10%

Nations Road

Destroyed by Emerald Ash Borer

By Genesee Valley Conservancy

June 18^th, 2020

Going, Going, Gone.

In the winter of 2020, the Town of Geneseo removed over 270 dead and dying ash trees - killed by emerald ash borer (an invasive insect).

Lets Replant Nations Road!

>> Click here to support the replanting effort...or keep scrolling to view what has been lost...

Scenic Beauty

Nations Road is the essence of rural scenic beauty and attracts the eye of many fine photographers.

Painters are also drawn to Nations Road. These works were created in 2018 during the inaugural Genesee Valley 100 community painting project organized by Genesee Valley Conservancy.

Dead Trees

On June 1, 2019 the effects of the emerald ash borer were apparent. While other tree were fully leafed out, the ash trees along Nations Road were bare and lifeless.

A Series Interrupted

Years of photographing the mighty ash trees along Nations Road became more urgent for photographer Benjamin Gajewski when the ash trees began to succumb to the emerald ash borer.

Over 200 Trees Removed

Dead or dying due to emerald ash borer, the Town of Geneseo had no choice but to remove these trees before limbs and entire trees began falling into the road.

Before and After

To realize the shear number and size of trees lost, consider these images...

“To exist as a nation, to prosper as a state, to live as a people, we must have trees.”

Evidence of the Ash Borer

Where Did They Go?

The Town of Geneseo highway crew did much of the removal work, saving tax payers nearly $235,000 (what a private contractor would have cost). The trees were taken to a mill.

Changing Landscape

The landscape has changed, but it doesn't have to stay this way.

“You know me, I think there ought to be a big old tree right there. And let’s give him a friend. Everybody needs a friend.”

The Planting Plan

Genesee Valley Conservancy is working with local landowners and the Town of Geneseo to replant a mix of species throughout the areas cleared of ash trees.

A variety of tree species and ages will be chosen, creating a more diversified landscape to avoid a future clear-cut here again.

Help the Replanting Effort!

To make a donation towards replanting Nations Road:

> > Click here for Donation page

Checks can be sent to Genesee Valley Conservancy with memo line "Tree Planting" and mailed to: PO Box 73, Geneseo, NY 14454

Suggested Donation Levels

$300 - Buys a Large Planted Tree

$150 - Buys a Large Tree

$100 - Buys a Small Planted Tree

$50 - Buys a Small Tree

$10 - Buys Volunteer Planting Materials (deer guards, tubes, stakes, wire, mulch, etc.)

Or, support this project with a gift of your choice.

Matching Gift In Effect

For the month of July, we have secured a $5,000 matching pledge, your gift today will be doubled. If we can raise $5,000, that will turn into $10,000 towards replanting Nations Road.