From the Director - Winter Update

Earlier this year, my partner and I made a decision to go on a weekly hike. As a result of the pandemic, we hadn’t been getting out of the house as frequently as we were used to and we decided we wanted to change that.

These weekly outings have been a wonderful activity for us. We have hiked at places new and familiar and used hikes to meet up with family and friends safely.

On one weekend, at the end of January, during the first snap of winter weather, Whitney and I were determined not to let the 8* windchill stop our outing. With the weather as it was, we bundled up and opted for the closest hike to our house, Indian Fort Nature Preserve, knowing we were not going to stay out too long.

What we came across that day was pleasantly surprising. The parking lot at the preserve wasn’t empty! As we hiked along the trails, I surveyed the work of some local Girl Scouts (page 3) and Whitney pointed out invasive plants to address. Then, we passed a young couple hiking with their three dogs. A bit later, we spotted two college students taking photos by the Genesee River. Moments later, Stacey and her daughter Hope (back cover) came around the corner walking their dog, Bentley!

Remember, this was in 8* wind chills. I was expecting a cold, quick, and solitary outing!

As I sit behind a computer screen today writing this letter, reviewing meeting minutes and sifting through a property abstract, it is reassuring to know all of this work is creating real, meaningful, and lasting benefits in the community. Whether you were the ones I spotted during the hike or you were home bundled up in front of a warm fire, know that your support of the Conservancy is making important projects happen in the community and they are being enjoyed and benefiting the community every day of the year.