Background: Woodlands, a critical part of our regional ecosystem, face increasing threats and need priority attention. The wooded sections of the Robert C. Corby Arboretum and Wildlife Sanctuary have a synergistic relationship with the adjacent Erie Canal Nature Preserve. The health of the Preserve's wetlands depends on a minimum 500-foot wooded buffer and wildlife habitat that the Arboretum provides from nearby residential and commercial properties.

In July of 2020, the Pittsford Village Board declared that the northern undeveloped ten acres of 1 Village Lane (the Village Department of Public Works property) shall be permanently protected greenspace recognized by the State of NY and available for the enjoyment of the public. The Village Board"s action complies both with overwhelming (80% in the 2018 village wide resident survey) public support for protecting this area as well as recommendations of the award winning 2020 Village Comprehensive Plan.

In February of 2021, the Pittsford Village Board approved a resolution to designate this parkland as an arboretum highlighting native trees, shrubs, and plants, to serve as a teaching tool about our native Southern Great Lakes mixed deciduous forest ecosystem and as a model on invasive species management to restore a disturbed landscape. The Board further resolved that the arboretum will be developed incrementally with annual planting to ensure that the cost to Village taxpayers is modest.

In March of 2021, the Village Board approved the first annual planting of 130 native trees, 90 native shrubs and overseeding of the meadow area with native plants. The Board also authorized the removal of gravel piles and invasive ailanthus trees. Because all the work was forestry as defined by the New York State Department of Conservation, no State Environmental Quality Review was required.

WE, MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF A FROG HOUSE, request/expect/insist/demand (circle one) the Village of Pittsford to renew collaborative work with the Town of Pittsford to ensure the preservation of jointly owned wetland parcels, both unique natural resource areas.

WE, MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF A FROG HOUSE request/expect/insist/demand (circle one) that plans for any development or changes in the Village Arboretum comply with the original vision as approved by the Village Board in 2021.

WE, MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF A FROG HOUSE regarding the Robert C. Corby Arboretum and Wildlife Sanctuary request/expect/insist/demand (circle one) allocation of sufficient funds through the American Rescue Plan Act, village funds, other grants and gifts for proper maintenance and development of the property including

Removal of
- the two large stands of Ailanthus Trees.
- the mulch pile and the No Trespassing sign blocking public access to the south trail area

Eradication, using sustainable practices, in both wetland and upland areas of
- ALL Japanese knotweed, including at the two areas where plastic sheets have been laid down
- phragmites, garlic mustard and other invasive plants
- Completion of the original plan for overseeding with milkweed and other native plants.

Installation of the Forest in a Nutshell edible garden designed by Barefoot Permaculture and Village Board approved in 2020.