Non-Profit Report: The Genesee Land Trust Inc.

The Genesee Land Trust Inc. is Greater Rochester’s land and waterway preservation organization. Founded in 1989 by local residents who were concerned with the loss of natural resources and diminishing farmland, the trust now protects 4,555 acres of woods, wetlands, waterways and family farms and brings nature into urban areas.

The trust has an active volunteer board composed of community leaders who serve on committees such as Land Management, Land Acquisition, Development, Special Events and Urban. Nearly 1,000 people are members and more than 200 volunteer at work parties and events.

A few of the trust’s protected places include Gosnell Big Woods in Webster, the Bird Banding Station on Braddock Bay, the Christine Sevilla Wetlands Preserve and Alasa Farms in Sodus. Genesee Land Trust works not only to protect these natural places and their wildlife and plant life, but also to give people access to nature, including areas like Conkey Corner Park and El Camino Trail in the city’s northeast section.

Among the trust’s events are the Native Plant Sale, slated for May 23 in Brighton, and the Backyard Habitat Tour, an educational tour that teaches people how to garden to attract wildlife, set for June 20. The trust also offers guided nature walks in all seasons that are free and open to the public.

This is the fourth year of the trust’s Landscape Apprentice Program, which offers youth an opportunity to learn about landscaping. Participants get to help nurture a park and trail and go on field trips to learn more about landscaping, architecture and engineering. Working in partnership with the City of Rochester, the Genesee Land Trust also holds seasonal festivals at Conkey Corner Park.

Last summer, the trust partnered with Project HOPE, Conkey Cruisers, Group 14621 and the City of Rochester to hold the inaugural 5K Family Fitness Walk at El Camino. It drew more than 300 people. This year’s walk is set for June 6.

Executive Director Gay Mills leads a staff of four employees at 46 Prince St. The website is geneseelandtrust.org.

Financial record    Year ended March 31, 2014
Revenue        %
Contributions, gifts and grants    $384,301    84
Membership dues    39,373    9
Fundraising events    18,848    4
Program services    11,795    3
Other    3,781    Less than 1
Total revenue    $458,098    100

Expenses        %
Salaries and benefits    $204,282    59
Land management costs    33,803    10
Professional services    23,911    7
Office expenses    20,023    6
Newsletters and outreach    19,041    5
Occupancy    18,158    5
Other    28,567    8
Total expenses    $347,785    100
Excess (deficiency) of revenue over expenses    $110,313

Board of Directors
George Parker, president
Erin Cabral, vice president
Merri-Lou McKeever, secretary
Jim Curley, treasurer
Matt Belanger
Cenie Cafarelli
Diane Cass
Roger Cass
Jill Cicero
Ed Doherty
Udo Fehn
Scott Forsyth
Thomas Frey
Mary Hadley
Allen Handelman
Jeffrey Hough
Robert Kraus
Bill Schwappacher
Ann Stevens
Nancy Goodman Torpey

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