Helen loves visiting Lower Falls, which she calls a hidden oasis in the middle of the city.
Joined Genesee Land Trust July 1, 2019
Education: B.A. Political Science – SUNY Brockport
Master of Public Administration (MPA) in progress – SUNY Brockport
Favorite spot on the river and why: I love all the parks and trails along the Genesee River. However, I have a special affinity for Lower Falls and Lower Falls Park because I never visited there until I took this position and it’s a literal hidden oasis in the middle of the city!
Describe what you do: I help to develop and sustain partnerships between stakeholders interested in the enhancement, ecology, recreational, and economic improvement of the Genesee River and its urban corridor as it runs through the City of Rochester. I also lead the Genesee River Alliance in advocacy for policies and projects that will benefit the communities and neighborhoods along the river.
What is a typical day like for you? My days vary with a wide range of activities- some days involve facilitating or attending meetings, planning events, hosting events, creating social media content, creating surveys, analyzing the data from community outreach/engagement surveys.
Why do you work for Genesee Land Trust? I believe in the mission of Genesee Land Trust to connect families to nature, protect critical resources such as land, water, and natural habitats. These things are important to the future of the environment and generations to come.
What do you love about your job? I love the community engagement aspect; I enjoy getting out in public and meeting people from all walks of life.
What are you most proud of from your work with the land trust? I’m proud of the partnerships that I have helped create with Genesee River Alliance members and the community. However, I’m especially proud of the signature “Mile-A-Month” walk events on the Genesee Riverway Trail - how popular they are and how they connect people with the river.
What goals do you have for the future of the land trust? I hope to see the land trust expand its programming and engage a more diverse population across its service area.
Please share a magical moment you’ve had in nature: I’ve had too many to name over my lifetime! Quiet times alone in nature by a river, lake or stream have always been magical and healing for me. I love just “being” in nature and letting all of life’s worries and responsibilities disappear for a while.
What do you like to do in your spare time? Spare time? What’s that? When I do have a moment to myself, I love to read, right now I am reading “Catch me if you can!” by Jessica Nabongo. She is the first black woman to travel to every country in the world, something I would love to do!
What is your favorite animal, and why? My favorite animal is the lion, they are majestic, and I love cats!
What kind of hiking boots/shoes do you wear? I always use Columbia hiking boots; I need a new pair.
What kind of music do you like? I love all types of music, I currently have been listening to a lot of oldies from the sixties, seventies and eighties. From Queen, Prince, The Bee Gees, and everything in between!
What’s your favorite flower? I love tulips.
What’s your favorite season? It’s a tie between summer and fall.
Tell us about your family/pets: We have a cat named Zoee who is a an indoor/outdoor cat. She is not a typical cat; I think she’s a dog trapped in a cat body!
How did your childhood connect you to nature/put you on the path to Genesee Land Trust? Growing up I spent 80 % of my time outdoors in all types of weather. We swam in the Chemung River, waded in creeks and streams, built tree forts in the woods, rode bikes on trails, and fished in lakes and ponds. Building community connections to the Genesee River in my position at Genesee Land Trust seemed like a perfect way to tie all of my childhood nature experiences together.
What do you always take on a hike/walk? Water and my asthma inhaler.
What’s one thing (about nature/land conservation/the environment) you wish more folks knew? I wish more people knew about the mental and emotional benefits to being in nature and not just focus on the physical advantages. I also want people to recognize that nature is everywhere, not some far away place that is hard to get to. Sitting in an open window enjoying a breeze on a sunny day is also nature.