Genesee RiverWatchAquatic Education Going Virtual
The NOAA funded Our Lakes, Streams, and Rivers education initiative has been turned into a “virtual” program under the guidance of St. John Fisher College (Mike Boller) and the Aquatic Education Network. Twenty teachers have been chosen from thirty-three applicants for training to enable them to provide Meaningful Watershed Education Experiences (MWEE) to middle and high school students in the 2020 – 2021 school year. This project is part of Genesee RiverWatch’s efforts to facilitate educational experiences that connect students and teachers to the Genesee River.
Streambank Restoration Update Summer 2020
Genesee RiverWatch has several streambank restoration projects underway in 2020. These are important because restoring the banks of the river reduces sediment and phosphorus loads in the river, improving the quality of the water for recreational use and wildlife habitat along with preserving valuable farm land.
Streambank Restoration – Town of Angelica, NY
Genesee RiverWatch has begun work on its part of a US Fish & Wildlife Service (USF&WS) project to restore a 2,720 foot section on eroded Genesee River bank in the Town of Angelica, NY. This project is funded by $523,000 from the Kodak Environmental Response Trust. USF&WS is responsible for the design and construction of the project and is using bio-engineering techniques over rock riprap to stabilize the river bank. Genesee RiverWatch has secured the necessary environmental permits and archeological reports and will design and install the riparian buffer. Construction began the week of July 20th and is expected to take 6-7 weeks to complete. The riparian planting work will occur in the fall.
Streambank Restoration – Town of Houghton, NY
Genesee RiverWatch has been awarded a $197,000 grant from the Great Lakes Commission to stabilize 1,800 linear feet of un-buffered agricultural field along the Genesee River in the town of Houghton, New York. Along with $119,000 in-kind donation from the owner, the total project cost is $316,000. This restoration will reduce sediment and phosphorus loads to the river while adding 1,800 feet of new riparian zone and protecting valuable farmland. The landowner has lost approximately 2.6 acres of land over the last ten years. This project will emphasize the use of bioengineering techniques and habitat enhancement that incorporates plants in combination with natural materials such as logs, live stakes (e.g., cuttings from species like willow), and brush bundles (i.e., branches from live woody plants). This approach creates a natural appearance and habitat for fish and wildlife. Bioengineering designs can lead to long-term stabilization of a shoreline, reducing the need for future work. Permit application and supporting documentation were submitted on May 5th. The NY Department of Environmental Conservation issued a Notice of Complete Application on August 13, 2020. Shortly after the 15-day public comment period we expect to have all of the necessary permits. Construction is planned for the summer of 2021.
Edelweiss Farms Streambank Restoration
The work to stabilize 1,980 feet of streambank at Edelweiss Farms near the Village of Fillmore, NY was completed in the Fall of 2019. This $284,000 project, supported by a grant from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, stabilized the bank and established a riparian buffer. In 2020, a no-cost extension of the grant was approved that will allow us to use a small amount of remaining grant funds to stabilize a 50 foot section above the upstream end of the site, mitigate the impact of the Rush Creek discharge to the river on this project. Work is expected to be completed by year end 2020.
2020 Genesee RiverWatch Events Postponed/Canceled
Due to the current health crisis, the following events planned for 2020 are either canceled or postponed. We are hoping for a better 2021!
- 7th Annual Genesee River Basin Summit – The summit was originally planned for April 29th. We hope that the virus will be under control by fall and that we can re-schedule the Summit then. Along with this postponement, we are deferring the Elizabeth Thorndike Environmental Leadership Awards.
- We had planned to participate in the Letchworth Earth Day event and ADK’s Outdoor Expo. Both have been canceled.
- In partnership with the City of Rochester, we have planned to open the new Petten Street canoe/kayak dock before Memorial Day. At this point, we don’t know how the shutdown will affect the City’s construction schedule. When we know more, we will publicize an update on our website and Facebook page.
- Our two cruises on the Lower River in 2019 were so successful that we had scheduled three for 2020 on July 26th, August 23rd, and October 3rd. These have been canceled.
- In association with the Waterways Center, we had outlined an extensive list of public paddle trips on the river and Canal as well as a “learn to paddle” day and a family outing day. At this time, these events are canceled.
Call for Experts and Resources for Environmental Education Program
Hello Friends,
Genesee RiverWatch and its Aquatic Education Network is partnering with St. John Fisher College on a grant they recently received from the NOAA for the Our Lakes, Streams, and Rivers program. We are gathering a database of resources for teachers to use as they develop their Meaningful Watershed Education Experiences through the program. We are looking for:
- People who are willing to speak with teachers or classes about their work related to watershed stewardship. If you are interested, send us your title, organization, topic(s) you could speak about, and your contact information.
- Educational resources or educational fieldwork opportunities you may know about in the Genesee River and Lake Ontario watershed.
Please let us know if you can assist with either (or both) of these. We appreciate your input and expertise. Thank you for your interest in providing education about the Genesee River Watershed to area students. For more information about the grant and NOAA’s Our Lakes, Streams, and Rivers program, visit: https://www.sjfc.edu/services/sustainability/community/watershed/
Sincerely,
Chris Widmaier cjwidmaier@gmail.com
Mike Boller mboller@sjfc.edu
Genesee RiverWatch works 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 river. The Aquatic Education Network, an initiative of Genesee RiverWatch, is an educational program to connect K-12 students with the river system to learn how rivers are impacted by human activities and communities.
WXXI: River advocates continue their work during COVID-19
By Alex Crichton, WXXI, Rochester, NY, July 1st, 2020.
An organization dedicated to achieving a healthy and sustainable Genesee River ecosystem is outlining its 2019 accomplishments.
And the group’s work moves forward, despite the coronavirus pandemic.
George Thomas is executive Director for the Genesee Riverwatch, a largely volunteer organization that works to protect and celebrate the river.
“Trying to improve water, that’s the protecting part, and celebrating is trying to get people on the river and near the river to enjoy the resource,” he said. Credit geneseeriverwatch.org
Thomas says the group has been able to continue its many projects because it’s mainly been a volunteer and virtual organization for four years.
The Genesee Riverwatch outlined many accomplishments in its 2019 report, including publication of the group’s first report card on the Genesee River Basin’s water quality.
It received a “C.”
“We have a couple of tributaries that are doing well, and a couple that aren’t. That’s where we kind of get our focus, so rather than concentrate on Oatka or Black Creek, we look at places like Canaseraga or other ones that are having a bigger negative impact”
The group gave Canaseraga Creek the lowest grade of “D.”
Thomas say moving forward, restoration projects are a priority.
“Lot of work that needs to be done. We’re looking at 20 to 30 years worth of restoration work, but we also are really getting interested now in working closely with other groups to improve access to the river, “ he said.
Thomas says the Genesee River is a natural asset that many people don’t appreciate, and from an economic development standpoint, most of the improvements the city is talking about through its ROC the Riverway Project are associated with the river.
He adds the Genesee Riverwatch is always looking for volunteer help, especially when it comes to the organization’s many tree planting projects.
Click here to view the 2019 report from the Genesee Riverwatch
2019 Annual Report Released
Genesee RiverWatch has released its 2019 Annual Report, covering our work over the past year and our plans for 2020.
IJC: Genesee River Education Program Brings Together Students and Water
International Joint Commission – April 22, 2020. By Kevin Bunch. Reprinted with permission
One approach to fostering environmental stewardship is to get people involved in water activities as children. An educational initiative by Genesee Riverwatch in upstate New York has been doing exactly that by helping teachers get students excited about their local Genesee River.
Chris Widmaier, a Rochester-based science teacher and member of Riverwatch’s Aquatic Education Initiative steering committee, said the organization received a $20,000 grant from the New York State Pollution Prevention Institute in 2017. Riverwatch members discussed how they could build an educational program to connect K-12 students with the river system, how rivers are impacted by human activities and the different types of human communities along their courses. In turn, Riverwatch leaders hoped, this would get children and their families to take a greater role in protecting the waterway.
A Message to our Friends in this Difficult Time
Dear Friends,
It is certainly a strange time when we are all bound together by a common threat and yet physically separated by the need to defeat that same threat. Some of us are confined to our homes with no fixed agenda. Some are also confined but working diligently at jobs that can be done via computer and phone. Some are out in the wider world taking care of the rest of us in hospitals, in grocery stores, on garbage trucks and in power plants.
Since this situation has gone on for some time – and looks like it will last a good bit longer – we thought it would be useful to let you know the current state of the Genesee RiverWatch events calendar, what we are working on during this “New York State on Pause”, and what we are doing to take advantage of our enforced solitude.
Take care and stay safe,
Mike Haugh, President of the Board of Directors
George Thomas, Executive Director
2020 Genesee RiverWatch Events
- 7th Annual Genesee River Basin Summit – Early this month our Board of Directors looked at the budding crisis and decided to postpone the Summit, originally planned for April 29th. We hope that the virus will be under control by fall and that we can re-schedule the Summit then. Along with this postponement, we are deferring the Elizabeth Thorndike Environmental Leadership Awards. If you would like to recognize a person or organization, we will be extending the nomination period. Keep an eye on our website/Facebook page for details.
- While the Letchworth Earth Day event has been canceled, ADK’s Outdoor Expo on June 13th is still on the books. If the Expo does take place, come and join us at the Genesee RiverWatch table.
- In partnership with the City of Rochester, we have planned to open the new Petten Street canoe/kayak dock before Memorial Day. At this point, we don’t know how the shutdown will affect the City’s construction schedule. When we know more, we will publicize an update on our website and Facebook page.
- Our two cruises on the Lower River in 2019 were so successful that we have scheduled three for 2020. They are planned for July 26th, August 23rd, and October 3rd. We hope this schedule can be met and will let you know when to make your reservations.
- In association with the Waterways Center, we have outlined an extensive list of public paddle trips on the river and Canal as well as a “learn to paddle” day and a family outing day. As the extent of the shutdown becomes clearer, we will make modifications and announce these events on the Waterways calendar and the Genesee RiverWatch website/Facebook page.
Ongoing Activities
- We have two big streambank stabilization projects planned for this year: 2,720 feet of bank near the confluence of the Genesee River and Angelica Creek and an 1,800-foot project near Houghton. Permit applications for these have been filed with the NYSDEC and Army Corps of Engineers and required archaeological work has been completed. More information on these projects will be covered in our upcoming newsletter.
- Our recreational map of the river, in partnership with Genesee River Wilds and the Genesee Valley Land Trust, is in development. We are investigating ways to get the public input that had been planned as part of the Summit.
- Other activities such as a sediment reduction strategy for the entire basin and numerous administrative improvements are getting the attention they deserve now that other activities have been pushed down the calendar.
Regardless of what we were doing before “New York State on Pause”, all our lives have been thrown off their normal tracks. Many of us have more discretionary time and many fewer outside resources such as libraries, gyms, museums, movies, etc. Walking is one of the few things we can do that is virus-safe and provides needed exercise. We at Genesee RiverWatch are a bit prejudiced and happen to believe that our river, with its beauty and history, is a great place to do those walks. Accordingly, we will post occasional Facebook suggestions for stretches of the river that you might want to explore. Here is an initial idea:
Scottsville Area: Lehigh Valley Trail to Scottsville Canawaugus Park or Route 253 – 3.1 or 4.1 miles
Park at the access lot on the east side of River Road, 2.6 miles south of Scottsville near the Casella Transfer Station. Walk about .6 miles east on the Lehigh Valley Trail to the intersection with the Genesee Valley Greenway at the Wadsworth Junction railroad bridge. Read the sign describing the Genesee Valley Canal and its successor railroads that ran on the same line as today’s Greenway Trail. Walk north up the trail about 2.5 miles to Canawaugus Park on Owatka Creek. Still have energy? Add an additional mile to route 253. The trails are mostly flat and well-groomed, though there may be muddy spots after a rain. There is parking for about 6 cars at the Lehigh Trail access point, a large parking lot at Canawaugus and room for 2-3 cars at the route 253 intersection.
“In every walk with Nature one receives far more than he seeks.”
John Muir
Hiking the Genesee and Surrounding Areas While Social Distancing
Regardless of what we were doing before the current health crisis and its mandatory social distancing, all our lives have been thrown off their normal tracks. Many of us have more discretionary time and many fewer outside resources such as libraries, gyms, museums, movies, etc. Walking is one of the few things we can do that is virus-safe and provides needed exercise.
We at Genesee RiverWatch are a bit prejudiced and happen to believe that our river, with its beauty and history, is a great place to do those walks. Accordingly, we will post occasional website and Facebook suggestions for stretches of the river that you might want to explore. Keep an eye on this page for new routes.
As a rule, these areas will be less well known and should have very little traffic. However, if you do meet fellow travelers, please maintain a 6-foot distance, perhaps stepping off the trail until they go by.
Most of these routes are described as point-to-point. If you do them this way, you will want to leave a second car at the end point. You could also do them as out-and-back trips with a single car; possibly doing half the route one day and, starting from the other end, doing the other half on a second day.
Nothing says that you must walk. Many people bike these trails and, judging by the hoofprints, some ride horses.
Seeking Input on Genesee River Canoe/Kayak Access Sites
Genesee RiverWatch in partnership with the Genesee Valley Conservancy and Genesee River Wilds has received funding from New York Sea Grant to develop, print and distribute V2 (version 2) of the Genesee River Blueway map and to solicit public input on canoe/kayak access sites. The updated map will include updated access site information, as well as tourism and cultural references for boaters. Distribution of the updated map is expected to be complete before the 2020 boating season.