named programs · 5 · from sources
What they call their work
Genesee River Basin Report Card
Assessment tool grading water quality and usability of the Genesee River and its major tributaries, first released in 2019
Genesee River Basin Summits
Annual forum for stakeholders to share information and coordinate actions to improve water quality and community connection to the river
Genesee River Blueway Map
Printable and interactive map providing canoe-kayak access points along the Genesee River, launched in 2020 with stakeholder input and GIS analysis
Guided Summer Paddles
Annual series of guided kayaking and canoeing events on the Genesee River and tributaries, often including clean-up activities and hosted with the Genesee Waterways Center
Thorndike Awards
Annual awards recognizing individuals and organizations for significant contributions to protecting and celebrating the Genesee River
activities · 6 groups
What they do
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Watershed Conservation & Stewardship 3 activities
- Host Genesee River Basin SummitsOrganizes annual summits to bring together stakeholders, share findings from the Basin Report Card, and promote collaborative action to improve water quality and public connection to the river.
- Host educational and community engagement eventsConducts outreach through workshops, hands-on experiences, and summer paddling events in partnership with local organizations to foster public connection, recreation, and stewardship of the Genesee River watershed.
- Improve water quality in the Genesee River watershedImplements projects to reduce sediment and nutrient pollution, restore streambanks, and apply Best Management Practices across the 2,500 square mile Genesee River watershed to improve water quality and support long-term river health.
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Outdoor Recreation Access Promotion 2 activities
- Expand public access to the river for recreationIncreases access to the Genesee River for boating, fishing, hiking, and biking through the development of access sites and promotion of lesser-known trails to foster public connection with the river.
- Produce and distribute the Genesee River Blueway MapCreates and maintains a printable and interactive map of canoe and kayak access points along the Genesee River, available as a downloadable brochure and online interactive tool, to support public access and recreation on the river.
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Lake and Watershed Monitoring & Assessment 1 activity
- Assess watershed health through research and reportingPublished the Genesee River Basin Report Card in 2019 to evaluate water quality and usability across the river basin, and maintains a research-based approach to prioritizing restoration and access improvements.
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Community Stewardship Volunteer Programs 1 activity
- Conduct river cleanups and stewardship eventsOrganizes volunteer-based river cleanup events and guided paddles that include litter removal, improving habitat quality and reducing pollution in the Genesee River and its tributaries.
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Public Awareness and Educational Outreach 1 activity
- Produce educational materials and mediaProduces and shares educational videos, maintains a YouTube channel, and publishes a news page to inform the public about the Genesee River and RiverWatch activities.
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Recognition and Awards Programs 1 activity
- Recognize environmental stewardship through awardsPresents the Elizabeth Thorndike Environmental Excellence Awards annually to honor individuals and organizations contributing to the protection and celebration of the Genesee River.
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financials · form 990EZ · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$143K
Contributions & grants$143K100%
Program service revenue——
Investment income——
Other revenue—
expenses
Total expenses$109K
Program expenses—
Admin / overhead—
Fundraising—
Salaries & benefits$32K
Grants paid out—
balance sheet
Total assets$92K
Cash—
Investments—
Liabilities—
Net assets$88K
3 years on record · 2021–2024 · YoY revenue +55.3%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 2
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEORGE C THOMAS | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 30 | $15K |
| CAROLINE KILMER | ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 30 | $7K |
board members · 17
- AMANDA MATKOSKY — BOARD MEMBER
- ANNE S STOCUM — BOARD MEMBER
- CHARLES BARES — BOARD MEMBER
- CHARLIE VALESKA — BOARD MEMBER
- F D SMITH — BOARD MEMBER
- JOSEPH C MAKAREWICZ — BOARD MEMBER
- KRISTIN TRAYWICK — BOARD MEMBER
- MARK GREGOR — BOARD MEMBER
- MICHAEL ALTENRITTER — BOARD MEMBER
- MICHAEL CHISLOCK — BOARD MEMBER
- NORMAN JONES — BOARD MEMBER
- PAUL MCFADDEN — BOARD MEMBER
- RONALD G HULL — BOARD MEMBER
- S R SHRIVASTAVA — BOARD MEMBER
- STEVE ORR — BOARD MEMBER
- STEVE SCHIANO — BOARD MEMBER
- TERRY SCHMITZ — BOARD MEMBER
relationships · 27
Who they work with
- American Dairy Association North East Partner — Corporate partner providing financial support at the Basin Protectors level ($2,000–$4,999)
- Center for Environmental Government — Parent organization of Genesee RiverWatch, conducting joint water quality and outreach efforts on Lake Ontario and its tributaries.
- Center for Environmental Initiatives Government — Launched Genesee RiverWatch and produced an explanatory video in 2014.
- Center for Environmental Initiatives Partner — Genesee RiverWatch was launched in 2014 with the support of the Center for Environmental Initiatives, which served as its parent organization.
- Erie and Niagara Insurance Association Partner — Corporate partner providing financial support at the Watershed Partners level ($500–$1,999)
- Genesee River Wilds Partner — Partnered with Genesee RiverWatch to develop the Genesee River Blueway Map.
- Genesee Valley Conservancy Partner — Partnered with Genesee RiverWatch to develop the Genesee River Blueway Map.
- Genesee Waterways Center Partner — Co-hosts summer paddling events on the Genesee River.
- Genesee Waterways Center Partner — Co-organizes guided paddles on the Genesee River and adjoining waterways.
- Genesee Waterways Center Partner — Partner organization for organizing summer paddling events on the Genesee River.
- Greater Allegany County Chamber of Commerce Funder — Provided financial and in-kind support for the development of the Genesee River Blueway Map.
- Haley & Aldrich Partner — Corporate partner providing financial or in-kind support at the River Champions level ($5000+)
- LaBella Associates, P.C. Partner — Corporate partner providing financial support at the Watershed Partners level ($500–$1,999)
- Larsen Engineers Partner — Corporate partner providing in-kind donation at the Watershed Partners level ($500–$1,999)
- Livingston Insurance Company Partner — Corporate partner providing financial support at the Tributary Stewards level (under $499)
- Monroe County Parks Department Partner — Corporate partner providing in-kind donation at the Watershed Partners level ($500–$1,999)
- New York Sea Grant Funder — Provided a $25,000 grant to support the development of the Genesee River Blueway Map.
- Noblehurst Farms Partner — Corporate partner providing financial support at the Watershed Partners level ($500–$1,999)
- Our Supporters Partner — List of donors and in-kind supporters of Genesee RiverWatch
- Rochester Gas & Electric/Avangrid Partner — Corporate partner providing financial support at the Basin Protectors level ($2,000–$4,999)
- Roofing Innovations Partner — Corporate partner providing financial support at the Tributary Stewards level (under $499)
- Seneca Park Zoo Partner — Co-hosts an invasive species removal event on the Lower River.
- Shirley Sherman Fund Partner — Corporate partner providing financial support at the Basin Protectors level ($2,000–$4,999)
- Stantec Consulting Services Inc. Partner — Corporate partner providing financial support at the Watershed Partners level ($500–$1,999)
- Steele Landscape Architecture Partner — Corporate partner providing financial support at the Tributary Stewards level (under $499)
- Tel-Tru Manufacturing Partner — Corporate partner providing financial support at the Tributary Stewards level (under $499)
- Wegmans Food Markets Partner — Corporate partner providing financial support at the Watershed Partners level ($500–$1,999)
strategies · 5
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Integrated Environmental Educationmethodology: integrated-environmental-educationBy combining water quality improvement with public education and direct experiential connection to the river, we foster lasting stewardship because knowledge paired with personal experience increases public investment in environmental health.
- Public Education Through Transparent Reportingmethodology: public-education-through-reporting-and-engagementBy sharing monitoring data, report cards, and public summits, we build community stewardship because transparency and accessible information empower informed civic action and accountability.
- Recreation-Based Stewardship Engagementmethodology: recreation-based_engagementBy providing access to the river through recreation, we cultivate public connection and stewardship because direct, positive experiences in nature foster emotional and behavioral commitment to environmental protection.
- Science-Based Collaborative Actionmethodology: science-based_collaborative_approachBy grounding restoration efforts in scientific data and collaborative decision-making, we improve water quality because evidence-based planning and stakeholder alignment lead to more effective and sustainable environmental interventions.
- Stakeholder Convening for Coordinated Impactmethodology: stakeholder-conveningBy convening diverse stakeholders, we align efforts and prioritize actions to improve water quality because coordinated collaboration across sectors amplifies impact and prevents duplication.