Today I received an email from the Genesee Valley Conservancy. Springwater Trails has hiked a few times at the Indian Fort Nature Preserve. This email struck me as one of the best responses to the COVID-19 social distancing that I have received, and it seemed worth sharing with you all.
Mark,
With the weather warming, sporadic showers, and birds singing, it is apparent that spring is here.
This month, our preserves have had a significant upswing in use. The Conservancy is pleased to offer protected open space during this difficult period of social distancing.
As farmers begin planting their fields in April, we are also pleased that our work to protect local farmland will ensure local agriculture today and for future generations.
It is thanks to 30 years of community support that these local protected places are possible. Following are a few updates on our work.
Sincerely,
Benjamin Gajewski
Executive Director
Nature Preserves
Our nature preserves remain OPEN for public use. Please use the following guidelines when visiting:
- Hike local: keep travel to a minimum and use open space closest to your house
- Do not gather in groups to hike
- If the parking lot is full, return another time or hike from another trailhead
- Maintain social distancing on trails as you pass other users
- Help keep our preserves in shape by packing out trash and tossing aside branches on the trail. Contact us if major work is needed so staff can keep trails accessible for the community.
Staffing
Like most businesses and non-profits, our physical office will remain closed for at least another two weeks.
Our staff are doing well. After a short adjustment to working remotely we continue to maintain all functions of the Conservancy, advance projects and consider new prospective projects.
The best way to get in touch is via email, but you can still call 585-243-2190 too. Our response may be slightly delayed, but we will respond as soon as we can.
Current Projects
We are keeping staff working, ensuring everyone stays on the payroll, and continuing to move projects forward:
- Staff are working on two expansion projects for existing nature preserves to increase acres protected and provide additional trails
- Staff are preparing to sign conservation easements protecting 600 acres of farmland in York, our first conservation project in the town
- The Board is beginning a review of our Strategic Plan and drawing up goals to guide our work over the next 3-5 years
As our work continues, so does the need for financial support to keep our operations running. If you are able, please consider making your 2020 gift online today or setting up a monthly gift to spread your support over the year.
Winter Newsletter
Winter newsletters hit mailboxes last week…if you didn’t receive one you can read about the latest goings on online here.
