Saturday, June 19
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Join the Montezuma Audubon Center for a fun and inclusive birding walk with a Montezuma Audubon Center environmental educator during this month’s celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community. Enjoy a leisurely 1-mile walk through the grassland and forest while learning about the many birds that live there. This nature walk is for anyone who appreciates community, adventure, and wants to get outdoors to explore. We welcome those who identify as LGBTQIA+, allies, families, and anyone looking for a fun, educational, and inclusive outdoor experience. Facial coverings will be required, and we will follow physical distancing guidelines. This tour is funded in part through the generous support of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.

Please note: This hike will depart from the Montezuma Audubon Center (2295 State Route 89, Savannah, NY).

-Fee: $5/child, $10/adult, $25/family.
-Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early to get checked in and use the restroom.
-Space is limited and pre-paid online reservations are required.
-Call 315.365.3588 or email montezuma@audubon.org with questions.

Registration is required. https://act.audubon.org/a/audubon-all-guided-birding-hike-colvin-marsh-61921

Whooooo is coming to Happy Owl-ween this Saturday from 6 pm – 8 pm at the Montezuma Audubon Center? If YOOOOU join us, you’ll see 5 owls during the indoor presentation and then enjoy a 1-mile hike with our staff to experience the nighttime sights, sounds and smells of Montezuma. Great-horned owls have been hooting it up in our forests so bring the entire family and join us! Cider and donuts will be provided. Fee: $6/child, $8/adult, $25/family. Space is limited and registration is required. Call 315-365-3588 or email montezuma@audubon.org.

NYSDAM Farmland Protection Implementation Grant
2019 Genesee Land Trust Information Sessions
For Farmers and Farmland Owners

Wednesday, September 11: Williamson Town Hall, 6380 State Route 21, Williamson

Tuesday, September 17: Palmyra Town Hall, 1180 Canandaigua Rd, Palmyra

Monday, September 23: Chili Town Hall, 3333 Chili Avenue, Rochester

Tuesday, October 1: Town of Parma VFW Post 6105, 550 Peck Road, Hilton

All sessions start at 6:30 PM. Attendance at one of the informational sessions is highly recommended for applicants interested in participating in this grant round.

New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets Farmland Protection Implementation Grant Round is anticipated in Spring 2020. The Farmland Protection Program protects agricultural land through Conservation Easements with the Purchase of Development Rights (PDR). Conservation Easements allow landowners to prevent productive farmland from being lost to development, receive payment for their land’s development value, while still maintaining ownership of their land.

For information contact Liz Sheehan: lsheehan@geneseelandtrust.org

585-256-2130

The 2021 season of Project Feeder Watch has begun. Turn your love of feeding birds into scientific discoveries. FeederWatch is a survey of birds that visit backyards, nature centers, community areas, and other locales in North America. You don’t even need a feeder! Visit https://feederwatch.org/ to learn more and register.

You can also visit them on Facebook at

Tree Farmers are proud members of the New York State Grown & Certified program, which highlights New York’s agricultural producers and growers who adhere to the best practices in safe food handling and environmental stewardship.

The program is currently available to produce growers who are certified for Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and are participating in Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) plans.

Did you know that there are over 47 Christmas tree farms across New York State that are now NYS Grown & Certified!

Shop local, find a New York-grown Christmas tree vendor nearest to you https://on.ny.gov/3DGoRzV

To learn more about the Grown and Certifed program contact Ian@waynenyswcd.org

Join the Ontario-Wayne Stormwater Coalition and the Ontario County Soil & Water Conservation District for a rain barrel workshop. We will start with a short presentation with a demo on how to build your barrel. We will then help you build your own 55-gallon rain barrel. Installing a rain barrel is an easy way to protect our environment and save money.

A rain barrel collects and stores rainwater from your roof that would otherwise be lost to runoff and diverted to storm drains or streams. The water from your barrel can be used for watering gardens and lawns, washing cars, cleaning outdoor furniture, and the list goes on.

To register, contact Alaina at 585-396-1450 or email alaina.robarge@ontswcd.com

Gift Wrapping Ideas

Here are some Gift Wrapping Ideas.
Try the Japanese tradition of furoshiki fabric wraps.

To make it easy, use fabric squares made from machine washable 100% organic cotton that can be reused in a wide variety of ways. Make your own art! Your gift recipients can either re-gift or hang it in their home or office as wall art, use it as a face mask or grocery bag, style it as a scarf, and more. Here is a furoshiki guide to wrapping

Newspaper is another great material that is frequently recommended for wrapping.

Newspapers are printed that morning in the same city and are recyclable, making them more affordable and sustainable than typical wrapping paper. Get creative and buy newspapers from other countries, many bookstores carry these or shop antique stores for print media with memorable dates.

Wrap your presents as usual, but add the twine or ribbon. Grap that gathering bag and collect items like fresh pine cones, beautiful white birch bark, twigs, moss, and greens make your gift extra special. Look in the cupboard for bay leaves and cinnamon sticks. Use floral wire to attach kumquats, holly sprigs.