Who We Are

The Mendon Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation headquartered in marvelous Mendon, New York. Established in 1993, we specialize in enriching the lives of our community through the stewardship of the precious green spaces in our community. We are not a “foundation” in the traditional sense of the term; all donations go directly to maintaining the green spaces under our purview. We do not receive any money from the Town, County, or State. Read more about our Leadership and our Volunteer Corps.

What We Do

The Mendon Foundation is the first and only not-for-profit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting the rich environmental heritage of the communities in and adjacent to Southeastern Monroe County. Our all-volunteer organization enriches the lives of our donors and their community by working with the local municipal governments, local contributors and local volunteers to preserve, protect and enhance the scenic, natural, recreational, structural and historical resources of critical cultural significance. Some of the things that we’re best known for include:

Land Acquisition & Green Space Preservation

We now have approximately 160 acres of publicly accessible land in our land trust. We preserve this green space through the creation of nature reserves and through plantings, such as warm weather grasses. Read more…

The Lehigh Valley Trail

In many ways our signature project, we developed (through a federal grant) and maintain Monroe County’s 14 mile linear trail encompassing the old Lehigh Valley Railroad bed in the towns of Mendon and Rush. Read more…

Rochester Junction & Mendon Station Park Recreational Facilities

These two major rest and education facilities along the Lehigh Valley Trail have been developed through a combination of master planning, grant funding, volunteering from adults and Scouts in our community, and financial donations from people like you. Read more about Mendon Station Park and Rochester Junction.

Sibleyville Nature Reserve

In 2000, 45 acres of a pristine wildlife preserve located close to the historic Totiakton Indian site was endowed to the Foundation. At the highest point, one can see 30 miles to the south. It is considered to be one of the beautiful scenic vistas of the Town of Mendon. Read more…