Genesee RiverWatchA Guide to ROC the Riverway – October 6-8, 2023
Roc the Riverway Weekend is a celebration of the Genesee River and the ambitious initiative to transform the river corridor that began in 2018. From the farms lining its banks along the Genesee Valley to its industrial heritage, the mighty Genesee is at the heart of who we are and how our community developed. Roc the Riverway is a series of projects that will transform this former industrial waterway into a community recreational corridor that provides opportunities for all to interact with water. Celebrate this transformation with us! Come out, experience a weekend of activities, and learn more about our community’s vision for the future.
This year’s Roc the Riverway Weekend will feature activities up and down the Genesee River from Lake Ontario to Genesee Valley Park. Hikes, bike rides, paddles, tours, and more all focus on introducing folks to the beauty and history of our City and its waterways. The weekend will also highlight progress on the myriad of Roc the Riverway capital improvements and the efforts towards establishing a new State Park at High Falls.
To learn more about the Roc the Riverway program and its many transformational projects along the Genesee River, visit City of Rochester | ROC the Riverway.
FRIDAY, October 6
2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Genesee River to Canal Lock 33 Boat Cruise. Join Corn Hill Navigation for a 2-1/2 hour cruise from Corn Hill Landing on the Genesee River to Lock 33 on the Erie Canal! With live, guided narration on board, you will learn about the historical significance of the Genesee River, the Erie Canal, and how a lock works. Relax and experience the natural beauty of our waterways. Visit www.cornhillnav.org/riverie to learn more and register.
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.: Genesee River and Erie Canal Boat Cruise. Enjoy a scenic roundtrip cruise on the Genesee River to Genesee Valley Park on the Erie Canal with Corn Hill Navigation. Included with this 90-minute voyage is live guided narration about how the river and canal made Rochester the “Young Lion of the West” as well as the opportunity to see interesting sites along the way. A highlight of this cruise will be a stunning view of downtown Rochester on the way back to port. Visit www.cornhillnav.org/riverie to learn more and register.
SATURDAY, October 7
8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.: 34th Annual Head of the Genesee Regatta. The Head of the Genesee is part of the Roc the Riverway Weekend series of activities promoting our great city and venue for rowing. It is one of the largest regattas west of the Hudson River in New York State, hosting over 50 organizations annually. Viewing is along the footbridge over the Genesee River and along the east river bank, under the 390 Flyover Bridge accessed from Genesee Valley Park and at the Genesee Waterways Center, 149 Elmwood Avenue. Visit HEAD OF THE GENESEE | geneseerowingclub to learn more.
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.: Clean Up at Seth Green Park. Get outside, get active, and get involved in making Rochester a greener, cleaner City! The City of Rochester’s Department of Recreation and Human Services is collaborating with the Seneca Park Zoo Society to sponsor a series of ‘park clean-up events’ along the Genesee Riverway Trail. Tools and gloves provided. Please dress for the weather and bring water to stay hydrated. Meet at the Seth Green parking lot. Visit Community Cleanup – Seth Green Park 10/7 | Seneca Park Zoo to register.
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Sturgeon Release in the Genesee River. Join the United States Geological Survey for a Sturgeon release at Seth Green Park by Lower Falls. Learn about the nearly 20 years of successful sturgeon reintroduction, spray paint stenciled sturgeon awareness signage in multiple languages, be joined by “Seth” our 6-foot fiberglass sturgeon mascot, and observe the staff measure weight, length, girth, and tag data. Attendees may participate in release of hatchery-reared sturgeon into the lower Genesee River.
10:00 a.m. AND 12:00 p.m.: Genesee River Bike Ride with Reconnect Rochester. Experience all the progress on ROC the Riverway projects up close and on two wheels! Meet on the High Falls Terrace and travel roughly 12 miles along the Genesee Riverway Trail and by street to explore the recent and future enhancements to the riverfront. Helmets required. Intermediate skill level as we will be biking in traffic. Registration not required, just show up at 10 a.m. or 12 p.m. to join either ride!
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Tours of the Lower Falls and Gorge. Join docents from the Maplewood Neighborhood Association and learn about the five bridges over the gorge, the rivalry between Carthage and Rochester, and the river’s transformation from a place of industry to recreation. Tours are about 45 minutes long with the last tour starting around 3 p.m. Meet in the Maplewood Rose Garden Parking Lot.
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.: Birding Boat Cruise on the Genesee River. See and hear the amazing variety of birds that make their home along the Genesee River near downtown Rochester, New York. Local expert Randi Minetor will join the crew of Corn Hill Navigation’s Riverie to lead this unique cruise for all types of birders – experienced, novice, and just curious. Participants are encouraged to bring their own binoculars, though some will be available to borrow. Visit www.cornhillnav.org/riverie to learn more and register.
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Undertakers, Wakes, & Tears: Mourning Rituals in 19th Century America. With Friends of Mount Hope Cemetery, learn about the Victorians’ complex relationship with death, and the socially accepted, but somewhat curious, rituals and customs used to express their grief. Meet at the North Gate House: 791 Mount Hope Avenue (opposite Robinson Dr). Undertakers, Wakes, & Tears: Mourning Rituals in 19th Century America (fomh.org)
12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Family Walk or Bike-in High Falls Terrace Celebration. Bring the whole family to the newly renovated High Falls Terrace Park and adjoining riverfront for a fun-filled celebration of the revitalization of Rochester’s Genesee River Corridor and the impending High Falls State Park! Enjoy spectacular views of Rochester’s High Falls while listening to the Story of Sam Patch by master storyteller Nate DiMeo. The celebration will include musical entertainment, activities and games for kids, food and beverages at the Genesee Brew House Beer Garden, public input sessions for the State Park, displays from community groups, self- guided audio tours, and guided bike tours. Parking is available in the High Falls Terrace Garage, as well as along adjacent streets.
12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Genesee River to Canal Lock 33 Boat Cruise. Join Corn Hill Navigation for a 2-1/2 hr cruise from Corn Hill Landing on the Genesee River to Lock 33 on the Erie Canal! With live guided narration, you will learn about the historical significance of the Genesee River, the Erie Canal, and how a lock works. Relax and experience the natural beauty of our waterways. Visit www.cornhillnav.org/riverie to learn more and register.
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Historic High Falls Walking Tour. Join Dan Cody for a 1-mile walking tour of the historic High Falls/Brown’s Race district. Explore one of the city’s oldest areas and learn how early settlers harnessed the power of the mighty Genesee River to run the mills and factories that created The Flour City and put Rochester on the map as an American boomtown. Meet at the corner of State St. and Commercial St. Presented by the Rochester Public Library’s Local History & Genealogy Division. Historic High Falls Walking Tour – MCLS Events & Programs – Monroe County Library System Home (libraryweb.org)
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Charlotte Genesee Lighthouse Tours. Tour the oldest surviving aid to navigation lighthouse on Lake Ontario (1822); climb the Octagonal Tower to see the new fourth-order Fresnel lens and a great panorama view of Lake Ontario and the surrounding area. In the Keeper’s House, view the history of Lighthouses in the area and the display of Ontario Beach Park from the 1870s to 1920s. There are several new displays which feature the 1905 Dentzel Carousel, the 1916 Annexation of Charlotte, Charlotte High School, Port of Rochester, and Along the Genesee. Outside, take a walk through the War of 1812 International Peace Garden. Admission is $5.00 (18 years & older); $2.00 (5-17 years old), and FREE (4 and under). Open Fri., Sat., & Sun. For further information call 585-621-6179 or visit www.geneseelighthouse.org.
2:00 p.m.: High Falls Ecoloop Bike Ride with Tour Blend. This two-mile guided bike tour takes you on a loop from High Falls Terrace Park and around the Genesee River Gorge to view both the top and bottom of High Falls from two different bridges spanning the Genesee River. Explore some sites of Rochester’s early industrial development, including Brown’s Race and Rochester Marshmallow Works, the first company in America to make and distribute marshmallows. Helmets are required for the bike tour.
3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.: Guided Paddle to Corn Hill from the Genesee Waterways Center. Join Genesee RiverWatch and the Genesee Waterways Center in celebrating ROC the Riverway Weekend with an educational paddle along the Genesee River. This all-levels paddle offers participants incredible views of our City skyline and opportunities to see the Genesee riverfront development projects up close and on the water. An adult must accompany all children under 18. No prior experience necessary. Pre-registration required. Call 328-3960 or visit https://www.geneseewaterways.org/events-registration to register.
City residents: Single kayak: $15, Tandem kayak: $25 or Family of 4 Special -2 tandems for $40
3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Genesee River and Erie Canal Boat Cruise. Enjoy a scenic roundtrip cruise on the Genesee River to Genesee Valley Park on the Erie Canal with Corn Hill Navigation. Included with this 90-minute voyage is live guided narration about how the river and canal made Rochester the “Young Lion of the West” as well as the opportunity to see interesting sites along the way. A highlight of this cruise will be a stunning view of downtown Rochester on the way back to port. Visit www.cornhillnav.org/riverie to learn more and register.
SUNDAY, October 8
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Autumn at the Lake. Spend a Sunday at the beach. Come enjoy the beauty of the Lake and the Port in the fall. Take a horse drawn hayride around Ontario Beach Park, decorate and take home pumpkins (fee), ride the carousel, enjoy fresh made donuts, cider and other treats from Duke’s Donuts, have fun with face painting and balloon art by the Grease Paint Alley Clowns, and musical entertainment by Dave Turner. This event will also feature a guided historical walking tour which will start at the Lighthouse and include the Charlotte Cemetery and River Street, tours of the historic Charlotte Genesee Lighthouse, a talk on the reintroduction of sturgeon in the Rochester Basin, and more. Event presented by the City of Rochester, the Ontario Beach Park Program Committee, and the Charlotte neighborhood Association.
12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Genesee River to Canal Lock 33 Boat Cruise. – Starting from the Staybridge Suites at 1000 Genesee Street, join Corn Hill Navigation for a 2-1/2 hour cruise from Corn Hill Landing on the Genesee River to Lock 33 on the Erie Canal! With live guided narration while aboard, you will learn about the historical significance of the Genesee River, the Erie Canal, and how a lock works. Relax and experience the natural beauty of our waterways. Visit www.cornhillnav.org/riverie to learn more and register.
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Charlotte Genesee Lighthouse Tours. Tour the oldest surviving aid to navigation lighthouse on Lake Ontario (1822); climb the Octagonal Tower to see the new fourth-order Fresnel lens and a great panorama view of Lake Ontario and the surrounding area. In the Keeper’s House, view the history of Lighthouses in the area and the display of Ontario Beach Park from the 1870s to 1920s. There are several new displays featuring the 1905 Dentzel Carousel, the 1916 Annexation of Charlotte, Charlotte High School, Port of Rochester, and Along the Genesee. Outside, take a walk through the War of 1812 International Peace Garden. Admission is $5.00 (18 years & older); $2.00 (5-17 years old), and FREE (4 and under). Open Fri., Sat., & Sun. For further information call 585-621-6179 or visit www.geneseelighthouse.org.
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.: The Old Third Ward and the Impact of the Genesee River – from Rattlesnake Hill to Today’s Urban Community. Take a guided walking tour through the Historic Corn Hill neighborhood and learn about the importance of the Genesee River to the community’s history and development. Using the Wegmans Passport to Wellness Trail as the route, you will hear past and present tales of the Underground Railroad, memories of the Clarissa Street Community, clairvoyants and the lore surrounding them, and many more. The event is free and appropriate for the entire family. Meet at the Water Spirit sculpture on Exchange Blvd. at South Plymouth.
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.: Mount Hope Cemetery Walking Tour. This foundational tour is a 90-minute walk of approximately a mile on both paved roads and uneven terrain. This includes the graves of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass, topics of local history, horticulture, geology, architecture, monument symbolism, and more. Tickets are $12 per person at the door, free for members, SNAP recipients, and children under 16 accompanied by a paying adult. Meet at the North Gatehouse at 791 Mount Hope Ave, opposite Robinson Drive. Comfortable walking shoes recommended. Public Tours: North Section (fomh.org)
3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Genesee River and Erie Canal Cruise. Starting from the Staybridge Suites at 1000 Genesee Street, enjoy a scenic roundtrip cruise on the Genesee River to Genesee Valley Park on the Erie Canal with Corn Hill Navigation. Included with this 90-minute voyage is live guided narration about how the river and canal made Rochester the “Young Lion of the West” as well as the opportunity to see interesting sites along the way. A highlight of this cruise will be a stunning view of downtown Rochester. Visit www.cornhillnav.org/riverie to learn more and register.
FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY
6 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.: Fall Salmon Run
Daily until November for anglers and spectators. Seth Green Dr. and Norton St. off St. Paul Blvd. This section of the Genesee River offers some of the most exciting fishing in New York State – right in the city. Fishing is allowed from the St. Rte. 104 Bridge upstream to the lower falls on the Genesee River, from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.
Self-Guided Mobile Tours: The Genesee River Alliance and Tour Blend have created many free audio-guided mobile tours along the Genesee River Trail. You can enjoy these walking / biking tours any time using your smartphone.
Start by downloading the free Tour Blend app or use one of the links below in any web browser:
• Walk on the Old Erie Canal: https://tourblend.stqry.app/1/tour/15390
• Downtown Riverfront Tour: https://tourblend.stqry.app/1/tour/2493
• High Falls Historic District: https://tourblend.stqry.app/1/tour/7994
• Lower Falls and Maplewood Park: https://tourblend.stqry.app/1/tour/2495
• Lower Genesee and Seneca Park: https://tourblend.stqry.app/1/tour/2475
• Charlotte and the Port of Rochester: https://tourblend.stqry.app/1/tour/2489
• Genesee River South Loop: https://tourblend.stqry.app/1/tour/2478
BOATING TOURS Enjoy these free audio-guided tours as you paddle or motor up the Genesee River, starting from the Port of Rochester Boat Launch or the Petten Street Boat Launch:
• Genesee River Boating Tour: https://tourblend.stqry.app/1/tour/2479
• Sturgeon Story: https://tourblend.stqry.app/1/tour/7993
High Falls Ecoloop Reimagined Tour – While the Pont de Rennes pedestrian bridge at High Falls is undergoing an upgrade, use the newly updated High Falls Ecoloop tour to walk or bike between High Falls Terrace Park and the High Falls Historic District. Follow the map and you will hear geo-located audio stories at 22 different locations along the route. The tour features stories describing Rochester’s early industrial development, including Brown’s Race and Rochester Marshmallow Works, the first company in America to make and distribute marshmallows. See plans for the High Falls State Park in the Genesee River Gorge below you as you stand on the Smith Street Bridge. Hear about recycling in Rochester more than a century ago, and learn about the importance of biodiversity and pollinators today. To begin, download the Tour Blend app, or use this link in any web browser: https://tourblend.stqry.app/1/tour/2473
Paddle Up the Genesee River to the Erie Canal on Sunday, September 17, 2023
Have you ever been through an Erie Canal lock…in a kayak?
Join Genesee RiverWatch and the Genesee Waterways Center for the fourth event in this summer’s series of guided paddles on the Genesee River and Erie Canal.
On this trip, we will paddle up the Genesee to the Erie Canal and head east toward Brighton and Pittsford. We will go through Lock 33 at Edgewood Avenue, getting a water-level view of the lock’s operation, and truly appreciate the massive scale of an Erie Canal lock. Paddling further east, we will exit the canal at the Lock 32 Paddling Center on Clover Street. Shuttle vans will take us back to our cars at the Waterways Center.
At approximately 5 miles length, this paddle is longer than the others in this summer’s series. Therefore, you should pay special attention to the following:
- You should be sufficiently experienced to be confident in your ability to paddle for 3 hours with limited rest. The waters of the canal and lock are generally calm and will not require technical skills.
- We will need to start promptly at 10:00, so please plan to arrive around 9:30 in order to sign in and get your life vest, paddle, and kayak.
- There is little shade along the canal. Dress accordingly (including a hat), apply sunscreen, and bring plenty of water, Gatorade, or other sports drinks. Be sure to bring a camera for some dramatic photos of Lock 33!
- Transiting the lock is easy and safe. When we enter, we will hold onto one of the ropes or cables that line the inner wall and slowly descend 25.4 feet over about 15 minutes.
Other conditions that applied to all the events this summer:
- Paddlers must be at least 10 years old.
- Pre-registration is required at the Genesee Waterways Website.
- Boat rental pricing is as follows:
- City residents: Single kayak: $15 l Tandem kayak: $25 l Family of 4 – 2 tandems for $40
- Non-City residents: Single kayak: $30 l Tandem kayak: $45
- Bring your own boat: $5.00- use code OWNBOAT when you register!
- City residents – Use Code CITYDISCOUNT for single kayaks and CITYDISCOUNT2 for tandem kayaks to get discounted pricing when you register
- We will meet at the Genesee Waterways Center, 149 Elmwood Avenue, between 9:30 and 10:00AM.
Any questions? Call the Waterways Center at 585-328-3960.
You may also want to make plans for the final paddling event of this summer:
Saturday, October 7, 3:00PM – 6:00PM (Roc the Riverway Weekend) Enjoy the Rochester City skyline from water level during this evening paddle to Corn Hill and back.
See you on the River!
Summer Paddles on the Genesee
Each summer, Genesee RiverWatch partners with the Genesee Waterways Center for organized paddles on the Genesee River. Pre-Registration is required at the Genesee Waterways Website. Join us! we continue to be guided by the idea that there is no substitute for experiencing the Genesee from water level. Paddle dates for 2023 are:
- Family Fun Paddle – Friday, June 23, 2023
- Community Paddle – Red Creek Paddle – Sunday, July 9, 2023
- Community Paddle – Stewardship Paddle – Saturday, August 5, 2023
- Community Paddle – Journey through Lock 33 to Lock 32 – Sunday, September 17, 2023
- Community Paddle – City Skyline Paddle – Saturday, October 7, 2023
Boat rental pricing is as follows:
- City residents: Single kayak: $15 l Tandem kayak: $25 l Family of 4 – 2 tandems for $40
- Non-City residents: Single kayak: $30 l Tandem kayak: $45
- Bring your own boat: $5.00- use code OWNBOAT when you register!
- City residents – Use Code CITYDISCOUNT for single kayaks and CITYDISCOUNT2 for tandem kayaks to get discounted pricing when you register
See you on the River!
Paddle with Us and Learn About Environmental Stewardship on the Genesee River – Saturday, August 5, 2023
On Saturday, August 5, 10:00AM-1:00PM, join Genesee RiverWatch, the Seneca Park Zoo Society, and the Genesee Waterways Center for the third trip in this summer’s series of guided paddles on the Genesee River. On this trip, we will paddle up the Genesee, part of the Erie Canal, and Red Creek. Along the way, Dave Wall, Community Science Coordinator at the Seneca Park Zoo Society, will teach us about invasive species (both flora and fauna) threatening the Genesee and other waterbodies in our region.
In addition to improving our ability to be stewards of our environment, we will have the chance to explore Red Creek – a hidden gem abundant with wildlife, including great blue herons, kingfishers, painted turtles and more!
We’ll meet at the Genesee Waterways Center, 149 Elmwood Avenue, between 9:30 and 10:00A.M.
Paddlers of all skill levels and at least 10 years old are invited.
Pre-registration is required at the Genesee Waterways Website.
Boat rental pricing is as follows:
- City residents: Single kayak: $15 l Tandem kayak: $25 l Family of 4 – 2 tandems for $40
- Non-City residents: Single kayak: $30 l Tandem kayak: $45
- Bring your own boat: $5.00- use code OWNBOAT when you register!
- City residents – Use Code CITYDISCOUNT for single kayaks and CITYDISCOUNT2 for tandem kayaks to get discounted pricing when you register
Any questions? Call the Waterways Center at 585-328-3960.
You may also want to make plans for the final two paddling events of this summer:
Sunday, September 17th, 10:00AM – 1:00PM Paddle the Erie Canal to Lock 32 (Clover Street). Along the way we will pass through Lock 33. If you have never gone through a lock in a kayak, this will be a unique experience!
Saturday, October 7, 3:00PM – 6:00PM (Roc the Riverway Weekend) Enjoy the Rochester City skyline from water level during this evening paddle to Corn Hill and back.
See you on the River!
Paddle to Red Creek with Us on Sunday, July 9, 2023
Register soon – space is limited. Pre-register (required) here.
Join us on Sunday, July 9th, 10:00AM-1:00PM at the Genesee Waterways Center, 149 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14611, for an unforgettable paddle adventure to Red Creek. Paddlers of all abilities are welcome to join us for a leisurely journey to Red Creek, a hidden gem abundant with wildlife, including great blue herons, kingfishers, painted turtles and more!
This paddle is presented by Genesee RiverWatch, the Genesee Waterways Center, and the City of Rochester.
Here’s what you need to know and the link to pre-register.
Upcoming Paddling Events
Several more paddle events are scheduled for this summer. For more information and to pre-register (required), click here.
Community Paddle – Stewardship Paddle – Saturday, August 5, 2023
Community Paddle – Journey from GWC to Lock 32 – Sunday, September 17, 2023
Community Paddle – City Skyline Paddle – Saturday, October 7, 2023
Announcing the First Paddle of 2023 – June 23, 2023
Register soon – limited space is available. Pre-register (required) here.
Join us at 6:00 PM on Friday, June 23, 2023, for the opening of the 2023 Genesee River Paddling season presented by Genesee RiverWatch, the Genesee Waterways Center, and the City of Rochester.
Family Fun Day – Learn to Paddle
Friday, June 23, 2023
6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Genesee Waterways Center
149 Elmwood Avenue Rochester, NY, 14611
Learn to kayak or canoe | Land & water games and activities for the whole family | Snacks & refreshments provided | Ages 5 and up
Beginning paddlers, including those who have never been in a kayak before, will learn how to enter, exit, paddle, and control their boat. Knowing these basic skills will vastly increase your enjoyment on the water and is a prerequisite for what we have termed “intermediate” events later this summer.
City residents: All boats FREE |Non-City residents: Single kayak: $30 | Tandem kayak: $45 | Canoe: $45 | Bring your own boat: FREE
Register soon – limited space is available. Pre-register (required) here.
Upcoming Paddling Events
Several more paddle events are scheduled for this summer. For more information and to pre-register (required), click here.
Community Paddle – Red Creek Paddle – Sunday, July 9, 2023
Community Paddle – Stewardship Paddle – Saturday, August 5, 2023
Community Paddle – Journey from GWC to Lock 32 – Sunday, September 17, 2023
Community Paddle – City Skyline Paddle – Saturday, October 7, 2023
Spring Newsletter 2023
Dear Friends and Supporters:
Spring is upon us and Genesee RiverWatch’s 2023 work is well underway. We are improving water quality and wildlife habitat via streambank restoration and application of agricultural best management practices. We are creating opportunities to get on the Genesee with our paddling program and river access improvement projects. Our annual Genesee River Basin Summit this May brought together experts from around the region to develop plans to improve water quality. We couldn’t do any of this work without our superb volunteer Board of Directors and the help of our technical and financial supporters. Many thanks for YOUR support.
Sincerely,
Mike Haugh, President of the Board
George Thomas, Executive Director
Annual Genesee River Basin Summit
Genesee RiverWatch presented its annual Genesee River Basin Summit on May 10th, 2023 at RIT’s Student Development Center. The topic of this year’s summit was Improving Water Quality – Sediment and Phosphorus Reduction. The objective was to solicit feedback on a Genesee RiverWatch proposal to improve water quality in the Genesee River Basin through sediment and phosphorus reduction. The Summit included a review of current basin-wide programs, an update on NYS State policy responses to emerging issues such as climate change, and a review of current sediment and phosphorus load reduction programs and activities. A summary and all presentations can be found in the Genesee River Basin Summit 2023 Wrap-Up .
Elizabeth Thorndike Environmental Leadership Award Presentations at the Summit
The Elizabeth Thorndike Environmental Leadership Awards were presented to Helen Dumas and Roy Wood at our annual Genesee River Basin Summit. Roy received the award in appreciation for his work with our Citizen Monitoring and Genesee River watershed wastewater treatment plant data. Helen is a Genesee Land Trust staff member and its Genesee River Alliance Coordinator. She was presented the Award in recognition of her work in helping to build the Genesee River Alliance into an effective organization to promote interest in the Genesee River within the City of Rochester.
Paddling the Genesee
2023 Plans
In planning for the 2023 paddling season and beyond, we continue to be guided by the idea that there is no substitute for experiencing the Genesee from water level. Paddle dates for 2023 are:
- Friday, June 23, 6:00 – 9:00 PM
- Sunday, July 9, 10:00AM – 1:00 PM
- Saturday, August 5, 10:00AM – 1:00PM
- Saturday, September 17, 10AM – 1:00PM
- Saturday, October 7, 3:00 – 6:00PM
More details to follow!
Streambank Restoration & Agricultural Best Management
Our work to improve water quality includes stabilizing and restoring streambanks and applying agricultural best management practices that reduce sediment and phosphorus loads to the river, and that slow the rate of erosion, preserving agricultural land and fertile topsoil. These projects also restore and improve wildlife habitat in and along the river by establishing wild plantings in the riparian zones.
2023 Projects
Babbitt’s Farm – Genesee River Streambank Restoration
The project will restore 850 feet of highly eroded streambank on Babbitt’s Farm north of Caneadea, NY. We will also install river training structures to prevent further erosion at the site and downstream, affecting 2,250 feet of riverbed. Site surveys and meetings with NYSDEC and the Army Corps of Engineers will begin in the spring of 2023 with construction planned for early fall 2023. This project is funded by a $200,000 grant from the Great Lakes Commission and a $50,000 in-kind match by the landowner, Babbitt’s Farm.
Oatka Creek – Tributary to Genesee River Streambank Restoration
New York Sea Grant has awarded Genesee RiverWatch a $48,400 grant to restore eroded streambanks and/or prevent erosion on Oatka Creek using bio-engineering techniques that create aquatic and riparian habitat. A design charrette was held on November 1st at the Genesee Country Village and Museum. The charrette provided some very practical design ideas to incorporate in our ultimate proposal. Its success was attributable to the willingness of the 17 participants to embrace the concepts of design that maximize the use of on-site materials and minimize the use of materials and equipment from off-site and the fact that this is a demonstration project. Designs for three segments of the creek are being developed for regulatory review in the second quarter 2023. It is expected that the results of this demonstration project will lead to the application of the techniques developed on other stream segments in the Genesee River watershed.
Agricultural Best Management Practices (Ag BMPs) in Livingston County
This project was initiated in 2021 to define and implement Ag BMP’s to reduce nutrient loads from agricultural lands in the Jaycox Creek Watershed in Livingston County. This partnership with Livingston County Soil and Water Conservation District resulted in the identification and implementation of four projects by mid-2022. At that time, we had $25,000 remaining in the grant budget. Originally these funds were planned to compensate Livingston County S&WCD for their work on the project. However, Robert Stryker, Director, asked to apply this money to another project that will improve drainage on the Bailey Farm. Late last year the grantor approved the change. Construction of this last project will be complete in August after the winter wheat is harvested.
Quick Notes:
Genesee RiverWatch Welcomes New Board Members
We are pleased to welcome the following to our Board of Directors:
- Norm Jones previously worked for the City of Rochester for more than 30 years in a variety of positions with increasing responsibility. Norm recently retired as the City’s Commissioner of Environmental Services.
- Paul McFadden is the City of Rochester’s Manager of Workforce Development. His position includes managing the REJob Environmental Construction Training Program which has placed 122 disadvantaged city residents in environmental construction careers.
- Steven Schiano works for his family business, S.E. Schiano Logging, primarily within the Genesee River watershed. Their projects include timber harvesting, streambank stabilization, invasive species removal, access improvements, and planting and maintaining 10,000+/- bare-rootstock seedlings every year.
Learn more about our Board Members.
Orvis Rochester Giveback Days in May
During the month of May, Orvis Rochester rewarded customers who made a $10 donation to Genesee RiverWatch with a discount good for 10% off an in-store purchase. We are very grateful to Orvis for this opportunity! Learn more
Genesee River Blueway Map
The Genesee River Blueway Map is your guide to paddling the Genesee from its headwaters in Pennsylvania to Lake Ontario. It shows safe access sites and provides the river mileage between these points. The map is available as a tri-fold brochure at many of the access sites and is downloadable from our website. Also on the website is an interactive map that will allow you to custom plan your route and print a more detailed map specific to your plan. The map is being updated in Spring, 2023.
Canoe/Kayak Access Projects
Genesee RiverWatch is continuing to work with our partners to improve access to the river for fishing and car-top boaters. We have begun work with our partners at Geneseo River Access Park and Avon/Rt. 20 to improve boating access sites in Avon and Geneseo. Design work and site surveys have been initiated. We expect to have the work complete before the end of the boating season.
Donor Support Helps Us Do Our Work
Genesee RiverWatch relies heavily on community support to continue its work of improving water quality and connecting people to the river. We are very appreciative of Our Supporters.
Genesee River Basin Summit 2023 Wrap-Up
Improving Water Quality – Sediment and Phosphorus Reduction
Genesee RiverWatch presented its annual Genesee River Basin Summit on May 10th, 2023 at the Rochester Institute of Technology. The topic of this year’s summit was Improving Water Quality – Sediment and Phosphorus Reduction
Summit Objective: The objective of the day-long summit was to solicit feedback on a Genesee RiverWatch proposal to improve water quality in the Genesee River Basin through sediment and phosphorus reduction. The Summit started with a review of current basin-wide programs, an update on NYS State policy responses to emerging issues such as climate change, and a review current sediment and phosphorus load reduction programs and activities.
As a result of the discussions at the Summit, Genesee RiverWatch will help develop a Steering Committee to address sediment and nutrient reduction in the Genesee Basin. As part of that work, we also plan to embark on an effort to educate elected officials on the need and benefit of sediment and nutrient reduction and look for ways to increase our outreach to stakeholders and the general public.
Summit presentations are linked within the agenda below.
Elizabeth Thorndike Environmental Leadership Award Presentation at the Summit
The Elizabeth Thorndike Environmental Leadership Awards were presented to Helen Dumas and Roy Wood. Roy received the award in appreciation for his work with our Citizen Monitoring and Genesee River watershed wastewater treatment plant data. Helen is a Genesee Land Trust staff member and its Genesee River Alliance Coordinator. She was presented the Award in recognition of her work in helping to build the Genesee River Alliance into an effective organization to promote interest in the Genesee River within the City of Rochester.
Agenda and Presentations
| Time | Topic | Presentation | Presenter |
| 8:00 to 8:30 | Sign-In | Continental Breakfast | VISIT EXHIBITS |
| 8:30 to 8:45 (15 min) | Welcome & Overview | Welcome & Overview | 1. Board Member – Genesee RiverWatch |
| 8:45 to 10:15 (90 min) | How focus on the Basin got started | 1a. Great Lakes Action Agenda – Development and plans moving forward, relation to Nine Element Plan 1b. Finger Lakes Watershed Hub 2. 2013 Basin Study – Water quality data, sources, and conclusions/recommendations 3. Formation of Genesee RiverWatch – How it started | 1. Shannon Dougherty and Tony Prestigiacomo- NYS Department of Environmental Conservation 2. Amanda Matkosky – Genesee RiverWatch 3. Mike Haugh – Genesee RiverWatch |
| 10:15 to 10:45 | BREAK | Coffee Refresh | VISIT EXHIBITS |
| 10:45 to 12:15 (90 min) | Emerging Issues | 1. NYS Environmental Bond Act – Water Quality Improvement & Resilient Infrastructure 2. Climate Action – NYS Climate Action Plan | 1. James Tierney – NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Deputy Commissioner, Water Resources 2. Brian Steinmuller – NYS Agriculture and Markets |
| 12:15 to 12:45 | LUNCH | Provided | VISIT EXHIBITS |
| 12:45 to 1:15 | Awards | Presentation to 2022 Elizabeth Thorndike Environmental Leadership Award Winners | |
| 1:15 to 2:45 (90 min) | Sediment and Phosphorus Load Reduction | 1. Farmland Soil Erosion – Best Management Practices 2. Dairy Industry – Sustainable Practices 3. Wastewater Treatment Plants – Overview 4. Streambank Erosion – Project examples | 1. Bob Stryker – Livingston County S&WCD 2. Brad Schwab – Agricultural Consulting Services 3. Pete Lent – Genesee RiverWatch 4. Scott Fonte – Agricultural Engineering Services |
| 2:45 to 3:00 | Break | Cookies & Beverage Provided | Visit Exhibits |
| 3:00 to 4:30 (90 min) | What needs to be done | 1. Proposal to measurably reduce the impact of erosion, agricultural operations, wastewater treatment plants, and dairy operations on sediment and phosphorus loads to the River, stream monitoring, carbon neutrality, and adaptive management 2. Panel Discussion – Q&A, comments, suggestions | 1. George Thomas and Mike Haugh – Genesee RiverWatch 2. Panel – Speakers and Invited Guests |
| 4:30-4:45 | Wrap-up | Next Steps | Genesee RiverWatch |
Thank you for Supporting Genesee RiverWatch through Orvis’ May 2023 “Great GiveBack Days”
As you know, once again the Orvis Company generously included Genesee RiverWatch in their spring “Great Giveback Days” program. We were happy to receive this year’s check of almost $2,000 from those who donated $10.00 at the Orvis store in Pittsford. Each and every donation to Genesee RiverWatch helps to further our mission of working to improve the water quality of the Genesee River and its tributaries to create environmental, recreational, and economic assets for its communities. We also connect people to the river, encouraging them to explore, experience, and celebrate the Genesee River.
Again, many thanks from the team at Genesee RiverWatch! We appreciate your continued support!
Elizabeth Thorndike Environmental Leadership Award Recipients
Genesee RiverWatch is pleased to announce its 2022 Elizabeth Thorndike Environmental Leadership Award recipients – Roy Wood and Helen Dumas. The awards are given to individuals, organizations, projects or events in recognition of significant contributions to our mission of “championing solutions that improve the water quality of the Genesee and initiatives that connect people to the River”. Nominations were solicited in in the fall of 2022 for review and selection by the Board of Directors of Genesee RiverWatch. The awards are given in honor of Elizabeth Thorndike, longtime supporter of Genesee RiverWatch and one of the founders of its predecessor organization, the Center for Environmental Information.
Award winners have demonstrated success in (1) improving the water quality of the Genesee River Basin; (2) creating environmental, recreational, and economic assets for their communities; and/or (3) connecting people to the river by encouraging them to explore, experience, and celebrate the river.
A separate category of the awards recognizes volunteers whose work on behalf of Genesee RiverWatch has significantly aided us in furthering our Mission.
Roy Wood
L to R: C. Michael Haugh-President, Board of Directors; Roy Wood-Award Recipient; George Thomas-Executive Director
The Award presented to Roy Wood represents our appreciation for Roy’s work with our Citizen Monitoring and Genesee River watershed wastewater treatment plant data. His analysis was instrumental to our efforts to develop a proposal to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation for reducing phosphorus discharges from wastewater treatment plants. That proposal is under active discussion with DEC, which represents a great first step to reduce the water quality impact of these plants.
Helen Dumas
Our second recipient, Helen Dumas, is a Genesee Land Trust staff member and its Genesee River Alliance Coordinator. She was presented with this Award in recognition of her work in helping to build the Genesee River Alliance into an effective organization to promote interest in the Genesee River within the City of Rochester. As Coordinator, Helen brought together a diverse group of people and organizations, most of which were already working on River projects, resulting in a collaboration to strengthen existing efforts and fill planning gaps, while also raising awareness of each other’s efforts. “Helen’s leadership in this work is changing the narrative around the Genesee River from a polluted and divided place to an asset with significant opportunity to bring together all facets of our community to enjoy and protect into the future.”