Date Joined Genesee Land Trust: October 2021
Education:
B.S. in Biology from Hobart and William Smith Colleges and M.S. in Sustainable Forest Management from Oregon State University
Hometown:
Naples, NY
Favorite preserve or nature spot in the region, and why:
High Tor in Naples - perfect in every season and always something new to see. It’s a NYSDEC Wildlife Management Area with almost 7,000 acres to explore.
Describe what you do:
I am the Farmland Protection Manager at Genesee Land Trust; I work with farmers and landowners in our service area to protect their farmland via the Farmland Protection Implementation Grant administered by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. I also help new and young farmers find land or connect with landowners as a Regional Navigator for the Farmland for the Next Generation New York program in partnership with American Farmland Trust.
What is a typical day in your life like?
A typical day at Genesee Land Trust looks like working on farmland grant projects in various steps, either drafting conservation easements or site plans, looking through title work, surveys, etc. I talk with landowners about their property and discuss strategies to protect it via grants, donations, or other programs that exist. I also may talk to new farmers looking for land.
What do you love about the work you do?
I love working with farmers and understanding the work that they do. It is great to be able to help them create a legacy for their farm that can be passed down to the next generation or a new farmer. As we lose a massive amount of farmland to development each day in our country, it is meaningful to be able to preserve it in our region.
Please tell us about your farm:
My husband and I started Schenk Homestead Farm in the winter of 2017. We had been in the startup phase for the last 4 seasons, building infrastructure, experience, and learning our markets. We focus on vegetables and use no-spray, organic practices. Our goal is to be able to provide fresh produce year round from the farm.
Why are you a farmer?
I like to feed people. I like to be able to provide for my family from the land. I like to work with soil and plants. I enjoy the markets. When I hear about the meal our customers shared with their family from our produce and how delicious it was, that is the best.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Spend time with family and friends. Enjoying the water in the Finger Lakes, eating breakfast in local cafés, run the tractor on the farm, skiing (downhill and X-C), hunting, and hiking.
What is your favorite animal, and why?
Dogs. They are loyal, loving, protective. My livestock guardian dogs are amazing creatures, they work hard and they love unconditionally. Cows are a close second.
What kind of hiking boots/shoes do you wear?
For longer trips: Vasque’s, for water, Teva’s. At home I am usually in Birkenstocks or Muck Boots.
What kind of music do you like?
I like most music, but these days I listen to a lot of Tyler Childers, Levon Helm, and Lost Dog Street Band.
What’s your favorite flower?
Cosmos or Black-Eyed Susan
What’s your favorite season?
Fall. It has the perfect weather, the foliage is stunning, and life is slowing down to rest.
From left, June, Jeremiah, Beau, Amanda and Otto in their stand at the Brighton Farmer’s Market.
Tell us about your family/pets:
My husband and I have three children, Beau (6), Otto (3.5), and June (1). We have a lot of pets- our 11.5 year old house dog, Remi, three Great Pyrenees Livestock Guardian Dogs, Siggi, Sitka, and Scotia, a kitten, Pickles, and some barn cats, Luna, Pudgy, and Scratch. We have livestock as well- goats, pigs, chickens, highland cows, and a family Jersey milk cow named Mary Jane.
What is something you’re reading or listening to right now?
The No-Till Growers Podcast and the Winter Growers Podcast
How did your childhood connect you to nature/put you on the path to Genesee Land Trust?
I grew up next door to my grandparent’s farm in Naples. They raised pastured beef cows. I always loved the cows and enjoyed the gardens my grandparents and parents kept. I saw how important farming was to a community and how farmers really are stewards of the land. Now I get to help farmers protect their land forever.
What do you always take on a hike/walk?
My kids.
A new calf was recently born on Amanda’s farm. The mom’s name is Gretchen (3/4 Scottish Highland, 1/4 Angus) and the calf is Shadow (7/8 Highland, 1/8 Angus).