Meet Lorna Wright, Deputy Executive Director

Joined Genesee Land Trust in September 2013

Education: BA in Biology from University of Rochester, Masters of Environmental Management and Masters of Forestry from Duke University

Describe what you do:

I’m the first point of contact for most landowners, navigating what will meet their needs and will also further our strategic goals. I negotiate all the deals, including conservation easements, and am the primary point person for all state and federal grant applications. I oversee our urban conservation work and programs, including the Genesee River Alliance and the Environmental Ambassadors. I also oversee our IT and risk management, and split operations and human resources with our executive director.  

Why do you work for Genesee Land Trust?

My dad’s a minister, and both of my parents have always worked for non-profits – so I’ve always felt called to do service. After college, I volunteered with Genesee Land Trust and the Nature Conservancy to see if I really wanted to go back to school and make a career out of working with environmental organizations. I was excited to see the shift from not just setting aside lands, but integrating them with the community - and indigenous people especially.

What do you love about your job?

I really love getting to explore some of the really fabulous places in our region, and also connecting with landowners about why they love the places they’re trying to protect.

What are you most proud of from your work with the land trust?

I think the growth that we’re seeing, particularly in the urban conservation work that we’re doing and in the farmland protection – we’re getting called to be at the table for some of the really major things that are happening in our community, like Monroe County’s upcoming farmland protection plan and the potential new High Falls State Park. All of this stems from work that started at least 10 years ago. The more that we do well, the more our work is in demand. The fact that we really connect with communities and we’re authentic in that is part of why we’re trusted. Part of our culture and how we operate is to be a good neighbor, and it makes our job easier in the long run.

What goals do you have for the future of the land trust?

I want us to be strategic, to really have a positive impact on climate change and water quality. I want us to be able to sustain our water quality. It’s super important in our region. We’re starting on this path – and in some ways we’ve been working on it for a long time – to really improve the equity, inclusion and diversity of our work so we’re really a space for everyone.

What’s your favorite preserve, and why?

I really like Maguire Family Wildlife Sanctuary (in Ontario, Wayne County) because I like woods (hence the degree in Forestry), and it’s got woods and a stream. It’s not highly used right now because parking is tricky, and you have to go when the waterflow is right or be willing to get wet. But in the winter it’s really beautiful for snowshoeing.

Tell us about your family:

My husband Lap and I have been together since 1999. We have twins - Quinn and Zoe – who just turned 4.

What is a typical day like for you?

I have not used an alarm clock since I had the kids, so I’m usually up around 6/6:30 – whenever they want to get up. I try to get them to eat something and play nicely while I get my coffee. Some mornings I manage to work out for half an hour before I get into the office, which is usually around 9. Then I’m here in meetings or answering emails until 5. Once a week I get out of the office for a walk, a property walk or a meeting. I’m home by 5:30 and then I cook dinner - predominantly local, seasonal foods. I go to either the public market or Brighton market or G and S Orchards every week for groceries. I’m in bed by 10:30-11.

How did your childhood connect you to nature/put you on the path to Genesee Land Trust?

I was born in Montana, and lived in Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, Maryland and Pennsylvania before going to college in New York. There was a lot of moving.

I feel like I have always been connected to nature and later in childhood to agriculture. In Michigan we lived right on Lake Michigan and went out and watched the ducks. At one point we lived on a property with cows and a horse and berries to pick. In Iowa we lived in a farmhouse and played in a creek that ran by it. In Maryland we lived on an old plantation and there was an underground railroad station in the house. We had five acres that we owned, including an island. We always had a horse because my mom rode, and I raised sheep at one point. I raised rabbits for a long time – first for meat and then for show.

Please share a magical moment you’ve had in nature:

I have too many to count. Sometimes it’s just sitting by water, watching the stream flow, listening to the ripples. Sometimes it’s watching my son telling a rabbit to run away from our cat.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I play Ultimate Frisbee once or twice a week, during the season. In the winter I try to go snowshoeing because I really love it. I try to go for a hike at least once a week, or every other week. I feel off if I don’t. My husband notices!

What is your favorite animal, and why?

There are so many cool animals. I’m always drawn to the charismatic mega fauna.  

What kind of hiking boots/shoes do you wear?

I wear Keens, because they have a wide toe box. I bought them 10 years ago, and now they’re falling apart.