Libby Mackay Reflects on Working at Conservancy

Working with the Genesee Valley Conservancy has been one of the most fulfilling experiences I have had coming out of college. I came on board the Conservancy staff as an intern during the spring of 2021, ranking farmland based on topological qualities to find those farms that would be best suited for the farmland protection program.

Although it was during the COVID-19 pandemic and the world was still largely in shutdown mode, I was able to get out to meet some amazing people in person at the 2021 bluebell hike, but my internship was done fully remotely.

When I came back in the fall for my final semester, I was hired as a part-time Assistant Land Steward— in an in-person office for the first time—I switched gears to focus on baseline documentation for conservation projects nearing completion.

My two primary objectives in my new role? Complete baselines for the Emerling Farms and the Armson Farms conservation projects, two exciting projects rapidly on their way to protection in 2022.

Throughout these projects, I worked on a unique combination of writing descriptions of these farms, computer based GIS mapping and analysis, and collecting data out in the field.

Having such a unique variety of focuses and such an incredible group of co-workers to help me along the process, allowed me to grow not only in my technical skills, but more importantly as a person.

I graduated from SUNY Geneseo in December 2021 with degrees in geography and anthropology and continued my work with the Conservancy into the spring of 2022, truly enjoying every second of it.

I was able to complete my two primary objectives as Assistant Land Steward and was able to assist in other areas of the organization.

I was able to assist at volunteer days and meet more incredible people who help make the Conservancy the incredible organization it is.

Now, as we are nearing the end of spring, I am ready to use what I learned working with the Conservancy in my next step in life as an Aerial Triangulation Technician with EagleView in Rochester, an aerial imagery company using GIS computer mapping.

Having spent approximately a year working with the Conservancy and getting to learn the ins-and -outs of land conservation, I am excited to see what the future holds.

Thank you for everything!