Donor: Edie & Gordon Small, September 23, 2003, 11.550 acres
Primary entry points are denoted with a yellow dot (
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Directions to the property
Monroe County Tax Map ID # 215.04-1-11
Taylor Road Trail Map
History of the property
In 1972 Edie and Gordon Small purchased a Federal style house built on 17 acres of land in 1949 by Millie Mason, Arthur V.D. Chamberlain’s sister. The parcel was originally part of the Arthur V.D. Chamberlain farm at the junction of Chamberlain and Taylor Roads. The house sits back from the road with a panoramic view in the back of rolling hills, an open field and a pond. The Smalls developed the pond with the help of a federal program several years ago. Edie Small’s love for nature can be seen in her unusual animal sculptures displayed around the home and pool area. Edie and Gordon have always loved the rural character of Mendon and the beauty of their land. Throughout the years they have maintained the woodlot of hardwood trees, conifers, shrubs and wildflowers. A mowed trail leads the visitor to the back portion of the site, with wooden bridges crossing Irondequoit Creek into the wooded area and up to the open field. After much consideration the Smalls decided to donate 11.8 acres to the Mendon Foundation for perpetual care and stewardship. Approximately 8 acres with the house and pond will become part of their estate. The Mendon Foundation is the appropriate organization to donate their land, because they knew the parcel would be preserved and conserved in perpetuity according to their wishes. This scenic 11.8 acres contains an area of conifers and hardwood trees and shrubs intertwined with paths, with the Irondequoit Creek as the boundary for the property. The open field in the back of the property is a haven for songbirds and wild life. This area is a perfect setting for the New York State Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP). The planting of native grasses will attract several native songbirds to the area. It is their wish to maintain the property as it is today and improve the open space to attract more songbirds and wildlife. With this acquisition the Mendon Foundation now owns 148 acres of land. We are very grateful for the Small’s donation and with the responsibility of stewardship of the land. Land donation provides a method for the landowner to protect, preserve and conserve the natural habitat, wildlife, vegetation and uniqueness of the property.
