in that valley is just breath taking. I try to get out to our property at least once a week, to walk around and explore. Our dogs certainly love it here, too.

What does conservation mean to you?Conservation means the protection

A view of the 93 acre property.

of land for many uses: encouraging progressive agriculture, maintaining sustainable ecosystems, and keeping the land accessible for the pleasure of responsible users.

What are your plans for the property?We plan to continue to farm it in a responsible way. We’re looking into tile drainage, and the possibilities for the woodland. We feel that it is a privilege to have access to these resources and our responsibility

to manage it in way that benefi ts us, but also improves the quality of the land for the next generation. GVC

www.etsy.com/shop/beadtwist

Local Artist continued...

roots as deep as the tree is tall expands below the soil makes me feel small indeed.” Kristen’s fi rst introduction to the Genesee Valley Conservancy was on a visit to the John

Provided

Kristen Balschunat, the artist behind Beads With A Twist, on one of Genesee Valley Conservancy’s Bluebell Walks.

W. Chanler Island Preserve with a friend. She remembers, “It was nice to fi nd a quiet place to de-stress while listening to the sound of crunching leaves and birdsongs, a place that I continued to visit throughout my time in Geneseo.”

She got better acquainted with the organization as she helped conduct forest surveys on two of Genesee Valley Conservancy’s public preserves, the John W. Chanler Island Preserve and Indian Fort Nature Preserve, as part of her coursework for a geography major.

Additionally, Kristen attended some of the organization’s walks and naturalist lectures, and even spent time volunteering at the Genesee Valley Conservancy offi ce.

“When I started my business,” she explains, “I knew I wanted to partner with a local non-profi t organization. Th e Genesee Valley Conservancy was the perfect fi t, not only because my pendant design looked like the logo, but because I wanted the opportunity to give back to an organization that has given me a greater appreciation for the natural beauty of this area and will help protect habitat and agricultural spaces for years to come.” We are honored to partner with Kristen and Beads With A Twist. For every Deep Green Pendant (pictured on page 1) sold, $5 will be donated to the Genesee Valley Conservancy. Check out the Beads With A Twist shop on etsy to view her jewelry and support local conservation. GVC

Visit Beads With A Twist at

For information about protecting your land and preserving your legacy, please contact the Genesee Valley Conservancy offi ce.

New Website continued...

In addition to the enhanced function, the style of the website will also be updated. In recent years, the Genesee Valley Conservancy has redesigned both printed and electronic publications to better refl ect the goals and work of the organization. Th e new website will match this new aesthetic, adding another layer of professionalism and consistency to the organization’s online presence. One of the most exciting aspects of the new website, however, is the opportunity it off ers to display more images of the gorgeous land

protected by conservation easement. Because we are fortunate to live in an area where land and open space is all around us, it is not unusual to take it for granted. Images are one of our most powerful connectors, and can remind us that what we have is special, and worth protecting. Th e new website will serve as a vehicle to display images of the land in use, and hopefully remind the website’s visitors of the importance of conserving the Genesee Valley. Keep an eye out for updates via email or facebook; the new and improved website should be launched within the next few weeks! GVC

2014 Nature Walks and EventsJoin us as we kick off the season!

sponsored by

MayMay 24th - Birding Walk with James Kimball - 7:30amLocation:3468 Nations Road, Geneseo. Meet at the bridge on Nations Road.Bring binoculars and viewing scopes to view grassland birds in the National Audobon Society designated Important Bird Area alone Nations Road with birder Jim Kimball. We will walk along the roadside and possibly drive to a few other locations depending on the conditions and sightings.

JuneJune 1st - Genesee River Float - 10amLocation: New York 19, Caneadea

Join the Genesee Valley Conservancy and Genesee River Wilds for a relaxing fl oat along the Genesee River. Bring your own equipment to the Caneadea River Access Park and we’ll spend the afternoon fl oating to Fillmore.

June 15th - Birding Walk with Hans Kunze - 7:30amLocation: 56 South Federal Street, PerryCome enjoy the Silver Lake Trail for a morning bird identifi cation walk with birder Hans Kunze, the Perry Main Street Association, and GVC. Bring your binoculars; we’ll be identifying a variety of interesting birds!

June 15th - GVC Membership Picnic Save the Date! Invitations to follow.

JulyJuly 26th - Woodlot Plantation Management with Steve Schiano - 10am Location: 200 Perry Road, Mount Morris (Leicester)To increase timber value per acre, logger & land manager Steve Schiano has developed a unique process of managing forest plantations along the riparian areas of the Genesee River and its tributaries. Join us in the fi eld to see the past 20 years of challenges and successes Steve has encountered and learn to apply them to your own property.

Events are free and run rain or shine! Distance and diffi culty vary.Visit www.geneseevalleyconservancy.org for more information

To be notifi ed of weather dependent events, such as the bluebell walk & winter snowshow, please join GVC’s Mailing list:

[email protected]


Events are held with permission on private property. Please respect the landowners and do not trespass.


AugustAugust 2nd - Greenway Trail History and Hike with Joan Schumaker - 2pmLocation: York Landing, south of Avon off River RoadJoin Joan Schumaker, Acting President of Friends of the Genesee Valley Greenway, for a walk along the Greenway Trail, learning about the trail’s development from early canal and railroad days to its present status as a New York State Park.

August 2nd - Quiz Night - 6pm *registration required

Location: 3089 Avon Road, GeneseoThis pub style quiz tests your tearm’s trivia knowledge while benefi tting a great cause! Supper & beverages for all ages are included in the registration cost. Visit www.geneseevalleyconservancy.org to learn more and sign up!

August 16th - Genesee River Canoe Trip - 10am *registration required

This paddle will depart from Mt. Morris and conclude at the Indian Fort Nature Preserve. The river is gentle along this stretch and lunch will be provided. Contact GVC’s offi ce for more information!

August 31st - Oak Tree Half Marathon & 5k Run/Walk - 8am *registration required

Visit www.geneseevalleyconservancy.org/race for race & registration information!

SeptemberSeptember 13th - Invasives Workshop at the Indian Fort Nature Preserve - 10amLocation: 3432 Jones Bridge Road, GeneseoJim Engel, owner of White Oak Nursery with extensive experience in restoring large natural landscapes, will speak about invasive plants and demonstrate methods to control them in this combination lecture and workday.

September 20th - Fall Brook Geology Walk with Dr. Jeff Over - 9amLocation: ~.5 miles from the Route 63/Route 39 split, near 3339 Cuylerville Road, GeneseoPark at the bottom of 39/20A on the south side of the road near the alfalfa millView the spectecular protected Fall Brook and learn about the area’s geologic history. Wear boots & be prepared to walk

through water. This will be a 1 mile walk on uneven ground over rocks in the creek bed.

OctoberOctober 11th - Autumn Colors Walk - 2pmLocation: The bridge on Nations Road, Geneseo, approximatey 1 mile from Route 39Join the Genesee Valley Conservancy staff on the protected 390 acre Wheeler Gully to view the beautiful fall foliage. The walk will be on forest trails and approximately 3 miles long. Stream crossings may occur.

October 18th - Forestry with Brice June -10amLocation: Indian Fort Nature Preserve, 3432 Jones Bridge Road, GeneseoManaging forestland for wildlife is not a “one size fi ts all” process. DEC Forester Brice June will introduce landowners to a variety of forest conditions and discuss how they may be managed in order to meet the multiple goals of timber, wildlife, recreation, & esthetics.

PO Box 73Geneseo, NY 14454(585) 243-2190geneseevalleyconservancy.org

Board of DirectorsGregg Hartvigsen, PresidentBill Lloyd, Vice-PresidentMartin Miskell, Co-TreasurerCraig Phelps, Co-TreasurerSally Wood, Corresponding SecretaryJoyce Wechsler, Recording SecretaryNeil BlissSheila ChanlerPaul FrameCathy GardnerKristi HannamJohn LockhartGail McGuireMyrtle MerrittJeff MulliganSharon Presutti

Benjamin Gajewski, Executive DirectorDavid Bojanowski, Land ConservationistKaty Festa, Development & Communications CoordinatorMarcia Koch, Accountant

Join us in protecting the places we love.

ONLINE GIVING IS AVAILABLE.

Please give today!geneseevalleyconservancy.org

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Photography by Benjamin Gajewski i Design by Kathleen Mannix & Katy Festa

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