CLWA was pleased to recognize several individuals and organizations at our annual meeting on Thursday. June 27th at Star Cider. Read more about the tremendous impact they make on the watershed!
Finger Lakes Land Trust: Partner in Protection, accepted by Executive Director Andy Zepp
CLWA honors an organization who contributions to protecting the Finger Lakes over the past 35 years are unparalleled. Our Partner in Protection award goes to the Finger Lakes Land Trust.
Let’s talk about a few numbers. In the Finger Lakes region, the Land Trust has protected more than 31,400 acres of land and 5 miles of lakeshore, forever. They have created 54 miles of hiking trails in 45 publicly accessible nature preserves, with a half dozen in our watershed, including the Canandaigua Vista Preserve.
If you enjoy the natural beauty of Bare Hill, you can thank the Land Trust for their 10, going on 11, land acquisitions, which all get added to the NYS Bare Hill Unique Area through a partnership with the DEC. Along with Bare Hill, the Land Trust has focused on the Canandaigua Highlands in the Hi-Tor and West River area. And working with private landowners, they have acquired dozens of conservation easements in our watershed, permanently protecting hundreds and hundreds of acres.
The tremendous accomplishments of the Finger Lakes Land Trust can be attributed to a dedicated staff under the tireless leadership of the Executive Director, Andy Zepp. CLWA is grateful to have the Land Trust as a partner in protection, and Canandaigua Lake is fortunate to be a major part of the organization’s strategic plan for conservation in the Finger Lakes.
Roher Stewardship Award: Rob Gray, Past CLWA Board Member
Henry “Bud” Rohrer’s family has enjoyed cottage living on the lake for generations. Bud was instrumental in several important CLWA initiatives, in particular, establishing the Lake Legacy Fund back in the summer of 2008. 14 years later, today, we honor Rob Gray!
Following Rob’s 30-year tenure as a chemistry teacher in Canandaigua, Rob volunteered in several local organizations before realizing that his passion and skills were best paired with the strategic goals of CLWA
Rob’s decade-long tenure on our board began with the co-creation of the Outreach Committee and the Lake Friendly Lawn Care program. Rob also birthed CLWA’s annual photo contest (2024 will be the 9th year!) which is very successful in promoting the beauty found all around the watershed.
“ Improving the health of the Lake and Watershed is certainly a vital pursuit…The now-familiar Lake Friendly Lawncare signs are intended to communicate the necessity for elimination, or at least, minimization of lawn chemical use. I am very pleased by the continued growth of this initiative in the watershed.”
We are grateful that Rob will continue working on Lake Friendly Living efforts and he looks forward to spending more time with friends & family here on the lake. Thank you Rob, for continuing a lifetime of public service by working with us at CLWA, for your friendship, and for your strong leadership and dedication to CLWA and our mission.
Next Generation Lake Steward Awards: Shelby Kemp and Taylor Hoose
It is our honor to recognize two outstanding individuals who have exemplified the spirit of dedication, community involvement, and environmental stewardship through their volunteer efforts. This new award has been established to recognize our newer supporters and the ones that we need to carry this legacy forward. Today, we celebrate Shelby Kemp and Taylor Hoose, the winners of the Next Gen Lake Steward Award.
Shelby’s journey with us began a little over two years ago, and in this time she has contributed her time, expertise, and her network to help share our messaging. She has been instrumental in organizing the FLLT-sponsored Stand Up Paddle Board event, you were a member of the Outreach Committee and have supported citizen science by monitoring harmful algal blooms while working at Canandaigua Sailboard, plus you are also helping with lake monitoring this year. You’ve been a huge supporter and entrant in our photo contest, you also lent your helping hands at our April Pancake Breakfast and Earth Day Festival. Beyond your volunteer support, your presence at many of our events highlights your commitment to our cause. Shelby, your diverse skills, boundless enthusiasm, and dedication have truly made a significant impact and we are very excited to see how you grow with us.
Our second winner of the Nex Gen Lake Steward Award is Taylor Hoose. Taylor, you are a member of our Outreach Committee and have been pivotal in organizing and leading the night Kayak event last year, you’ve helped secure generous gift cards from Canandaigua Sailboard for our photo contest and have assisted with clean-up efforts and many other events. Your commitment is commendable and your presence at many of our events, while rallying friends and family to support our initiatives, has been tremendous. Your influence has extended to getting many of your friends and even your brother involved in our volunteer efforts. Thank you! Taylor, your dedication and community spirit are truly inspiring.
Their passion for environmental conservation and commitment to our organization has been amazing. They embody the values we hold dear and inspire us all to contribute towards a better future for our watershed. On behalf of everyone at CLWA, thank you for your incredible service, and congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.