Genesee Valley Conservancy
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| Founded | 1990 |
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| Location | Geneseo, New York |
| Area served | Genesee River watershed |
| Motto | "Protect the habitat, open space, and farmland of the Genesee Valley region." |
| Website | http://www.geneseevalleyconservancy.org/ |
The Genesee Valley Conservancy (GVC) is a non-profit land trust based in Geneseo, New York, in the United States working in the Genesee River watershed. Founded in 1990, GVC works "to protect the habitat, open space, and farmland of the Genesee Valley region." GVC has completed projects in Livingston, Erie, Monroe, Ontario, Wyoming and Allegany counties. A full time staff completes the daily operations of GVC, with assistance from part-time staff, interns, and volunteers. GVC is governed by a Board of Directors and supported by members.
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[edit] Why is conservation important
Protecting open space is important to ensure a sufficient land base exists for habitats and ecosystems to remain functional. Land protection also ensures that our community thrives by conserving space for agricultural production, to maintain the rural character that defines our quality of life, and to provide outdoor recreation opportunities.
Open space includes a variety of land types such as forests, farmland, grasslands, and wetlands. GVC focuses on preserving only the most important open spaces that have values worthy of preserving for future generations.
[edit] How land is protected
GVC's primary conservation tool is a conservation easement. A conservation easement is a perpetual legal document whereby landowners agree to permanently restrict development and uses on their property that would degrade the land's environmental integrity. Landowners retain ownership and all other rights on their property.
GVC also uses fee simple ownership of property to conserve important lands. Lands owned by GVC are managed to conserve the important natural features of the property and to provide for appropriate public access to these natural areas for recreation and education.
[edit] Oak Tree Half Marathon and 5K Run/Walk
In 2005, GVC hosted the first ever Oak Tree race, a dual event consisting of a half marathon and a 5K. This annual event attracts hundreds of runners to Geneseo on the Sunday of labor day weekend. The half marathon travels through historic downtown Geneseo and out into the rural countryside of the Town past several GVC protected properties. The 5K course travels through the historic district of Geneseo and past two protected properties in the Village. This event showcases the beautiful scenic views protected by GVC and also functions as a fundraiser for the organization. This event is part of the Geneseo Trio.
[edit] How You Can Help
Become a member - Annual membership contributions fund the daily conservation operations of GVC.
Protect your land - A landowner of property with important natural values can work with a land trust to proptect their property and conserve the open space for future generations.
Volunteer - Volunteers provide valuable time and skills to the organization.
[edit] External links
- Genesee Valley Conservancy - Genesee Valley Conservancy's website
- Google Map of GVC projects - an interactive Google map with photos of each GVC project and links to GVC's public access nature preserves
- The Land Trust Alliance - A national organization assisting land trusts in their conservation efforts
