News

Successful 15th Annual Black Diamond Race – August 2026

It’s hard to believe it’s already been a week since our 15th Annual Black Diamond Express Trail Races! The rain held out, the trails were in great condition, and once again, our community showed up in a big way. With participation remaining strong and close to last year’s numbers, the Black Diamond Express continues to be an important tradition, and an essential fundraiser for the Mendon Foundation. Every registration helps provide the funding we need Read more

By Mendon Foundation President, ago

Resurfaced Parking Lots – Sibleyville Nature Reserve and Rochester Junction – August 2026

A big thank-you to Mendon Highway Superintendent Pete Doyle and the Mendon Highway Department for partnering with us to resurface the parking lots at our Sibleyville and Rochester Junction properties. Using recycled road tailings, the team created smoother, more durable surfaces for visitors. You may have noticed the piles of material while the work was underway, but we’re happy to say the improvements are now complete! Thank you for your patience, and to the Mendon Highway Read more

By Mendon Foundation President, ago

Mendon Foundation Volunteer Recognition Program – August 2026

Our volunteers are the heart of the Mendon Foundation—and we want to celebrate them! We’re excited to introduce our new Volunteer Recognition Program, created to recognize the people who consistently volunteer their time and effort to preserve our green spaces. Here’s how it works: 3+ volunteer days: Earn an official Mendon Foundation volunteer T-shirt 10+ volunteer days: Earn an official Mendon Foundation baseball cap We’re kicking things off by celebrating Allyson Bailey, who has earned Read more

By Mendon Foundation President, ago

Naming of Small’s Nature Preserve – July 2026

The Mendon Foundation is honored to announce that we have officially named our Taylor Road Property as the Small’s Nature Preserve. This new name recognizes Edie and Gordon Small, whose generous donation of 11.8 acres in 2003 ensured this beautiful landscape would remain protected for generations to come. Their vision was simple but profound: preserve the land they loved so others could enjoy it long into the future. Today, visitors can experience a true woodland Read more

By Mendon Foundation President, ago

Day of Caring – May 2026

The Mendon Foundation would like to offer a heartfelt thank you to the many volunteers that participated with us during the United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes ‘Day of Caring’ event this month. Over two dozen volunteers helped clear sections of the Lehigh Valley Trail east and west of East River Road. A job well done! Thank you!

By Mendon Foundation President, ago

New Board Member – Mike Stachura – May 2026

The Mendon Foundation would like to introduce our newest Board member, Mike Stachura, who joined our team this month. Mike has lived in Honeoye Falls for 15 years.  He and his wife Allyson have seven grown children and six grandchildren.  Mike recharges himself by being outdoors.  He enjoys running, golf, hiking and especially organic gardening on their 5-acres just outside the village.  He is currently also Treasurer of the Pittsford Food Cupboard.  Mike said “I Read more

By Mendon Foundation President, ago

Troop 410 Birdhouses – April 2026

The Mendon Foundation would like to give a big shout out to Honeoye Falls Scouts BSA Troop 410 HFL. The scouts built nearly twenty (20) bird houses, and today they installed them at the Mendon Foundation’s Sibleyville Nature Reserve and Taylor Road properties. The scouts selected three bird species that they wanted to design and build nest boxes for including Black-capped Chickadees, Tufted Titmice and Eastern Screech Owls. We are so excited to have these Read more

By Mendon Foundation President, ago

Mendon Foundation annual Bird Walk Series – January 2026

The Mendon Foundation announces its 20th annual Bird Walk Series for 2026. Save the dates and come join us for these wonderful Spring events! Bird lovers, families, and hikers come and join us for bird walks along the Lehigh Valley Trail, Sibleyville Nature Reserve, Lewis Nature Preserve, Oak Openings and Great Bend Park. Geoff Gretton and Connie Kellogg, long-time bird enthusiasts, will lead the walks. Identify and observe a variety of birds by song and Read more

By Mendon Foundation President, ago

Mendon Foundation Annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon – December 2025

This past Saturday, the Mendon Foundation hosted approximately twenty-five (25) volunteers and spouses for its annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon at Flaherty’s Honeoye Falls. The food and service were great, and we were especially appreciative of the company and conversation we shared. A group of like-minded individuals that care about preserving and maintaining green spaces and establishing educational events in our surrounding communities. We are so thankful for all the time and effort our volunteers give to Read more

By Mendon Foundation President, ago