Board Member since 2022
Job Title & Company
Environmental Engineer at C&S Companies
Location Houghton Conservation Area
Hometown Amherst, NY
What is the significance of the location where you chose to meet?
“I love this location and the Houghton Park site because I see how the community benefits from some type of forest or environmental area…I like playing a role in the Land Trust’s involvement in the site, and the larger Houghton Park redevelopment project that I’m also involved with at C&S…When you walk into this area, you would think you’re in the middle of the finger lakes region or the middle of nowhere in New York State, but when you step out of it, you’re right there in the middle of a big city like Buffalo, NY, it’s different.”
What is a favorite memory you have while on the BNRLT board?
“It’s got to be one of the cleanups. The first clean up I did at the 1660 Niagara site was one of the best memories not only because we collected so much trash, but also because it was one of my first memories as a Board Member… Our first clean up at Niagara Street was really an eye opener…Another big eye opener was the amount of garbage we removed at the cleanup we had at Houghton this past Spring; easily the most I’ve ever seen! It continues to motivate me and it keeps me interested and involved with all the work that we’re doing.”
What is your favorite outdoor activity?
“Biking! I wouldn’t say I’m a cyclist by any means, I’m not going out biking hundreds of miles, but I have a hybrid bike that is perfect for the Buffalo streets and the Buffalo bike paths. Starting last year I really really got into it and explored all over the city…I’d also say I love hiking and camping. My favorite spot is Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario, near my family’s cottage… I spent much of my childhood exploring which perfectly aligned with what I went to school for and what I’m doing now.”
What brings you joy?
“Being out in our natural environment gives me joy… Also, knowing that we’re helping less fortunate communities that might not typically have access to their natural environment. I was very fortunate as a kid growing up and having access to the natural environment at our cottage, or even growing up in Amherst…Knowing we’re giving these opportunities to kids in cities to go out and explore their surroundings gives me joy…Of course, the Buffalo Bills also give me joy!…I love attending sporting events, I’m a huge sports fan. Going to Sabres and Bills games are some of my favorite things to do in Buffalo. I also enjoy traveling to Toronto and attending Blue Jays and Raptors games!”
“My favorite season is definitely Summer, because I’m so into hiking, biking, and being on the water…I also really like Winter because I can go to Ellicottville and snowboard.”
What is your favorite season?
If you could have any superpower what would it be?
“To be able to teleport and go anywhere I want in an instant…I think I would travel significantly more if places were closer and time wasn’t an issue. If I could just leave work every day and snap my fingers and be at my family’s cottage, or be in a big city somewhere in the world; that would be really cool! There are so many areas that I want to explore.”
Future projects or anything you’re working on that you want to promote?
“We will be finishing the main Houghton Park project this Fall, which connects into the conservation easement area that the Land Trust manages. Just seeing that project finish in the coming weeks, and seeing how the community enjoys the park and the pool; it’s really something to be excited about. I hope that everyone can visit the park and conservation area and enjoy everything it has to offer!”
