Genesee RiverWatch
Genesee RiverWatch has organized the Genesee River Basin Summits since 2014 as part of our efforts to Inform and Educate both river stakeholders and the public. Due to the pandemic, we are organizing our 7th “Summit” as a series of four online workshops to be held in April and May.
The workshops are open for registration. Just click on the link for EACH workshop below to register. The meetings will be held via Zoom. The meeting link will be sent to you via e-mail upon registration.
# 1: We Need Trees
April 7, 2021 at 8:30 – 10:00 am
Topic: A look at the growing need for trees to use in conservation projects and what can be done to satisfy that need. Additionally, the carbon sequestration implications of conservation projects will be discussed.
Who should attend: Those interested in understanding the relationship between conservation projects and climate action.
| Topic | Time | Presenter | Description |
| What drives the need? | 20 minutes | George Thomas, Genesee RiverWatch | Introduction to how streambank restoration and conservation projects drive the need for trees. Discussion of the unintended consequences of streambank restoration projects on carbon sequestration. |
| Carbon sequestration | 25 minutes | Joseph Makarewicz, Genesee RiverWatch | Discussion of how Genesee RiverWatch decided to adopt a Carbon Neutral Policy. |
| Crowdsourcing Trees | 25 minutes | Michael Boller, St. John Fisher College & Genesee RiverWatch | Update on the progress of a cooperative project with St. John Fisher College, Oatka Creek Watershed Committee, and Rochester Ecology Partners to demonstrate the feasibility of crowdsourcing trees for streambank restoration and conservation projects. |
| Panel Discussion | 20 minutes | All | Questions & Answers |
#2: What’s Going On?
April 14, 2021, 8:30 to 10:00 am
Topic: A review of past, present and future water quality improvement projects developed and implemented by Genesee RiverWatch in partnership with various basin stakeholders.
Who should attend: Those interested in water quality improvement projects on the Genesee River.
| Topic | Time | Presenter | Description |
| Past Projects | 20 minutes | Pete Lent, Genesee RiverWatch | Review of three completed streambank restoration projects in Caneadea, Angelica, and Fillmore, NY totaling over 5,700 linear feet. |
| Present Projects | 20 minutes | George Thomas, Genesee RiverWatch | Update on two water quality improvement projects currently underway. One streambank restoration project in Houghton, NY and Agricultural Best Management Practice projects in Livingston County. |
| Future Projects | 20 minutes | Scott Fonte, Agricultural Engineering Services | Overview of two projects being developed in Allegany County. One streambank restoration project in Caneadea, NY and the naturalization of the Rush Creek channel into the river near Fillmore, NY.. |
| Panel Discussion | 20 minutes | All | Questions & Answers |
# 3: Got Access?
May 5, 2021, 8:30 to 10:00 am
Topic: Presentations on current cartop boat access improvement plans for the Genesee River Basin by various stakeholders followed by questions and answers with the panel.
Who should attend: Those interested in canoeing or kayaking on the Genesee River whether or not they have their own boat.
| Topic | Time | Presenter | Description |
| Genesee River Canoe/Kayak Access Plan | 25 minutes | George Thomas, Genesee RiverWatch | Overview of recently published Genesee River Basin Canoe/Kayak Access Plan. New and upgraded sites. Update on site improvement projects in Avon, Geneseo, and Caneadea, NY. |
| New Site in Fillmore | 25 minutes | Thomas Rhett, Genesee River Wilds | Story behind Fillmore site: A look at what it takes to get a new site established. |
| City of Rochester | 25 minutes | Michael Haugh & Charlie Valeska, Genesee RiverWatch | Update on new access site near Petten Street. Review of investigations into new sites at Maplewood Park and Seneca Park. |
| Panel Discussion | 15 minutes | All | Question and Answers |
#4: Let’s Plan a Canoe/Kayak Trip
May 12, 2021, 8:30 to 10:00 am
Topic: Presentations by basin outfitters and stakeholder groups on how to plan your next trip on the river.
Who should attend: Those interested in planning a canoe or kayak trip on the Genesee River.
| Topic | Time | Presenter | Description |
| Genesee River Blueway Map | 20 minutes | George Thomas & Wayne Howard, Genesee RiverWatch | Introduction to our interactive Genesee River Blueway map. How to use it. Interesting and useful features. |
| Who can help me? | 30 minutes | Peter Abel, Erie Canal Boat Company & John Courain, Genesee Waterways Center | Description of services available to help you get on the water even if you do not have equipment. Covers planned events and ad hoc ones. |
| Some Recommended Trips | 30 minutes | Thomas Rhett, Genesee River Wilds; Ben Gajewski, Genesee Valley Conservancy; Michael Haugh, Genesee RiverWatch | Description and details of presenters’ favorite trips on the various portions of the whole river from Pennsylvania to the Port of Rochester. |
| Panel Discussion | 10 minutes | All | Question & Answers |
Is there a way to watch the 1st and 2nd seminars?
We are working out a way to load the recording of the Zoom call.
Will these zoom be available for listening to later? These are work day hours .
Yes, we are working on it! But please be patient because this is our first time trying.