In 2008 a group of concerned community members banded together to create a mission to help protect the Genesee River and to try to restore the river from former flood damage. It has taken a few years for us to get rolling, but in the last year many exciting things have happened. We have started construction on a couple of pocket parks, we have received our official non-profit status and we are finally starting to make a difference.
We are an official 501-C-3 not-for-profit organization. Our mission is, to restore, protect, and enjoy the upper Genesee River by combining conservation, recreation, and business.
We may be small, but we have big plans for our local area. We are making the river more accessible to everyone by installing parking, signs and safe boat launches. It is a great desire of ours for everyone to enjoy the river, so it is our goal to implement these small environmentally friendly changes so that every one in the surrounding area can safely enjoy all the benefits the river has to offer.The Genesee River Wilds is a coalition of groups and individuals working to develop an environmentally sustainable system of nature parks concentrated along the Genesee River in the “Genesee River Wilds.”
The coalition works to improve the health of the upper Genesee River and its watershed; protect them from future environmental threats; and enhance their recreational potential.
We have been working hard on opening River Access Sites since 2012. They are all now equipped with a kiosk and parking lot. There are now small brown kayak signs along NYS 19 helping you find the various locations also. From south to north the sites are as follows:
The strategic plan for the Triple Divide Trail System promotes conservation, recreation, natural flood control, education, and economic development by means of greenways/conservation corridors with multi-use trails for hiking, bicycling, and other low-impact travel), blueways (water trails for canoes and kayaks), minimally-invasive riverside nature parks, and riparian buffers (streamside forests). This system will extend ca. 230 miles from Lake Ontario in Rochester, NY, to the Susquehanna River in Williamsport, PA, via the Genesee River, Pine Creek, and the triple continental divide. The plan was produced in consultation with agencies and groups in NY and PA, so its features already appear in state, regional, and other planning documents from both states. Many parts of this system are complete (e.g., Letchworth State Park, Pine Creek Trail in Pine Creek Gorge) or at an advanced stage of development (e.g., Genesee Valley Greenway, extensions of Pine Creek Trail). Connecting the entire series into a complete “Triple Divide Greenway” and adding more nature parks, blueway infrastructure, and riparian buffers is a long-term project. Please visit our sister site www.geneseeriverwilds.org for more information and to download the entire strategic plan.
Board meetings are held on a monthly basis. During COVID-19 these meetings are being held utilizing Zoom video call technology. If you would like to attend the next meeting please contact us at 585-268-7472 or geneseeriverwilds@gmail.com to learn about the next time and location.
The annual Genesee River Wilds Float is back and bigger than ever! Bring friends and family and meet some new friends on the river Saturday, June 10. Enjoy a float on the river watching for bald eagles, otters, deer, waterfowl, bass, trout and more.
Enjoy live music and good food at the end of the trip. A $20 donation will provide shuttle service and route guidance while supporting Genesee River Wilds in its ongoing efforts to create new access sites, enhance existing sites and improve the Genesee River watershed.
Drop your boat and register at the RiverWalk Plaza access site in Wellsville from 8:00-9:30 a.m. Saturday, June 10.
Drive your vehicle to the Amity River Access site on County Route 31A just off Rt. 19.
If needed, a shuttle will be provided back to Wellsville for launch on the river at 10 a.m. sharp. Please provide enough time to register and allow around 45 minutes for a shuttle back to the Wellsville launch site.
The float should take around four hours, depending on water levels. Expect conditions for intermediate ability levels. More information will be posted on water levels as the event draws near.
The fun is just starting after completing the float! A food truck and live music will greet you after exiting the river in Amity. Music starts around 1-2 p.m. We’ll also have a kayak raffle and Genesee River Wilds apparel available to show off your support year-round. Family and friends who don’t go on the float are welcome to meet the group at the Amity park for food and fun.
Remember to bring your canoe or kayak, a life vest, a drink, sunscreen, hat, appropriate footwear and zip lock bag for your phone.
A registration form and waiver are required for each person. Youth under 18 are free. Pre-registration is available online via Ticketleap at https://genesee-river-wilds.ticketleap.com/genesee-river-wilds-summer-23-float/
Proceeds from the float help Genesee River Wilds expand recreational access to the river and protect the health of the overall watershed. We've come a long way and have big dreams for the future!
Please RSVP via Facebook, email (geneseeriverwilds@gmail.com), or phone (585-268-7153) by Friday, June 9 with the number of boats and people you will be bringing. The float will go off rain or shine barring extreme inclement weather or unsuitable water levels.
See you on the river!
Financial Donations
Donate Now
Genesee River Wilds relies on donations from the community to support our projects. Please support our work by making a contribution today and we will put these funds to work where the need is greatest. Complete this form and mail your check made out to “Genesee River Wilds, Inc.” to:
Genesee River Wilds, Inc.
Crossroads Center
6087 State Route 19N
Belmont, NY, 14813
*Genesee River Wilds is a 501-C-3 non-profit organization and all gifts are tax deductible.
Volunteer
There are many opportunities to be involved with Genesee River Wilds. Please email geneseeriverwilds@gmail.com to let us know your interests and inquire about current opportunities.
Opportunities may include:
-Maintaining a River Access Site
-Serving on our Board of Directors (monthly meetings)
-Organizing or working with us on a group cleanup/work day
-Providing professional service (legal, marketing, tax, etc.)
❑ Dew Drop $25
❑ Babbling Brook $50
❑ Cascading Creek $100
❑ Rolling River $500
❑ Great Lake $1000
❑ Other $_________
Name______________________________
Address____________________________
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Phone _____________________________
Email______________________________
❑ Please do NOT publicly recognize my
donation
❑ I would NOT like to receive GRW internet
and postal mailings
PRIVACY STATEMENT: We do NOT share this information with other groups, and you may opt out of mailings at any time.
Make Checks out to “Genesee River Wilds, Inc.” and address them to this organization:
Genesee River Wilds, Inc.
Crossroads Center
6087 State Route 19N
Belmont, NY, 14813
Volunteers are needed for a number of projects and tasks. Even if you are not a financial supporter we gladly accept donations of time. Some of the tasks that we will need assistance with include grant writing, PR efforts, legal assistance, physical labor at park sites and on trails. If you are interested in providing any of these services please send a note to geneseeriverwilds@gmail.com with your information and what kind of tasks interest you.
Facebook: Genesee River Wilds
Twitter @GRWilds