Akiva Silver of Spencer, Tioga County, NY

What is your volunteer role at the Finger Lakes Land Trust?  What kinds of work do you do here?

I lead tree identification and appreciation walks.

Photo: Jack VanDerzee

How long have you been involved as a volunteer?

Since 2010.

Why do you volunteer?

I love the simple mission of the FLLT.  Growing up in the suburbs of Rochester, I watched most of the woods I knew gobbled up by development.  Conservation makes so much sense to me, but it only works if people have a direct connection to the land.  We will take care of what we love.  I find my tree walks to be a great way to share with people how beautiful and amazing the forests here are.  I hope that they help folks interact with the woods more by learning about what gifts we have growing wild.

Photo: FLLT

What’s your favorite FLLT activity and/or preserve?  Why?

My favorite preserve is Lindsay Parsons Biodiversity Preserve.  The old growth forest at the base of that enormous hill stirs strong emotions in me.  I love the incredible number of different plant communities at the preserve, particularly the chestnut oak/serviceberry up on the ridge.  The numerous beaver ponds are also great to explore.

Anything else you want to add?

Akiva Silver owns and operates Twisted Tree Farm, a diverse homestead and nursery dedicated to tree crops and beneficial plants. You can read more about Twisted Tree Farm, their plants, as well as many of Akiva’s articles.