Environmentalists - Rochester, NY area 

RochesterEnvironment.com

A list of all environmental groups in the Rochester, NY area. Need help or want to give help to our area's environment? Contact the groups below.   

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 Environmentalists

Listed below are all our local environmental groups and organizations who affect the quality of our environment in and around Rochester, New York.

As requested by a visitor to this page, I've tried organizing these sites into some kind of order. Many of the sites may not fall neatly into one category or another. 

A lot of web sites, especially specific advocacy sites for specific situations come and go, so some may not be working anymore.  I'll do my best to keep this page updated and if you or your group would like to be listed or listed differently, please let me know --Frank J. Regan

 

Main Environmental Groups in and around Rochester Preserving Specific Places In and Around Rochester
Protecting Birds Environmental educational sites in and near Rochester
Specific Issues in Rochester Food
General Environmental Groups Preserving land & Water
Transportation Trails
Animal Protection and Rights Groups in or near Rochester All Rochester-area Humane Societies This opens a separate page.
Environmentalist in Nearby communities  

 

* Get this important and comprehensive directory of Environmental Organizations in our are.  Many of the listings do not have web sites. CEI: Environmental Directory Directory of Environmental Agencies and Organizations in the Rochester/Genesee/Finger Lakes Area --from CEI: Center for Environmental Information  CEI's Directory of Environmental Agencies and Organizations in the Rochester-Genesee-Finger Lakes Region is now available! The 2004 edition of the Directory is now available. It includes over 350 listings, covering the counties of : Chemung - Schuyler - Genesee - Seneca - Livingston  -Steuben - Monroe - Tompkins -Ontario - Wayne - Orleans - Yates -Federal, state, and local government agencies concerned with the environment are included. The Directory has both a Table of Contents and an Index to assist identification of agencies or organizations by name or by subject, e.g. parks, planning, health. --from Center for Environmental Information (CEI) for environmental information on: acid rain north coast conference New York Rochester info  

 

Center for Environmental InformationCEI: Center for Environmental Information We are a grassroots, non-profit organization that works, in collaboration with citizens, organizations, institutions, government and businesses, for environmental protection of upstate New York. 

 

* Also, a special note about a Rochester-area email service that is a great benefit to our community. RochesterAlliance.org  When you join this e-mail based EVENT/ACTION ANNOUNCEMENT listserv you will be part of a growing community of activists that share important EVENTS & ACTIONS around our community with each other. The “Rochester” ANNOUNCE email list is a web network of activists committed to sharing information about upcoming EVENTS/ACTIONS. The moderator passes event information on to literally HUNDREDS of local activists like you! It’s easy to join. Just click here and write: subscribe ANNOUNCE and then write your name or nickname or handle in the subject or body of the message. All three elements must be in the body of the message or the subscription request will not be accepted. Learn more about the “Rochester” ANNOUNCE list by clicking here. Details Rochester List.

Main Environmental Groups in and around Rochester

The Rochester, NY area has many major environmental groups. Some are branches of national or state groups located in our area. Some are unique to our area.

  • City of Rochester | Green Team Mayor Duffy set up the Green Team to ensure that the City maintains and enhances its long-standing commitment to preserving, protecting, and restoring our natural resources.  The City of Rochester will demonstrate through practice and policy our commitment to exemplary environmental stewardship.  The City, while cognizant of fiscal limits, is committed to the implementation of environmental management practices which will provide a healthy and sustainable environment and enhance the quality of life for our citizens. 
  • Rochester Regional Group Sierra Club | Sierra Club This is Rochester's local chapter of The Sierra Club.  Here you can read the contents of their meetings, which gives a good overview of their main environmental concerns in our area, topics they are involved with, and other information.
  • Nature Conservancy  The Nature Conservancy in New York - Central & Western New York The Central and Western New York Chapter of The Nature Conservancy covers 29 counties, nearly half the state of New York. Headquartered in Rochester, the Chapter maintains field offices in Pulaski, Ellicottville, and Meadville, Pennsylvania, and owns and manages nearly 25,000 acres within central and western New York. -- Central & Western New York Chapter 1048 University Avenue Rochester, NY 14607 (585) 546-8030
  • Federation of Monroe County Environmentalists A monthly forum in which local organizations and individuals discuss environmental/land use issues and choose actions Mission: to ensure that future growth and development within Monroe County and the Genesee Valley region will not compromise full protection of our environment.
  • Genesee Valley Audubon Society - A New York Chapter of the National Audubon Society The mission of GVAS is to promote the conservation of the environment through education and to advocate for its protection, focusing on birds and other wildlife in Western New York.
  • Center for Environmental Information (CEI) The Center for Environmental Information (CEI) is a private, nonprofit, educational organization, founded in Rochester, New York, in 1974. CEI provides information and communication services, publications, and educational programs in order to: Advance public understanding of environmental issues; Act as a communication link among scientists, educators, decision makers and the public; Advocate informed action based on the free exchange of information and ideas.
  • Metro Justice of Rochester Metro Justice is comprised of two separate corporate entities, Metro Justice, Inc. and Metro Justice Education Fund. Although both organizations share a common mission, it is necessary for Metro Justice to utilize two separate organizations to do the range of work that is needed to create a more fair and just society. This web site collectively refers to the two organizations under the colloquial name Metro Justice.
  • BURROUGHS AUDUBON NATURE CLUB The Burroughs Audubon Nature Club (B.A.N.C.) is an organization dedicated to promoting the natural sciences, ecology and conservation through regular programs and field trips. B.A.N.C. enjoys a 30-acre nature sanctuary with trails and a clubhouse located near the village of Pittsford and a 90-acre nature preserve near Dansville. Friendly and knowledgeable people, along with outstanding facilities and programs make B.A.N.C. membership a great opportunity for individuals and families of all ages.
  • Genesee Valley Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club  "The Adirondack Mountain Club is a non-profit organization that, through its various chapters and lodges, operates exclusively for conservation, recreation and educational purposes and whose assets and earnings profit no member, officer or employee."  Find out schedules and first aid and things to know when taking nature trips.
  • Citizen's Environmental Coalition: Citizens’ Environmental Coalition (CEC) was founded in 1983 by people living with the legacy of toxic pollution. They were united in the belief that no child should be born with toxic chemicals in their body, and began to use their collective grassroots power to influence statewide policy, with a mission to eliminate toxic pollution from homes, workplaces, schools and communities by empowering people. Twenty years later, CEC has grown into 110 community, labor, faith-based, youth, health and environmental groups and over 14,000 individuals throughout New York State with offices in Albany and Buffalo. We serve as the nexus of local communities, statewide policy discussions and national collaborations.
  • Citizens Campaign for the Environment (CCE) CCE works to build widespread citizen understanding and advocacy for policies and actions designed to manage and protect interdependent land and water resources, wildlife and public health. CCE carries out this mission through public education, research, lobbying, organizing and public outreach.
  • The Monroe County Environmental Management Council (EMC) is part of the Monroe County Department of Public Health. The mission of the EMC is to be a credible source of information on environmental issues. The Council will use its expertise to develop sound solutions to preserve and protect the rich and diverse environment in Monroe County. The EMC serves in an advisory capacity to various governmental agencies and works closely with the public on many environmental issues.
  • RAMPinfo - a nonprofit dedicated to protecting people and the ecosystem from the dangerous effects of harmful chemicals and pesticides "RAMP's Mission is to advocate against toxic chemicals and pesticides risk on public health and the environment.   RAMP was established in 1987 by community members seeking to inform others of the potential dangers of using pesticides and toxic chemicals. "

Environmental Education

Innovative environmental education opportunities in the Rochester, NY area

  • Cornell Cooperative Extension of Monroe County Our Mission is to provide research-based information and education programs to address local priority needs in the areas of 4-H Youth Development, Agriculture, Horticulture, and Nutrition, Food Safety & Health.
  • Center for Sustainable Living :: Genesee Valley / Finger Lakes Region “The Center for Sustainable Living recognizes the wisdom in natural systems that serve as models for ecological well-being. The Center provides a place for instructional programs and educational resources which integrate this knowledge into human ways of living."
  • Seeking Common Ground Home Page Founding in 1997, Seeking Common Ground (SCG), Inc. is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit educational organization dedicated to exploring, modeling and inspiring more conscious and restorative ways of life. SCG was co-founded by five women in response to a growing desire to apply their corporate education and publishing skills to topics closer to heart and home. Seeking Common Ground, Inc. P.O. Box 486, Mendon, NY 14506 Phone: 585-394-7610 mail your questions and/or comments to: info@seekingcommonground.org

Protecting Birds

The Rochester, NY area, like others, loves its birds and many groups watch, monitor, and protect the rights of our area's bird populations.

  • Olga Fleisher Ornithological Foundation, Inc. (OFOF). is a private, non-profit organization founded in 1979 for the preservation of habitat for birds and other wildlife. The philosophy of our foundation was conceived by an awareness of the need to sustain our fragile environment. Our mission has been to protect vulnerable wetlands, lead in wildlife and conservation education, and to facilitate in ecological research.
  • RochesterBirding: Welcome to the Web Home of the Rochester Birding Association, located in Rochester, NY. Our mission is to enable residents of the Greater Rochester Area to gain a fuller appreciation of the region's birds and its birding.
  • Braddock Bay Raptor Research educating the public and learning more about birds of prey. Braddock Bay Park is about located about 20 minutes northwest of downtown Rochester, NY.
  • Birding Western New York: The mission of this site is to provide information to visiting and novice birders about birding in Western New York. It features an extensive site guide, an annotated checklist of where to locate specific birds, and site recommendations based upon the season. Additional information is provided to round out the birding in Western New York.
  • The Cayuga Bird Club (CBC), founded in 1913, provides its members and the community at large with opportunities to learn about birds, local birding localities, and the environment. CBC membership is composed of a diverse group of people from various professions and backgrounds, whose common bond is a keen interest in the observation and preservation of bird life. CBC field trips and monthly meetings offer members a chance to meet socially and to focus on a topic or locality of interest. Most field trips visit areas within the Cayuga Lake Basin, although the club regularly visits places farther afield, such as Amherst Island, Ontario; Niagara Falls, New York; and Hawk Mountain, Pennsylvania. Lectures and presentations offered at the monthly club meetings draw from the great variety of professional and amateur researchers at the Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University, and Ithaca College, as well as the local community.
  • Genesee Valley Chapter of Pheasants Forever Our mission statement is to improve pheasant populations via habitat restoration projects in the six county area surrounding Rochester, NY.
  • The Bird Coalition of Rochester is dedicated to environmental education, service learning, and migratory bird conservation in the Greater Rochester, New York Area. BirdCOR is a nonprofit program of the Genesee Valley Audubon Society.
  • Protection of Powder Mills Park | Facebook "Monroe County is preparing to launch an environmental study, at a cost of $85,000- to gain approval for taking park land to make a dog park and allowing mountain biking on the trails of powder mills park. "

Preserving Specific Places In and Around Rochester

Join or get pertinent information about specific areas of environmental concern in our area from groups dedicated to preserving these areas.

  • Save Auburn Trail ‎(Railroad Mills Special Environmental Area - A Unique Part of the Auburn Trail Extension Help preserve this special part of the Auburn Trail    The Town of Victor, NY is planning a six foot wide stone dust trail to replace  a narrow footpath through a unique environmental area known as the  Railroad Mills Special Environmental Area (RRMSEA)   The Coalition to save RRMSEA believes Victor's plan will have serious environmental impacts and will eliminate the wilderness feeling that makes the area so special.  We propose a compromise that creates an accessible trail that can be enjoyed by a wide range of users, and preserves the sensitive and unique environment.
  • Friends of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex "The Montezuma Wetlands Complex (MWC) Project is an effort by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and Ducks Unlimited, Inc. to protect, restore and enhance wildlife habitat. It encompasses approximately 50,000 acres (20,242 hectares) in Seneca, Cayuga and Wayne counties in upstate New York and includes the federal Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, the state Northern Montezuma Wildlife Management Area, and lands owned by conservation groups, farmers, and other private landowners. Public lands and some private land are managed to provide habitat for wildlife and recreation and education for people."
  • Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization "To create, modify, and implement a watershed management plan to allow local governments within the watershed to work together for the purposes of accessing dollars, cost savings, cost sharing, and efficiency of activities among municipalities. This plan when completed will prioritize water quality problems and solutions. The Intermunicipal Organization will provide direction for the regional planning boards and other staff, and oversee the entire project."
  • Honeoye Valley Association The Honeoye Valley Association is a not-for-profit volunteer organization that works in a variety of ways to protect and preserve the environmental quality of the Honeoye Lake watershed.
  • HNU - Henrietta Neighbors United To act as a forum for Henrietta residents where they can express their ideas and concerns, and to provide timely, meaningful and accurate town information. We also plan to act in an advocacy role for those ideas and concerns we feel represent a consensus of town residents.
  • SOS Save our Sodus Save Our Sodus, Inc. is an organization concerned with deteriorating water quality in Sodus Bay. Our members include local residents, vacationers, property owners, businesses, farmers, boaters, sportspeople and many others who recognize the importance of preserving the bay's natural beauty and purity. Water quality and pollution are quickly becoming an international concern and threaten to emerge this century as a global crisis to the world's populations. We understand that the best way to effectively protect and preserve these waters is locally, through citizen support and community action. By joining together, we can increase public awareness, create a common voice and reverse the pollution damage that is done daily to Sodus Bay and its tributaries.
  • Grassroots: Grassroots is the University of Rochester environmental action and awareness group. We strive to act on behalf of a sustainable future and to raise awareness of our collective and individual responsibilities as stewards of the Earth.
  • Bergen Swamp Preservation Society The Bergen Swamp Preservation Society was established as an educational institution to hold and preserve the lands of the Bergen Swamp, as well as any other property it may acquire. Its purpose is to conserve the flora and fauna of the lands under its control and to offer to schools, colleges and other interested parties access for observation and study. The properties of the Bergen Swamp Preservation Society constitute unique natural areas that are habitats for many rare plants and a number of rare and endangered species of animals. Two BSPS properties, Bergen Swamp and Zurich Bog are designated by the National Park Service as National Natural Landmarks.
  • Canandaigua Lake Watershed Council The Canandaigua Lake Watershed Council, consisting of publicly elected representatives from each of the fourteen watershed and water purveying municipalities is the lead organization in the protection of the Canandaigua Lake watershed. It is the goal of the Watershed Council to maintain and enhance the high water quality of the Canandaigua Lake watershed through education, research, restoration and if necessary regulation. The Watershed Council strives to cooperate and partner with the various citizen groups along with county, state and federal agencies to more effectively and efficiently implement the plan
  • Friends of Irondequoit Bay is a non-profit, member based environmental organization whose mission is to help preserve and protect the delicate ecological integrity of Irondequoit Bay wetlands through preservation, education and advocacy .
  • ACCGPG Allens -Creek/Corbetts Glen Preservation Group: As undeveloped lands close to Rochester become scarce, the Allens Creek Valley has come under increased pressure from developers who seek to exploit its economic potential. The Allens Creek/Corbett's Glen Preservation Group (ACCGPG) was formed in 1994 as a grassroots response to a controversial proposal to construct several industrial/office buildings in a section of the valley along Allens Creek and next to Corbett’s Glen.
  • Parks Preservation in Monroe County, NY‎ Monroe County has unveiled the draft Master Plan for the six parks that ring Irondequoit Bay - Ellison Park, Ellison Wetlands, Tryon Park, Irondequoit Bay Park East, Irondequoit Bay Park West, and Devil's Cove.  This Master Plan recommends major changes to some of these areas, without adequately considering the concerns of all of the stakeholders – the users, namely, you.
  • The Committee to Preserve the Finger Lakes We are a group of progressive individuals committed to preserving the natural beauty and the purity of the water in the Finger Lakes region of New York State. The scenic lakes and majestic natural scenery make the Region worth preserving. The topography ranges from steep hills and valleys to gently rolling hills and valleys. The region is home to a large agricultural community that includes a thriving Mennonite population. Some of the various types of agriculture include dairy and crop farms, grape vineyards, and apple orchards
  • Oatka Creek Watershed Committee "The Oatka Creek Watershed Committee (OCWC) is a not for profit group composed of dedicated volunteers from a variety of backgrounds who are working together to develop a watershed management plan for the Oatka Creek Watershed which is located within the four counties of Wyoming, Genesee, Livingston and Monroe in Western New York State. Our diverse membership is composed of people from local government, the farming community, public health, conservation and many other areas, and our activities have been supported through partnerships and federal, state and local grants. "
  • Allens Creek Corbett's Glen Preservation Group home "The ACCGPG is a 501c(3) not-for-profit grassroots organization that was founded in 1994 in response to development pressures on the environmentally-sensitive lands in the Allens Creek Valley, located just outside of Rochester, NY, in the towns of Brighton and Penfield. The ACCGPG strives to protect these lands (especially Corbett’s Glen Nature Park) from adjacent development by working towards expansion of the park borders through conservation easements and land acquisition, and by actively participating in governmental regulation of proposed development in the area. "

Specific Issues

Groups working on specific environmental issues in the Rochester, NY area

  • Lead Safe By 2010 The Coalition to Prevent Lead Poisoning, a partner of the Finger Lakes Health System Agency, is a non-profit organization of community citizens who share this conviction: Childhood lead poisoning can and must end. Lead poisoning is a public health issue, a housing issue, an education issue, an environmental issue, and a justice issue. No matter what your profession, your zip code, or the amount in your bank account; you can help stop this totally preventable public health hazard.
  • Kodak's Toxic Colors Organizing to reduce Kodak's toxic emissions. Behind the glossy image of Kodak's film there lies one of the largest emitters of toxins in the United States. Site has news and actions you can take to help Kodak to reduce its pollution.
  • The Rochester Soundscape Society The Rochester Soundscape Society is a group dedicated to reducing noise in the greater Rochester area through education and advocacy. All who believe in this mission are welcome in our discussions, regardless of place of residence. We meet on the second Thursday of every month at the Maplewood Library, 1111 Dewey Ave at 6:30 pm.
  • SELENE  SELENE's mission is to advocate for better lighting practices in NY State and to ensure the passage of the The Healthy, Safe, and Energy Efficient Outdoor Lighting Act
  • Re-TreeWNY.org "Re-Tree WNY was established on November 3, 2006 by a group of about 40 Western New York residents who saw first-hand the devastation done to our beautiful Western New York living resource -- our trees -- and decided to take action to re-forest every public area that was destroyed by the freak October 12-13 snowstorm. Included on our committee is an eclectic group of professionals who have a passion for Greater Buffalo and a background for being "doers" in our committee. We have government leaders, media personalities, attorneys, park personnel, community activists, volunteer organizations, sales executives, promotional people, media people, retirees, and retail managers in our group."
  • Preserve The Trail (Railroad Mills Special Environmental Area - A Unique Part of the Auburn Trail Extension) The Coalition to save RRMSEA believes Victor's plan will have serious environmental impacts and will eliminate the wilderness feeling that makes the area so special.  We propose a compromise that creates an accessible trail that can be enjoyed by a wide range of users, and preserves the sensitive and unique environment.
  • Finger Lakes Zero Waste Coalition Between the Ontario County Landfill in Stanley, New York and the Seneca Meadows Landfill in Seneca Falls, 9,000 tons of garbage are trucked into the northern Finger Lakes every day. It comes from New England, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York City, over 40 New York Counties and Canada. Our beautiful region has become the garbage capital of New York State. 
  • Parks Preservation in Monroe County, NY Christine Sevilla Parks Preservationist, Environmentalist, Photographer, Writer and Friend | We dedicate this website to Christine Sevilla. Christine was a passionate advocate for preserving our parks for future generations. Her ongoing concerns about the piecemeal destruction promoted by the current county leadership - allowing mountain biking on walking trails and in sensitive areas, selling parklands for wetland mitigation, bulldozing eskers in Mendon Ponds or meadows in Oatka Creek. Christine envisioned our parks as a legacy to the future, and passionately worked to prevent what she called this "death by a thousand cuts". In dedicating this website to Christine, we hope it encourages others to get involved to save our parks.
  • NOFLAC | National Organization Firing-range Lead Abatement and Containment |  http://noflac.org/ “NOFLAC was conceived in Rochester, NY in 1999. While visiting friends who lived near a gun club, we were drawn to the fact that bullets and shot are generally made of lead, but we learned that there were no laws against discharging lead shot into the environment. This led us to further investigate this gun club and find out what preventive measures the gun club was using to keep lead and other metals from leaching into the soil and groundwater. What we found out shocked us. Gun clubs do not have to follow ANY rules, laws or even recommendations with regard to containing lead and metals contamination.”
  • Climate Change Crash Course « The Cost of Energy "The Climate Change Crash Course (“4C”) is an experiment in creating a crowd-sourced, one-stop guide to climate change resources, geared to three levels of familiarity with the subject: Newbies, Nerds, and Ninjas. Each of those sections has three subsections: Must Reads, Extended Reading, and Web Sites Worth Tracking. As a bonus, there’s also a section on my favorite online research tools. "  {RENewsletter April 29, 2012}

General Environmental Groups

Some groups take on all kinds of environmental issues in our area

Protecting and preserving Land and water

Many groups in our area focus on our land and water issues. Some are governmental group, some are not.

  • Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council The Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council (G/FLRPC) will identify, define, and inform its member counties of issues and opportunities critical to the physical, economic, and social health of the region. G/FLRPC provides forums for discussion, debate, and consensus building, and develops and implements a focused action plan with clearly defined outcomes, which include programs, personnel, and funding.
  • Genesee Land Trust Preserving and protecting the Genesee Region's land resources. GLT's mission is to preserve and protect valuable land resources in the Genesee region that have exceptional scenic, open space, recreational and habitat value. The trust works cooperatively with individuals, other not-for-profit organizations, governmental agencies and private groups to acquire property and property rights. Donors who place permanent restrictions on their land that are held by the trust (conservation easements) or who donate their land often qualify for significant tax savings on their federal and state taxes.
  • Finger Lakes Land Trust Founded in 1989, the Finger Lakes Land Trust works to protect the natural integrity of the Finger Lakes Region.  Our work involves establishing nature preserves, holding conservation easements, educating for responsible stewardship, and working cooperatively with private groups and public agencies. We are a non-profit organization supported by donations from members and grants received from private foundations and government agencies.  Through a variety of means, we have provided protection for thousands of acres of wetlands, streams, meadows, forests, farmlands and shrublands throughout the Finger Lakes Region. These lands are rich with a diversity of wildlife and plants.
  • Landmark Society of Western New York  Our mission is to discover, protect, and revitalize the architectural and related cultural heritage of the Rochester region, and to educate and inform our community about that heritage. Who we are: The Landmark Society of Western New York, Inc., is one of the oldest and most active preservation organizations in America. It is a not-for-profit membership organization dedicated to preserving, interpreting and fostering interest in the architectural, historical and cultural heritage of our region. The Landmark Society's service area covers nine Western New York counties. 
  • New York Forests Owners Association (NYFOA) Facilitating landowners and the public in making decisions for the best use of forests; helping increase profitability of woodlot investment; serving as a forest owners advocate and voice in state and national organizations and forums and to educate community leaders in the benefits of sound forestry practices; uniting forest owners in a common cause of improving their forest resources and forest opportunities; educating the public on the value of a healthy tree growing industry and to network with related organizations in promoting common objectives
  • FL-LOWPA The mission of the Finger Lakes - Lake Ontario Watershed Protection Alliance is to facilitate processes that encourage watershed partnerships and implementation of action plans to protect and enhance water quality based on: local needs assessmen holistic approache information exchange and public education measurable goals and milestones
  • New York State Federation of Lakes Associations, Inc. The New York State Federation of Lake Associations, Inc. (NYSFOLA) was founded in 1983 by a small consortium of lake associations concerned about a variety of problems facing their lakes. Water quality was of concern to nearly all of the lakes, and there was little information available on methods to combat the increasing presence of aquatic invasive species.
  • United Nations Association of Rochester "Welcome to the United Nations Association of Rochester. We invite you to seek an active method to cohabit this planet with respect for each other, our children, and our children’s children, to understand and use the many systems of the United Nations, to conduct business and buy goods from one another, to help 900,000,000 world citizens learn to read and write, to teach youth about global issues through Model UN and Global Classrooms, to fight disease and not one another. "

Food

There are several groups in our area dedicated to producing and distributing environmentally friendly food

  • Rochester Gardening This web site is meant to encourage the transfer of information relating to the varied interests of gardeners living near Rochester NY. This is accomplished by presenting some material which is local in content, and links to resources found elsewhere on the Internet. The material on this site includes some permanent resources, such as the large lists of links to many Internet sites, and a regularly-updated calendar with local events of interest to gardeners. There will be material which appears only for a short period of time, of a seasonal nature or a 'spotlight' feature. Since this site (like nature) will have some material in 'bloom' for long periods, and other features flowering for only a limited time, you should visit regularly to see what's new. We will try to point you to fresh growth with a list of what's new.
  • RAVS Rochester Area Vegetarian Society --"is a non-profit, non-sectarian educational organization that strives to provide educational resources for informing the public about the advantages of a vegetarian life-style. Nutritional information, including recipes, that will support and facilitate the adoption and healthful enjoyment of a vegetarian Diet. insight into the impact of animal-centered diets on human health, on the integrity of our environment, on world hunger, and on cruelty needlessly inflicted on billions of living, feeling, creatures every year, an opportunity for interested not-yet-vegetarians to learn at first-hand about the delights of good vegetarian cooking and to get to know and interact with experienced vegetarians. An opportunity for enriched understanding, mutual support and shared fellowship for practicing vegetarians. Provide opportunities for community outreach and community service in the interest of good health, environmental protection, and compassionate living. RAVS meets on the third Sunday of every month. Most meetings offer a SHARE-A-DISH DINNER of completely vegetarian foods, and we regularly present stimulating and informative programs."
  • Genesee Valley Organic Community Supported Agriculture: The Genesee Valley Organic CSA is a farmer-shareholder coop open to anyone in the greater Rochester NY area.
  • Rochester Roots Rochester Roots is creating a locally sustainable food system that ensures community food security.
  • Abundance Cooperative Market - The Abundance Cooperative Market is Rochester's Only Community-Owned Natural Grocery Store. We Offer... Organic and natural groceries, both bulk and packaged Fresh local produce - Organic meat - Baked goods -Supplements & special diet foods -Health, beauty, & household goods - Deli & coffee bar - Children's play area - Community shopping experience -Free parking
  • UR-VEG: The University of Rochester Vegetarian Education Group We're UR undergraduates, grads, alumni and staff committed to the welfare and rights of animals. Our goal is to reduce unnecessary animal suffering by helping people lead healthy and compassionate veg*an lifestyles. We advertise, sponsor educational events, conduct field trips, host potluck dinners and provide weekly rides to local groceries and restaurants. Anyone interested in vegetarianism, veganism, animal rights or animal welfare is welcome; you don't have to be a vegetarian to join us! Please feel free to stop by one of our meetings to find out what we're about — or just to try some free vegan food.

Animal Protection and Rights Groups in the Rochester, NY area

Groups form to protect animals in our area and their rights

  • GRASP - Greece Residents Assisting Stray Pets We are a non-profit organization entirely funded by donations from the public.
  • Seneca White Deer Inc Seneca White Deer, Inc., a 501(c)3 not for profit corporation, is committed to the preservation, development, and display of two, unique resources of Western New York State: The life and habitat of the world's only population of white deer (Odocoileus virginianus), and The vital role played by the Seneca Army Depot in the winning of The Cold War.
  • Animal Rights Advocates of Upstate New York The principle objective of ARAUNY is the prevention and abolition of all forms of animal abuse and exploitation. Begun in Rochester NY in 1989, our all-volunteer grassroots nonprofit organization strives to promote a better understanding of the effects of human actions and attitudes toward nonhuman animals.
  • Pet Adoption Network  -  Our Mission will be to rescue homeless pets, obtain veterinary care for them and make them available for permanent placement with responsible guardians. No adoptable pet will be euthanized solely for lack of a permanent home. We will strive for increased public awareness of the need to spay/neuter and vaccinate pets, and educate the public on the proper care of companion animals. This effort is intended to reduce the large population of homeless pets, primarily in the City of Rochester.
  • Animal Service League Founded in 1953, the Animal Service League is an all-volunteer organization concerned with the rescue, care and welfare of homeless domestic animals in the Rochester New York area. Cats, dogs, birds and other domestic animals in need of shelter and veterinary help are cared for until they can be restored to their original owners or new homes found. No animal is ever destroyed for lack of a permanent home. The animals are cared for on a temporary basis in our Haven Homes or at our Shelter until they are ready to be placed in a permanent home. When available for adoption, the animals are shown at Adoption Day events held Saturdays at Pittsford Petco on Monroe Avenue and Sundays at Pet Saver Superstore in Greece. This web site and our business line (585) 342-6099 can give you the exact times and locations for these events.
  • Friends With Feathers A not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about Birds of Prey -The Friends with Feathers aviary is home to birds of prey that can not be released into the wild (due to an injury or defect) and are available for educational programs in ecology and conservation.

Transportation

Groups form to encourage alternative transportation modes in our area

  • Rochester Cycling Alliance : Rochester, NY The RCA is an organization which works to create better cycling infrastructure and a stronger voice for cyclists in Rochester, NY.
  • Rochester Rail Transit: The RRTC is a not-for-profit, grassroots citizen's group dedicated to exploring and promoting the opportunities of rail transit in the greater Rochester, NY area. The goals of the Rochester Rail Transit Committee are: Inform community leaders about rail transit options and their benefits Educate the public about the benefits and possibilities of rail transit. Promote all modes of transit, including bus transit.
  • Rochester Regional Rail | Google Groups "This group is intended to further the discussion and implementation of a sustainable and efficient mass transportation system in the Rochester New York region.   While the center of a system is in the city of Rochester, the focus is on the region due to the greater community benefit. "
  • RECONNECT ROCHESTER » Transit Advocates Working Toward a 22nd Century Multimodal Transit Network for Rochester NY "Have you ever wondered why “dinner and movie” involves 3 car trips in this town? Or why all of our open spaces are filled with parking spaces? Maybe our great-grandparents had it right. What if walking really is good for us? What if two cars and free parking isn’t our God-given right? What if Rochester made an effort to (re)build on strategies that made our city great in the first place? Maybe it’s time to take a step back—into the future. We are citizens and champions of the greater Rochester New York area. We advocate for a new multimodal surface transportation network as a means to increase our region’s economic competitiveness, mobility, and quality of life. Working together we will help shape regional policies that ensure the success of that network and our region’s long-term economic development. "
  • Rochester Subway : Subway Maps, Posters, Movies, and Subway History. History of Rochester and the Abandoned Rochester Subway System, Rochester NY. "Today, few traces of the subway survive. The western section that was filled in remained undeveloped, and can be traced nearly uninterrupted all the way out to the former General Motors plant. The only remaining Subway car (Car 60) is in the custody of the Rochester Chapter NRHS, at the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum. The subway car is in the middle of a multi-year fundraising and restoration effort. Ruins of the Subway exist downtown, partially obscured by the I-490 that succeeded it. The two-mile tunnel under Broad Street is in need of serious repairs, and there has been heated debate over the idea of filling the man-made cavern under the city. The two stations that were in the tunnel, West Main Street and City Hall, have remained hidden from the public for over forty years, with little remaining to indicate they were ever there. What Might Have Been The Subway was never really meant to die. There were several proposals in the final years that would have significantly expanded the routing of the line along existing railroad rights of way. In January 1954, an ambitious proposal was published explaining an expansion to points outside the city. See how the Rochester Subway system might have looked today — had it survived. "

Trails

Groups form to take care and maintain trails in our area

  • Friends of Genesee Valley Greenway The Genesee Valley Greenway is one of hundreds of greenways being developed across the nation along old canals, abandoned rail beds, and riverbanks. It passes through scenic woodlands, river and stream valleys, rolling farmlands, steep gorges, and historic villages located in sixteen towns in Monroe, Livingston, Wyoming, Allegany, and Cattaraugus counties in New York State.
  • Friends of Webster Trails The Friends of Webster Trails is a non-profit organization serving primarily as a volunteer arm of the Webster Parks and Recreation Department. When Friends of Webster Trails was established in 1997 its only activity was the maintenance of the Hojack Trail. In 2002, we built a nature trail in Vosburg Hollow. With the Town's acquisition of open space properties, Friends of Webster Trails has now built trails in Finn Park, the Whiting Road Nature Preserve and the Gosnell Big Woods Preserve.
  • Finger Lakes Trail Conference The mission of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference is to build, protect, and enhance a continuous footpath across New York State, Forever!
  • Railroad Mills Environmental Area (Railroad Mills Special Environmental Area - A Unique Part of the Auburn Trail Extension) Welcome to the Railroad Mills Special Environmental Area (RRMSEA), a sensitive and unique natural area.  It is located on the Auburn Trail extension,  in the Upper Irondequoit Creek valley,  in the town of Victor, NY.  Victor is one of the most rapidly growing towns in the state, and RRMSEA is a little known treasure.   In this short, flat 3000' stretch, there is an extraordinary diversity of birds, butterflies, frogs, and other creatures; an amazing variety of native plants, several types of wetlands, and scenic views. In this wilderness-like setting, visitors are often treated to close-up views of birds, butterflies, turtles, and other wildlife.  In RRMSEA you can experience 'nature up close.'
  • Ontario Pathways Ontario Pathways bridge over routes 5+20 in the hamlet of Flint is now open! With this bridge we have uninterrupted trail all the way from Canandaigua to Stanley and on to Orleans.
  • RogueHikers : Rogue Hikers of Rochester and Western NY To break routine, visit off-the-beaten path parks in Monroe county, and surrounding areas, get outside, and make new friends. We strive to integrate community service and environmental advocacy with outdoor activities.
  • Trailworks, Inc. Trail Works, Inc., a not for profit organization was founded in Wayne County New York in 1997 by a small group of individuals who are dedicated trail users and who are interested in trail develop-ment and expanding trail use. Trail Works purpose is to provide a unified voice for Wayne County trail users as well as to coordinate the development and maintenance of high-quality, year-round, multi-use trails. Our purpose also embodies public education about trails and their location in New York.
  • Cayuga-Seneca Canal trail Association The Cayuga-Seneca Canal Trail Association is an affiliate of the Canalway Trails Association of New York, a voluntary organization working with citizens, state agencies and local municipalities to help manage the Canalway Trail across New York State. The Canalway Trails Association promotes the completion and proper maintenance of the Canalway Trail and coordinates the Adopt-a-Trail program. The Cayuga-Seneca Canal Trail Association is comprised of citizen volunteers and representatives of various non-profit and government organizations who are working to promote the development of the trail in Seneca County.

 

Environmentalist Groups in Nearby Communities

Groups are also watching other communities environmental health nearby

  • Sustainable Tompkins "Sustainable Tompkins is a coalition of citizens, community organizations, elected officials, educators and professionals from diverse fields all working to promote a more sustainable community. Growing out of a study circle process with community leaders in early 2004, our initiatives include promoting green buildings and sustainable development patterns, conducting small group inquiry into the roots of our consumer culture, creating new partnerships to promote healthier lifestyles, and reaching out to the business community to encourage and facilitate energy conservation, recycling, green purchasing, and the adoption of sustainable technologies. We are enrolled as a directed account with Social Ventures Inc., which acts as our 501(c)3 fiscal agent. "
  • The Clean Air Coalition of W.N.Y.  "The Clean Air Coalition protects the right of Western New York residents to breathe clean air and live, work, and play in a healthy environment. To protect that right, the Coalition organizes community members and builds diverse coalitions to implement initiatives to reduce environmental hazards. "
  • Sierra Club - Niagara Group "Niagara Group represents Sierrans in Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming counties "
  • Catskill Citizens for Safe Energy "Catskill Citizens for Safe Energy is a volunteer grassroots organization intended to give residents a voice in the emerging energy decisions in the Catskills. "
  • Riverkeeper - NY's Clean Water Advocate "Riverkeeper’s mission is to protect the ecological integrity of the Hudson River and its tributaries, and to safeguard the drinking water supply of 9 million New Yorkers. For more than 40 years Riverkeeper has been New York’s clean water advocate. We have helped to establish globally recognized standards for waterway and watershed protection and serve as the model and mentor for the growing Waterkeeper movement that includes more than more than 180 Keeper programs across the country and around the globe. "
  • The Adirondack Council "The Adirondack Council is the largest citizen environmental group in New York State working full-time, on a daily basis in the Adirondack Park, in the state capital and in Washington to preserve this six-million-acre treasure. "The Adirondack Council inspires public participation in policy debates by advocating for positive solutions to complex issues for the benefit of the Park and its people." Founded: 1975 "