Genesee Valley Conservancy Spring Newsletter

2017

The Merrimac Farm

Accreditation

Renewed!

Spring is a time of growth. 300 people braved the wet and muddy weather to see the growth of the spectacular bluebell fl owers, and the Conservancy was growing too.

The success of the stewardship endowment capital campaign has grown this important fund to ensure the Conservancy can fulfi ll the stewardship obligations of monitoring and managing over 16,800 acres of protected lands in perpetuity.

For the fi rst time, the fi nance committee will be withdrawing a portion of the growth from the stewardship endowment to fund our stewardship program. As a result, in March, we were pleased to hire Jim Mott as Stewardship Coordinator to assist the organization in making annual site visits to conservation properties, working with landowners of protected lands, and helping manage our nature preserves (page 6).

We are also growing our knowledge base through a unique training. I will be in Nebraska with board member Dr. Jim Kernan for the second part of the Wentworth

Leadership Program offered by the Land Trust Alliance. In this three day training, we will be among just fi fteen other land trusts to discuss improving our organization’s strategic planning, programing, fi nancial resilience, fundraising, and community engagement. This training offers a great opportunity to learn from our peers across the country and bring ideas back to our work in the Genesee Valley.

In not such great news, the State has expanded the emerald ash borer quarantine across the entire Genesee River watershed and the effects of the ash borer are being seen in many areas we work (page 7).

Excitingly, we are growing local knowledge through preservation work at the Indian Fort Nature Preserve (page 5) and an oak tree research project being led by board member Dr. David Robertson (page 4).

Sincerely,

Benjamin Gajewski, Executive Director

The mission of the Genesee Valley Conservancy is to protect the habitat, open space and farmland of the Genesee Valley region.

From the Executive Director

Design by Kathy Mannix Photography by Benjamin Gajewski, unless noted.

All photography shows Genesee Valley Conservancy protected lands.2 geneseevalleyconservancy.org

ely,,

Spring 2017 Bluebell Hike.

Dave Bojanowski (green hat) leads a group of student volunteers fr om SUNY Geneseo in potting native trees on Earth Day for future use in restoration planting projects on Conservancy nature preserves planned for this fall.

At a time of political change, one thing is clear and consistent: Americans strongly support saving the open spaces they love. Since 1990, Genesee Valley Conservancy has been doing just that for the people of the Genesee Valley.

Now Genesee Valley Conservancy has renewed its land trust accreditation – proving once again that, as part of a network of only 372 accredited land trusts across the nation, it is committed to professional excellence and to maintaining the public’s trust in its conservation work.

“The Genesee Valley is an area with a rich history, a very diverse land base, and a promising future,” said Benjamin Gajewski, Executive Director. “Achieving renewal of our National Accreditation demonstrates to the public that we seek out independent oversight of our work, continue to meet the highest standards for land conservation, and are positioned to continue protecting the important habitats and working lands in the region.”

Genesee Valley Conservancy had to provide extensive documentation and undergo a comprehensive review as part of its accreditation renewal. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission awarded the renewed accreditation, signifying its confi dence that Genesee Valley Conservancy’s lands will be protected forever.

Accredited land trusts must renew every fi ve years, confi rming their compliance with national quality standards and providing continued assurance to donors and landowners of their commitment to forever steward their land and easements. Almost 20 million acres of farms, forests and natural areas vital to healthy communities are now permanently conserved by an accredited land trust.

“It is exciting to recognize Genesee Valley Conservancy with this distinction,” said Tammara Van Ryn, executive director of the Commission. “Accredited land trusts are united behind strong ethical standards ensuring the places people love will be conserved forever. Accreditation recognizes Genesee Valley Conservancy has demonstrated sound fi nances, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship.”

Genesee Valley Conservancy is one of 1,363 land trusts across the United States according to the most recent National Land Trust Census, released December 1, 2016 by the Land Trust Alliance. This comprehensive report also shows that accredited land trusts have made signifi cant achievements.

A complete list of accredited land trusts and more information about the process and benefi ts are detailed at www.landtrustaccreditation.org. GVC

Conservancy Renews National Accreditation

Genesee Valley Conservancy, Spring 2017 3

By Land Trust Accreditation Commission

Accredited Land Trusts:• Steward more than 77% of conservation

lands and easements held by all land trusts

• Protected fi ve times more land from 2010 to 2015

• Conserved 12.7 million acres with easements

• Conserved 6.4 million acres as preserves

National Science Foundation to Support Oak Tree Research

By Dr. David Robertson

A major research project is underway seeking a better understanding of the ecological and cultural signifi cance of the Genesee Oaks, and more broadly, changes in oak-dominated forests in the northeastern United States. Funded by the National Science Foundation, the three-year research project is a collaborative effort involving Dr. David Robertson (SUNY Geneseo and Conservancy board member), Dr. Stephen Tulowiecki (SUNY Geneseo), and Dr. Chris Larsen (University at Buffalo). Combining their skills in historical analysis, biogeography and tree-ring analysis, the three

geographers and a team of student research assistants have begun piecing together the natural and cultural history of the valley’s oak forests and landmark oak trees. The researchers are paying particular attention to the complex interplay of both environmental conditions and Native American and later land use in shaping the structure of local forests and the

composition of tree species.Robertson has been studying the Genesee Oaks for

several years. His historical research utilizes fi rst-hand accounts of the valley landscape dating from the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. This research suggests that the area’s landmark oaks may be remnants of a Seneca-maintained oak ‘savanna’ preserved through two centuries of local land conservation, which now includes substantial protection of oak lands through the Conservancy. The research team is now testing this hypothesis. This research will incorporate rigorous spatial analysis of species distributions (the mapping of tree types past and present), as well as tree-ring data. In addition, Robertson, Tulowiecki, and Larsen believe that what they will learn about the area’s oak forests will have application beyond the Genesee Valley. The project’s fi ndings, for example, will inform debates in

Dave measures the circumference of a burr oak on the protected Culvert Farm in 2008 as part of the background work for developing this research proposal.

4 geneseevalleyconservancy.orgDr. Stephen Tulowiecki, SUNY GeneseoDr. Chris Larsen, University at Buff alo

In 2015 a group fr om the Seneca Nation were invited to Geneseo to collaborate on the research project. Insights off ered helped shape the project.

Dr. David Robertson, SUNY Geneseo

Pleasant Hill Farm ProtectedBy Benjamin Gajewski

Genesee Valley Conservancy, Spring 2017 5

forest ecology and biogeography over the relative weight of environmental and human factors in the decline of oak forest communities in North America. In addition, by assessing the drivers of oak forest change, the project will produce knowledge transferable to northeastern forests that are managed to meet both ecological values and societal needs.

The researchers are grateful for the cooperation they have already received from the community, local

landowners, and from the Conservancy in support of this important project. They encourage anyone who is interested in learning more about the research, or in becoming directly involved, to contact Dave at robertsd@geneseo.edu. The researchers are particularly interested in opportunities to survey forests, salvage wood samples from fallen trees or large branches, or extract tree-ring samples from living trees using a small increment borer. GVC

Preliminary Research

40%

Intern Establishes Guidelines for Preservation of Indian Fort Nature Preserve’s Palisades

By Elizabeth Holland

The Indian Fort Nature Preserve’s wooden palisades built by the Seneca disappeared long ago, but two visible, linear mounds of soil, the foundations of the palisades, mark their former location. The Genesee Valley Conservancy desires to protect these earthworks from deterioration.

Deterioration of the mounds is a result of vegetation growth (tree roots and tree blow-overs) as well as human disturbance.

With the restoration and the preservation of these mounds, the organization is interested in developing interpretive resources to educate the public about the Seneca cultural heritage.

This archeological site within the nature preserve was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. GVC

Elizabeth Holland, a rising SUNY Geneseo senior, spent the fall of 2016 working with the Conservancy on developing a preservation plan for the cultural features that make this nature preserve such a unique and important place.

Percent of trees that were oak in

Geneseo in 17901

251Years

237Years

52%Oaks lost on the Oneida Lot2

between 1938-2011

Age of a branch that fell off a white oak

in 2015

Oldest confi rmed white oak to-date

using tree ring data

Diameter of the Torture Tree in

Boyd-Parker Park

Diameter of the Big Tree that fell

in 18571

7ft 7ft

8.5ft 8.5ft

3

3

1 - Estimated 2 - Field south of Nations Road and west of Route 39 3 - Height of average American male, 5ft 10inch

Jim Mott Hired as Stewardship Coordinator

Jim Mott

www.geneseevalleyconservancy.org/race

Legacy Giving

Types of Gift s • Cash • Stock • House & real-estate • Retirement accounts • Art & other collectables

Potential Gift Uses • Stewardship Endowment to ensure permanence • Acquisition Fund to protect new places • Preserve Maintenance for GVC’s nature preserves

Made during your lifetime or as part of your estate, a legacy gift is an extraordinary contribution that propels conservation forward and will leave a lasting impact.

No matter the size, a legacy gift can help initiate new projects, fund larger undertakings and increase the pace of conservation locally, protecting the places you love.

Make the Genesee Valley part of your legacy.

Contact Ben Gajewski to discuss legacy giving585-243-2190

ben@geneseevalleyconservancy.org

If you have included Genesee Valley Conservancy in your estate planning, please let us know so we may understand your gift and wishes. BG

www.geneseevalleyconservancy.org/support/donate

• One-time online setup• Support conservation all-year-long

• A small monthly gift adds up to large support

Become a Monthly Supporter

Online Giving:

Growing up outside Concord, Massachusetts, in a farmhouse built before the Revolution, Jim spent most of his free time looking through natural history books and exploring surrounding woods, swamps, and fi elds. When his family moved to the Rochester area, he transferred his interests to the landscape of Western NY. Although this sounds like ideal preparation for his current stewardship

work, his affi nity for nature and open space initially led toward drawing and painting, and a career in fi ne art.

You can learn about his nationally-recognized Itinerant Artist Project at his website: www.jimmott.com

In his 30s Jim took some time at SUNY Brockport to pursue a degree in environmental science/water resources. He subsequently worked for 15 years as a freelance environmental consultant, with clients including the

Nature Conservancy, the Western NY Land Conservancy, and Ducks Unlimited, before happily joining the Genesee Valley Conservancy this spring. GVC

@GeneseeValleyConservancy

Emerald Ash Borer Quarantine Expands

New York announced a single Restricted Zone to strengthen the State’s efforts to slow the spread of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB).

The EAB Restricted Zone prohibits the movement of EAB and potentially infested ash wood.

EAB larvae can be moved long distances in fi rewood, logs, branches, and nursery stock, later emerging to infest new areas. These regulated articles may not leave the Restricted Zone without a compliance agreement.

The beetles’ larvae feed in the cambium layer just below the bark, preventing the transport of water and nutrients into the crown and killing the tree. Emerging adult beetles leave distinctive D-shaped exit holes in the outer

bark of the branches and the trunk. Adults are roughly 3/8 to 5/8 inch long with metallic green wing covers and a coppery red or purple abdomen. They may be present from late May through early September but are most common in June and July. Other signs of infestation include tree canopy die-back, yellowing, and browning of leaves.

For information visit DEC’s website www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7253.html. GVC

By NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

Oak Tree Half Marathon Oak Tree Half Marathon & 5KRun/Walk& 5KRun/Walk

Prices increasePrices increasein July, August,in July, August, SeptemberSeptember

Register online June 1stRegister online June 1st

www.geneseevalleyconservancy.org/racewww.geneseevalleyconservancy.org/race

DON’T MOVE FIREWOODInsects and diseases can be transported by fi rewood. When traveling this summer, do your part to prevent the spread of invasive species!

• Leave your wood home, use local wood where you are camping

• Leave unburned wood at your campsite for the next user, don’t bring it home

Genesee Valley Conservancy, Spring 2017 7

September 3rdSeptember 3rd

Board of DirectorsPaul Frame, PresidentCathy Gardner, Vice-PresidentTom Quirk, TreasurerClara Mulligan, SecretaryJerry AlonzoJennifer AppleJanice BarrettAnnette BrennerSheila ChanlerBecky GlassJim KernanNat KinseyRandy KozlowskiBill LloydGail McGuireJim MemmottMyrt MerrittClara MulliganDave RobertsonDick Th omasJoyce WechslerMary Kay Yanik

Benjamin Gajewski, Executive DirectorDavid Bojanowski, Land ConservationistJim Mott, Stewardship CoordinatorKathy Barsz, Membership CoordinatorMarcia Koch, Accountant

Return Service Requested

Keith Walters PhotographyTh e Nations Farm, protected by the landowners and Genesee Valley Conservancy in 1992 provides stunning scenic views in addition to the important grassland bird habitat and agricultural benefi ts. Photographer Keith Walters of Geneseo said “Nations Road off ers visitors some beautiful views...when you are there, it’s almost as if you have been transported back in time.”

Views of the Valley: Keith Walters PhotographyCONTACT US TO FEATURE YOUR VIEW OF PROTECTED LAND.