Connecting River Neighbors at New “Bridging Communities” Party

To continue our work engaging riverside residents - particularly those from the Edgerton and El Camino neighborhoods - Genesee River Alliance will host a new summer celebration called “Bridging Communities.”

“We have a mixed history with our river, but the future is bright,” says Luis Burgos, former commissioner of Rochester’s Department of Recreation and Human Services (DRHS). “Connecting neighbors and building community support for the mighty Genesee is a great service to the entire city.”

A Party for All People

Driving Park Avenue Bridge (pictured) will become an entertainment stage featuring local talent during the party.

The bridge and nearby Maplewood Park will host local artisans, community resource tables, free

food, and fun activities for all ages. New York State Parks Department will run a Q&A session about the proposed state park at High Falls.

A photo booth from DigiBooths will promote our #RocYourNature summer campaign. And tours along the riverway trail to Lower Falls will focus on local history, like the connection to the Underground Railroad.

Building Community Support

Our thanks to our partners: the 14621 Rising, Agape, City of Rochester, Foodlink, Greentopia, Lower Falls Foundation, Maplewood Neighborhood Association, Next Generation and You, and NY State Parks.

Bridging Communities is currently sponsored by ESL Federal Credit Union, FIFCO/Genesee Brewing, DigiBooths/DigiGroup Entertainment, Coca Cola, and Canandaigua National Bank.

Driving Park Bridge crosses the Genesee River gorge at Lower Falls and connects the El Camino and Edgerton+Maplewood neighborhoods.

Bridging Communities River Party

Sat., July 27th • Noon -3 :30 pm

Maplewood Park Rose Garden (across from Maplewood YMCA)

For more information visit:

If you would like to become an event volunteer and/or sponsor, please contact Helen Dumas, Director of Urban Engagement, at

hdumas@geneseelandtrust.org or 585.450.3932.

Meet Whitney Brice, Director of Development

Whitney loves spending time on the water - especially in her canoe.

Date Joined Genesee Land Trust:  September 12, 2022 

Education: B.S. in Psychology from St. Lawrence University, Canton, NY 

Home town: Pittsford and East Rochester, NY  

Favorite preserve/spot on the river and why (or favorite nature spot in Rochester): Corbett’s Glen in Brighton because I am familiar with it and enjoy hiking along Allen Creek.  

Describe what you do:  Whitney leads fundraising and donor relations. Contact Whitney if you are interested in becoming a member, giving a financial donation or have questions related to fundraising or your donor status.

What is a typical day like for you? I walk my dog before coming to work and then I spend time with my parents at their home in Pittsford. 

Why did you join Genesee Land Trust? I believe protecting land and watersheds are critical to the health and future of our community. 

What do you love about the work you do? Meeting people from all corners of our community who are passionate about nature and enjoying outdoor landscapes. 

What are you most proud of in your career so far? I helped lead the largest fundraising campaign in the history of the Harley School, all in support of teachers and students. 

What goals do you have for the future of the land trust? I plan to help the organization thrive through philanthropic support of projects and strengthening the organization for the benefit of future generations. 

Please share a magical moment you’ve had in nature: Paddling just before dusk and having 2 loons swim and dive all around and underneath my canoe. 

What do you like to do in your spare time?  I enjoy walking with my dog and taking in live music at outdoor venues in Rochester and the Finger Lakes. 

What is your favorite animal, and why? I love loons because of their sounds and because they can swim underwater for up to 5 minutes.  

What kind of hiking boots/shoes do you wear? Xero sneakers, which have helped me rebuild strength in my feet after having plantar fascitis. 

What kind of music do you like?  Roots/Americana 

What’s your favorite flower?  Trillium 

What’s your favorite season?  Spring because the trees are like lace and you can still see through them. 

Tell us about your family/pets: I have a terrier mix named Tilley and am close with my parents, who live in the home I grew up in. 

What is something you’re reading or listening to right now? Podcasts about philanthropy, specifically building donor-centered relationships, and articles about using data to help focus on priorities and best outcomes. 

How did your childhood connect you to nature/put you on the path to Genesee Land Trust? I was so fortunate to attend a wilderness canoe camp in Ontario, Canada, where we learned to be good stewards of the land while we paddled and portaged through Algonquin Park. 

What do you always take on a hike/walk? Herbal bug repellant. 

Do you have any hidden talent(s) you’d like to share? I am a gunwhale bobbing champion. Feel free to ask me about this! 

What’s one thing (about nature/land conservation/the environment) you wish more folks knew? Protecting nature is critical for our future, especially as our collective climate change crisis grows. “There is no Planet B.” is one of my favorite sayings, learned in a course with the Pachamama Alliance.