Genesee Valley Conservancy Genesee Valley Conservancy Genesee Valley Conservancy 20 0 9 Ann ua l R e p o rt 20 0 9 Ann ua l R e p o rt 20 0 9 Ann ua l R e p o rt

Eric will bring you up-to-date regarding accomplishments for this year. I would like to give you an historical perspective of this remarkable organization. The certificate of incorporation was signed on May 21, 1990 with the following individuals as the initial directors: John Chanler, Walter Kingston, Jr., Winifred (Perky) Lloyd, Robert McClellan, Martha Wadsworth, W. Austin Wadsworth, Sara Wood and William Wood. Austin served as Chairman of the Board. Louis D'Amanda joined the Board after serving as incorporator. The first meeting was held on June 8, 1990. By-Laws were adopted at that session. In the early years there was a Chairman and a President. Robert McClellan served as the first President followed by Jeff Mulligan, Stephen Ashley, John Chanler, Bill Lloyd and John Lockhart, III. It is my privilege to serve as your current President. Eric Grace was appointed as an unpaid Program Coordinator as of August, 1996. He became our Executive Director on July 1, 1998. Today, Ben Gajewski, a graduate of SUNY Geneseo and former intern, is employed as our Stewardship Director. Amber Hamman, also a Geneseo student, serves as our Farmland Protection Specialist and Marcia Koch is our Accountant. Our Board consists of 21 dedicated individuals. We thank the following who have retired from the Board this year: Louis D'Amanda, Bruce Donnan and Gail McGuire. Lastly, we recognize a key component of this organization — our loyal members. At last count, 845 persons have extended their support in 2009. Because of your commitment we are able to stay solvent and, at the same time, offer new programs. In short, you are key to helping us fulfill our mission:

“TO PROTECT THE HABITAT, OPEN SPACE AND FARMLAND OF THE GENESEE VALLEY REGION”

In the summer of 2010 we will celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the Conservancy. What is in store for us in the year ahead? How about 1,000 members and 20,000 acres protected? Our founders knew "failure was impossible." Can we do it? ABSOLUTELY! Best Regards,

Myrtle A. Merritt, President

FROM THE PRESIDENT: GVC in the Community

In 2009, GVC hosted workshops and field trips aimed at educating the community about conservation issues. These included a winter workshop on farm succession planning and a summer tour of some of Livingston County’s most diverse, innovative and productive farm operations.

Deputy Commissioner of NYS Dept. of Agri-culture Jerry Cosgrove, the keynote speaker at the workshop

Jeff Mulligan of Mulligan Farms leads a tour of his operation on the GVC-hosted Livingston County Innovation in Agriculture Farm Tour

Eric Grace chats with NYS Senator Cathy Young after lunch and wine tasting at Eagle Crest Vineyards

Page 2

As we bring to a close 2009, it is with pride that I look back at GVC’s achievements:

• We are working on protecting an additional 8,000 acres. 7,500 acres through the NY State Farmland Protection Program. The balance through projects in Livingston and Allegany counties that continue the protection of important farmland and habitat in the Genesee River Watershed.

• We continued our growth as an organization, bringing on our third full-time staff, whose primary focus is working with the agricultural community.

• We have dramatically increased our outreach programs, geared towards providing opportunities for kids and adults to make a connection with the land, and to educate the community about GVC.

• We began the implementation of our five-year strategic plan. • We brought on three new board members to help guide the

organization: JoBeth Bellanca, Bonnie Ellis and Jon Perkins

These accomplishments are even more remarkable in light of all that has occurred in the past 12 months. Despite the difficult economic times, GVC’s fundraising and membership did not decrease. Rather, the number of donors increased, as did the average size of each donation. There are several lessons from this:

• GVC has extremely committed and loyal supporters. • In tough times, people will continue supporting what is

important. • People support organizations that are efficient and effective. • People support organizations that provide direct, tangible

benefits. For this, I can not thank you enough. Looking forward, 2010 promises additional conservation success. The strategic planning recently completed has refined and accelerated our efforts of achieving permanent, sustainable, and quality conservation. I look forward to working with GVC’s dedicated staff, board members, partners and all of our donors to increase the pace of conservation - for now and for future generations that value this beautiful region. With Sincere Thanks,

Eric W. Grace, Executive Director

DEAR FRIENDS:

A future naturalist shows off her findings

Educational Programs and Nature Walks

This past year GVC hosted hundreds of people on our ever-popular nature walks and educational opportunities. From the Mother’s Day Bluebell walk, to the first ever GVC canoe trip down the Genesee, there was something for everyone.

Lucie Swett lends a hand

Page 3

Randy French teaches his Geneseo Central School Biology Class at the John W. Chanler Island Preserve

Paddling the Genesee River

Page 4

The Genesee Valley Conservancy thanks our generous supporters. Our membership year runs from Nov. 2008 to late summer 2009. The list below consists of contributions to GVC’s annual fund, as well as other donations. Benefactor ($2,500 and above) The Cornelius N. Bliss Memorial Fund Kenton & Amy Gibbs Brown John (dec.) & Sheila Chanler Oliver Chanler Elizabeth Chatwin Dean & Ann Jewett Bill & Meg Lloyd New York State Conservation Partnership

Program Norcross Foundation E. P. & R. U. Wilson Foundation Sally Wood Founder ($1,250 - $2,499) Allis & Louis D'Amanda Donnan Family Eric & Celeste Grace John Lockhart & Lynne Mazadoorian Myrtle A. Merritt John & Bee Perkins Sharon & Chip Presutti Martha D. Wadsworth Wal-Mart Geneseo Sponsor ($600 - $1,249) Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club Stephen & Janice Ashley Robert K. Boeckman & Mary H. Delton Dave Caito Greg & Sue Carlson Alex & Carole Chanler Sandy & Lissa England Bruce & Katie Ferguson Paul & Gay Frame Marty & Cathy Gardner Jeremy & Anna Grace Dr. & Mrs. Helge Heen Stephen and Susan Kelley Tom & Georgia Macauley Michael and Frances Millard Martha P. Pierce Jane M. Schoellkopf Patron ($300 - $599) Bill & Ruth Balderston A. John & Mary Bartholomew Christine & Rick Beard Michael & Anne Bishop Harold Bixby Jim & Mary Lou Boynton Myron O. & Linda Brady Joseph G. Bucci Ronald Buchanan Gracia Campbell Hazard & Gina Campbell Dan Collins Jerry & Carol Coyne Chris Dahl & Ruth Rowse Alida Chanler Dierker Larry & Marcie Faulkner William L. Gamble J. Brewster Grace Bill & Jane Green The Hart Family Eleanor M. (Toddy) Hunter Lucetta Knox R.B. Johnson & H.W. McCray Kathleen & Phil Jones Felicity Chanler McClenachan Martin & Theresa Miskell Clara Mulligan & Peter Watson Eric & Martha Myer

Gregory & Elizabeth O'Connell Amy & Craig Phelps John Sawyer Karen Schmidt & Bobby Palkovic Marjorie & Scott Searl Harold and Cathy Stewart Doug & Kim Thieme Bob & Terri Tugel Harry & Helen Wadsworth Edward B. Young John & Anne Zmich Donor ($150 - $299) Kate & Jerry Alonzo Mark & Luann Argenta Robert & Sarah Booher Ken & Terry Book

Bill & Carole Bowen Bill & Sandy Brennan Alan & Judith Bromley R. Bull-Brett & Donald Holland Mark Calicchia Joseph H. Callahan Barry & Angela Caplan Gay Chanler Ronald & Judith Cicoria Dick & Jeanne Coyne David & Cecilia Deuel Dan & Susan Dimpfl John & Erin DiVincenzo Mary & Billy Donegan Ginny Durbin Ann Dwyer, DVM Mrs. Robert W. Fennell Linda & Carl Gibbs Nancy Berckmans Hall Diane Hamilton

Stirlin & Beth Anne Harris Linda & Dick Hatheway Gale Johnson Marjorie Ferrell Jones Thea Killeen Carol & Randy Kozlowski Frank Laimbeer Patti E. Lavigne Henry C. Llop Terry & Ellen Lloyd R.B. Lockhart & MacKenzie Williams Pat Martin Dan McGuire & Family David & Carolyn Meisel Dean and Phyllis Meyer Mike & Maria Moreland Mike Mulligan & Barbara Scott

Phil Mulligan & Susan Morse Ann M. Mulligan John & Marcy Noble Dan & Betsy O'Mara Merle & Sheila Palmiter John & Jackie Robinson Bob & Fran Rosenberg Steve & Rebecca Schiano Thomas E. Schoder Susan B. Schoellkopf A-ON-DO-WA-NUH Sportsman's Club Jim & Sylvia Symington Stuart & Janey Symington Eleanore Teall (dec.) Travis & Marion Thorne Will & Louise Wadsworth Jim & Farley Wagner Jim & Barb Walker Joyce Wechsler Mr. & Mrs. Gary Wenzel

Sally Whaling Richard & Diony Young Friend ($75 - $149) Karin Alexander James P. & Lois H. Allen Peter & Maureen Anderson Sybil Baldwin John & Janice Barrett Robert & Susan Besanceney Joseph & Meghan Bucci Elizabeth Buckley (dec.) Greg & Barb Brown Rocco & Mary Calabrese Call Lands Kurt & Barb Christiansen Doris Chriswell Susan Clark John & Julie Cleland Tom & Anne Colahan C.R.K. Construction - Craig Kota Knox & Lucy Cummin Sue & Joe Depriest Mary Ann Fink Jeff & Gale Fox Geneseo Garden Club Lee Gratwick Rick & Nancy Haggerty Amber Hamman Kristi Hannam & Kirk Shaw Herbert J. Hawley Kathy Hiltunen & Geoffrey Lister William & Judith Jackson Jeff & Beth Jemison Andrew Johnson Susan J. Keister, LLC Donna & Robert Kelsey Hans & Trisha Koomen John & Janet Kucaba Jean S. Lindsay Mr. & Mrs. A.L. Malavase Tom & Betsy Matthews Shirley & Jim McNally Laurie Mercer Hank & Laura Minor Ann W. Morss Jeff Mulligan & Lesa Sobolewski Charleen Crump-Nesbitt & Chuck Nesbitt Charles & Mary Nitsche Bill O'Neill & Martha Zettel Jim (dec.) & Betty Oppenheimer William & Gabrielle Patterson Shel Pitney & Ilonka Tumelaire Jon & Elizabeth Porter Suzanne Powell & Daniel Spaeth Sue Rabe Nancy & Vince Reale Mark & Pam Ricotta Joe & Cami Schill Paul & Barbara Schmied Joan Schumaker Nona Schurman Ron & Pat Scott James & Katherine Shaw Dick & Cindy Sheflin Lee Smith Kimberly Snedden Bruce & Mary Stewart Brad Swett George & Kathleen Walter Liz and Jim Welch Mr. & Mrs. Paul M. Whitbeck Bill & Molly Wood David & Julie Woods Diane & Fred Yacoby Member (Up to $74) Stephanie M. Abel Elizabeth J. Adams

GVC protects this important wetland in Caledonia.

Page 5

Lynn Airel Dr. & Mrs. Julian Ambrus Justin Andre & Carrie Wehle D. Michael & Susan W. Arney Hon. Wesley F. Arnold Larry Ayers Thomas Baird Al & Jan Baker Chris Banker Rob & Lorie Banker Kathy Barsz & Patricia Barsz June H. Batzing Mary S. Beach Mary L. Beck Peter & Donna Bondi Ted & Mary Lou Bondi Michael Brambley Craig Brocious Michael & Suzanne Broida Charlotte & Bill Brummett Michael J. Buckley The Hon. Richard & Heather Burke Craig & Cinzia Chadderdon Selden & Marilyn Chase John A. Cichelli Marilyn Cleveland Catherine Cleveland Barry A. Cross Betsy Curry Laura A. Cushman Kurt Cylke & Anna Kowalchuk Peter & Gretchen Daley Judy Del Vecchio William R. Dewald Alexis J. Dickerson Elizabeth Diliberto Robert Doat Gill Doherty Diane Shafer Domnick Sharyn M. Duffy Jim & Bonnie Ellis Constance English Andrew & Carin Farmer Mr. & Mrs. Feuerstein Dwight Folts Dawn & Steve Foster Mary Kathleen Fowler Sally Fox Beth & Andy Gajewski Benjamin Gajewski Becky Glass & Jim Creagan Bruce & Carol Godsave Margaret D. Goodridge Elizabeth F. Grant Midge Grant David & Theresa Harris Willliam A. Hart Gregg Hartvigsen & Meredith Drake Charles A. Hayes Dr. & Mrs. Robert B. Hayes Heidi Heen Andrew & Sarah J. Heitzman Hennessey-Macula Family Paula M. Henry Paul & Shirlee Hepler The Herberger Family Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Herberger Ray Higgins Doug & Barb Higgins Billie Hill Rod & Diane Hinerman Bill & Lisa Hobson Elizabeth Hobson Barbara Linfoot Hoffman Stacy House Christina & Michael Howard Erica Hutten Sharon Hyland Joe & Joan Ippolito

Robert & Maria Isgro Mary Sue Jack Ann Cady Jenson Nancy D. Johnson Dean Johnston Jack & Helen Johnston Herb Jones Trish Jones Lucille & Joseph Kane Virginia A. Karl Laura & Kevin Keesee Jim Kimball Ms. Kate Kingsley James & Frances Koch Ursula Kopp Dr. Hartmund Land Etta Lascell Carol M. Lavigne Ruth Lea Guy & Aline Leclalir Lyle C. Lehman Quentin & Libby Llop Beverly & Bill Lofquist Anne D. Lutkus Clarissa S. Luttenton Sandra R. Macauley Kate Madden Jean Manly David Matthews Anne H. McCarthy Pam McCormick The Monday Evening Class Dr. Kimberly McGann Gail McGuire James & Sarah McLean Laurel McManus Aurelio & Judith Mendoza Sharon Miceli Donald Carew Mills Doug & Sue Mills Patricia Moran Kaye & John Morgan Mike & Janet Morrissey Everett Morss Butch & Patty Mothersell Davies Nagel Philip & Cheri Natoli Jane Oakes Leigh O'Brien Jackie Paterson Beth & Dave Peck Steve & Debi Peskor David Phillips Robert & Nancy Pierson Wezo & Mitch Pierson Shannon Pinckney Richard & Vernice Platt Susan Potenza Adrian V. Prince Richard W. Pursel Mrs. Arch Reid Eileen Rhatigan Susan & Ken Richardson Carrie Ringland Sue Roark-Calnek Ray & Kay Robinson Bill Roodenburg Theresa Haley Ryckman Debbie & Lenhart Saner Frank & Dorothy Schirmer Karen Schreiner Sara & Pete Scondras Katie Scoville Steven Shraeder Jim Sheets Richard & Wendy Sisson Margot M. Skivington Mike Smith James & Arleene Somerville

Tom Stickney Estella Stone Monica Stone William D. Stromire Mr. David B. Strong Sally & Joseph Tabbi Carol Thiel Robert & Diane Tichell Patsy Titus Dr. & Mrs. Thomas B. Tomasi A.J. & Cindy Torelli Mary Evelyn Towne Michael & Colleen Venturino W. Austin Wadsworth James & Diana Waldruff Jack & Linda Walnes Art Ward & Mary Kummer Todd & Renné Wenner Bob & Sandy Wilcox Joan S. Wilgus Ann D. Williams Thomas K. Witt John & Ellen Wyckoff The Yanik Family Gerald & Sharon Young There were nine anonymous gifts

Matching Gifts Merrill Lynch for - Bill & Meg Lloyd - Michael & Frances Millard

Business Members C.R.K. Construction Charlton Bed and Breakfast Dairy Knoll Farms Details Event Planning Good Spirits Wine & Liquor Genesee Valley Morgans Hideaway Farms Lima Carpet Corp Livingston Co. Chamber of Commerce Livonia Veterinary Hospital M & R Automotive Service Merrimac Farms Miceli's Main Street Deli Nothnagle Realtors Rector-Hicks Funeral Home Signlanguage Town Line Frame Shop Wal-Mart Geneseo Wehle Farms

2009 Nature Walk Series and Annual Member Picnic Sponsor

Genesee Valley Federal Credit Union

Income/Expense Statement Fiscal Year 2008 Income Donor Contributions $88,601 Dividends $8,331 Fundraising Revenue $36,724 Grant Income $15,010 Interest $4,161 Merchandise Sales $329 Program Service Revenue $15,432 Total Income $168,588

Expense Advertising $775 Cost of Goods Sold $32 Bank Charges $283 Depreciation $1,400 Dues & Subscriptions $2,769 Fundraising Expense $7,552 Insurance Expense $8,095 NYS Fees $275 Office Supplies $3,710 Payroll $91,377 Postage & Delivery $1,782 Printing $2,517 Professional Development $2,176 Professional Fees $5,417 Program Service Expense $9,323 Real Estate Taxes $68 Rent $9,410 Repairs $312 Stewardship Expense $872 Travel/Membership Picnic $5,079 Utilities $4,366 Total Expense $157,592

Net Income $10,996

All

phot

os b

y Be

njam

in G

ajew

ski

JoBeth Bellanca Neil Bliss

Oliver Chanler Ron Cicoria Bonnie Ellis

Kristi Hannam Gregg Hartvigsen Beth Anne Harris

Helge Heen Dean Jewett Ted Kinsey

William Lloyd John M. Lockhart, III

John Perkins Sharon Presutti Richard Sheflin Joyce Wechsler

Oak Tree Race Financial Sponsors AM&M Financial Services Avon Tanning & Fitness Bank of Castile Geneseo Wegmans Lattimore Physical Therapy Livingston Co. Chamber of Commerce Martinis-2-Marathons Tompkins Insurance UPS Store – Geneseo Oak Tree Race Product Sponsors Barilla America, Inc Big Tree Inn Crossfit Geneseo Nunda Mustard Hog Shed Studio Pottery Once Again NutButter Monk’s Bread Palmiter’s Garden Nursery Subway Sundance Books Worm Power Gifts in the memory of: - Daniel Greenwell Sue & Ken Richardson - Chic Kelley Janet W. Bailey Edward & Margaret Boucher Carol A. Bradley Josephine Buckley Harriet Cross & Carol Edler Cross David & Katherine D'Aprile Bruce & Allie Donnan Jack & Evelyn Frohm Thomas & Elisabeth Judson Frank Laimbeer & family Patti Lavigne Robert & Sharon Presutti Carrie Ringland Mary Evelyn Towne

Martha D. Wadsworth Bob, Kris, Justin & Emily Weis Sally Wood John & Linda Unger - John W. Chanler Jerry & Kate Alonzo Stephen & Jan Ashley Jane S. Banta Kathy Barsz Susan Bartholomew Rick & Christine Beard Carole A. Bell Sarah L. and Robert Booher Ken & Terry Book Bill & Carole Bowen Phil Bracchi Daniel & Jane Brannegan Bill & Charlotte Brummett Joseph G. Bucci Josie Buckley Michael & Katrina Capel Alex & Carole Chanler Jim & Claire Chen D.D.& M. Plumbing Louis and Allis D'Amanda Dennis & Ann Dawson Betty Diliberto Dan & Sue Dimpfl Bruce & Allie Donnan Gail Dorr Dr. Ann E Dwyer Erie & Niagara Insurance Patty Fennell Elizabeth J. Gallagher Geneseo Central Faculty Assn. Eric & Celeste Grace Diane L. Hamilton Dick & Linda Hatheway Helge & Leslie Heen Hemlock Lake Union Agricultural Society Eleanor M. (Toddy) Hunter Dean & Anne Jewett Gale Johnson

Phil & Kathleen Jones Bob & Donna Kelsey Thea Killeen Ted & Sue Kinsey Lakeville Firemen's Benevolent Assn Stephen & Amy Leibeck Alice Lloyd Bill & Meg Lloyd John Lockhart & Lynne Mazadoorian Craig & Debra Lund Anne D. Lutkus William, Jeff & Gretchen Crane Marks Raymond & Roseann Mayo Sandra Macauley Felicity McClenachan Timothy & Mary McMahon James & Shirley McNally David & Carolyn Meisel James Memmott & Cynthia Schmitt Myrtle Merritt Nancy & Bob Monahan George & Susan Davis Morgan Shirley Mulvaney Rebecca & Kristen Murphy Eric & Martha Myer Paula Myer Amber Pelliczne Jon & Bee Perkins Shelton Pitney & Ilonka Tumelaire Carolyn P. Pratt Robert & Sharon Presutti Adrian V. Prince Kenneth & Susan Richardson Frank Riedman Carrie Ringland Theresa H. Ryckman John M. Sawyer Barbara M. Scoville Dan & Judy Scoville Katie Scoville Edward Smith & Heidi Kenyon Bob & Terri Tugel Margaret Vangalio Charles & Glenda Van Ry

Harry & Helen Wadsworth Martha D. Wadsworth Will & Louise Wadsworth George & Kathleen Walter Joyce Wechsler Gary & Karen Wenzel Bob & Sandy Wilcox Sally Wood Ed Young Richard & Diony Young - Jim Oppenheimer Louis and Allis D'Amanda Martha D. Wadsworth Sally Wood - Sandy Teall Thea Killeen Helge and Leslie Heen - Eleanore Teall Mary L Beck D.D & M Plumbing and Heating Dennis and Ann Dawson Patty Fennell Karl & Ellen Hanafin Helge & Leslie Heen Eleanor M. (Toddy) Hunter Robert & Sharon Presutti John M. Sawyer David J. States Jim and Sue VanArsdale Harry & Helen Wadsworth Martha D. Wadsworth Thomas & Colleen Wagstaff - Ryan Todisco Judith Naramore We sincerely apologize for any errors or omissions. For correction, please contact Eric Grace at the GVC office.

Page 6

2009-2010 GVC Board of Directors

Myrtle Merritt, President Craig Phelps, Vice-President Martin Miskell, Treasurer

Sara Wood, Secretary

GENESEE VALLEY CONSERVANCY

P.O. Box 73 • One Main Street, Geneseo, NY 14454 Telephone: 585 243-2190 Fax: 585 243-2194

email: info@geneseevalleyconservancy.org website: www.geneseevalleyconservancy.org

Staff

Eric W. Grace, Executive Director, Benjamin Gajewski, Stewardship Director, Amber Hamman, Farmland Protection Specialist, Marcia Koch, Bookkeeper