Aug 10, 2026
2026 NYS Tourism Excellence Awards Honoree: Sustainable Stewardship
Junior ACORNS: Sustainable Stewardship through Youth & Volunteer Engagement
Join us on Thursday morning in Corning at the 2026 NYS Tourism Excellence Summit to hear from Claudia Nusstein, Conservation Education Program Coordinator at Genesee County Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department, as she shares the process of advancing sustainable stewardship with youth and volunteer engagement at the Genesee County Parks. The ACORNS (Association for the Conservation of Recreational and Natural Spaces, Inc.) was formed in 2006 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit volunteer organization with a goal of supporting the Genesee County Parks by connecting people with nature through outdoor learning, exploration and fun. ACORNS, in partnership with Park staff, launched "Junior ACORNS" in March 2025. This structured youth stewardship program serving ages 7–14 has grown to encompass over 30 participants who, along with their families, have made a lasting impact on the parks. Junior ACORNS activities have focused on topics including wildlife, ecosystems, forestry, invasive species, and more. This session will highlight the program as well as the challenges, successes, and lessons learned.
Why You Should Attend This Session:
- Learn how volunteer engagement expands capacity for conservation initiatives, educational programing, and recreational opportunities for park visitors.
- Explore the unique Junior ACORN program model and how it was designed to maximize family engagement.
- Get ideas for how you can build long-term engagement with visitors and residents through hands-on outdoor programming with a message of conservation, stewardship and outdoor recreation.
Key Takeaways:
- Parks can take a strategic approach to responsible destination stewardship through structured volunteer engagement, measurable conservation education, and a formalized youth succession model to reinforce conscientious and low-impact visitor behavior and enhance natural assets for both residents and visitors.
About Claudia:
Claudia began working at the Genesee County Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department as the Conservation Education Program Coordinator in 2023. She has a dual Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Studies and Geography from Binghamton University and over a decade of experience as an environmental educator. Claudia manages the Interpretive Nature Center and, alongside colleagues and volunteers, leads fun field trips for students, guided hikes, bird walks, kayaking adventures, and much more. She believes that we can build a stronger community and inspire environmental stewardship by helping others to enjoy and engage with the outdoors.
About Genesee County Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department:
The Genesee County Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department oversees two parks, DeWitt Recreation Area in Batavia, NY and the Genesee County Park & Forest in East Bethany, NY. The Genesee County Park & Forest was established in 1915 and is recognized as the first County Forest in New York State. It is home to over 10 miles of hiking trails and a year-round Interpretive Nature Center. The Department engages visitors in outdoor learning and recreation through a variety of interpretive programs including guided school field trips, outdoor recreation adventures, conservation initiatives, and volunteer projects.