More Accessibility Improvements Coming to Preserves
Just in time for the fall bird migration, an elevated observation deck with an accessible ramp, benches, and shade has opened at Salmon Creek Nature Preserve in Hilton.
It’s an exciting addition for folks like Carol Cobia, a Village of Hilton resident who loves exploring nature and uses a scooter when navigating the outdoors. She and her husband Jim joined a birding session during the 2022 preserve opening and shared her need for greater access to nature that’s closer to home.
“Time in nature has brought me such hope and joy and gratitude. While I never let my disability stop me, it’s really wonderful that the Land Trust is working to make more local places available to folks like me,” Carol shares.
While Carol is one of the 300,000+ people living with a disability in Greater Rochester, this number doesn’t reflect the full impact of people who need better and more welcoming access to nature.
“We know that when we create more welcoming nature experiences it opens the doors for families and friends to share the joy of being outdoors with folks who otherwise might not have been able to be in nature,” explains Kevin Farrell, Director of Conservation Programs for the Land Trust.
Prioritizing Access and Inclusion
Starting in 2023, Land Trust staff have worked with Rochester Accessible Adventures (RAA) to improve access at nature preserves, community events, and throughout the organization.
“Improving accessibility is an ongoing journey that requires truly operating through a lens of inclusion all of the time, and Genesee Land Trust is making real progress,” says Anita O’Brien, Founder and Executive Director of RAA.
“We’re already getting strong community interest in visiting the new deck at Salmon Creek and look forward to co-organizing inclusive events to intentionally invite people with disabilities to these fabulous outdoor spaces.”
The community support has been inspiring. Rochester Birding Association provided funding to help create the accessible observation deck and volunteers from Rochester Davis-Fetch and the Carpenters Union Local 276 built it from rot-resistant native black locust as part of their workforce development program.
“Jim and I have been married for 35 years, and getting outside in nature has been a key factor in helping us through some tough times,” reflects Carol Cobia. The Hilton couple live near Salmon Creek Nature Preserve and recently visited to explore the new accessible deck, wide grassy trails, and shady benches.
Creating Welcoming Outdoor Spaces
Earlier this year, Genesee Land Trust received one of ten national grants from Disabled Hikers and the Land Trust Alliance. This, when combined with local support, will help continue making improvements such as these:
• Instead of single-width footpaths, wherever possible trails will be wide enough for two people.
• Parking lots, which increase safety and accessibility for all visitors, will be built sooner at several new nature preserves.
• Adding shade, seating, and inclusive signage are priorities for new and existing preserves.
• Sign language interpreters can be requested in advance at all Land Trust events.
Upcoming Trail Improvements
Staff are exploring designs for fishing access, more seating, signs, and wheel-friendly, all-weather trail surfaces at Salmon Creek Nature Preserve.
Once funding is obtained, the newly opened Deer Creek Woods East and West (Town of Ontario) will include boardwalks, seating, signs, and smoother trails to make the land easier to enjoy.
And at Island Cottage Woods (Town of Greece), which closed in 2023 because of hazardous trail conditions resulting from dying ash trees, trails will be redesigned with elevated boardwalks for accessibility and in response to the changing climate.
To learn more about the Land Trust’s ongoing efforts and how you can help, visit geneseelandtrust.org/accessibility
Shade structure and bench located at Salmon Creek Nature Preserve
Progress Report
Over the past two years, thanks to your compassion and generosity, we’ve made great improvements. In addition to the observation deck, highlights include:
6 Parking lots created or expanded
6 Benches built for scenic resting — 3 at Salmon Creek Nature Preserve and 3 at Cornwall Preserve (Town of Williamson)
4 Ramps installed to replace steps up to bridges and boardwalks at Irene Gossin Nature Preserve (Town of Penfield) and Cornwall Preserve
2 New designs for trail signs created to improve readability
1 Shade structure built over a bench at Salmon Creek Nature Preserve
1 Boardwalk update with toe-kicks to keep wheels from rolling off at Cornwall Preserve