Volunteer Brian Maley of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York.

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

I have been donating my photos from Land Trust properties.

How long have you been involved as a volunteer?

Since 2014.

Why do you volunteer?

I feel passionately about the power of photography as it relates to conservation.  These places are the places that I grew up in, and want my children to grow up in as well.  I had already been photographing the preserves on my own time, and figured that I should put them towards a cause that I believed in.

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

My favorite activities are taking photographs and listening to the sound of falling water at Lick Brook, which is also my favorite preserve.  Lick Brook is an incredible place because you can experience two breathtaking types of natural areas in one hike:  A deep, winding gorge with tens of beautiful, unique waterfalls.  Or a forest trail leading through massive and diverse tree species.

Anything else you want to add?

I have always been conscious of local conservation efforts, but never as much as I have been since I joined the FLLT.  As a member of the Land Trust I have experienced an increase in my appreciation for my natural surroundings as well as a new creative spark with my photography.  It has been a fantastic experience that I hope to continue well into the future.