Remembering Mike Seager

This morning, unfortunately, I bring you tragic news that has impacted many connected with Genesee Valley Conservancy. A long-time supporter, volunteer, land conservationist, and friend, Mike Seager passed away in a farm accident Thursday, helping a friend install a snowplow for the winter.

I first met Mike in 2011 when he inquired about protecting his family forest. He was the fifth-generation owner of this property, land that had been in his family for more than 150 years. He had a great reverence for this place and being able to protect it was a life achievement.

After protecting his family forest, Mike became our go-to sawman. When a tree fell across one of our trails, Mike was always ready to help, putting his chainsaw skills to use to ensure our trails were quickly re-opened for the community, whether it be a simple trunk laying on the ground or a dangerous leaner caught in mid-air. 

In 2023, Mike joined our Board of Directors and deepened his involvement. His passion for forestry helped the organization establish and grow our forestland protection program across the Genesee Valley. 

I have so many memories of working with Mike over the past 14 years, but my fondest is when Mike (a wood turner) invited me (a wood worker) to spend an afternoon in his woodshop. 

He showed off the bowls, spoons, and other projects he had ‘found’ inside of wood from his forest, gave me a demonstration on his lathe, and handed me the chisel so I could try my hand at turning wood.

He was a wholehearted supporter of conservation work, donating his time, his technical acumen, and passion for the outdoors. It will be with great heartache that we hold our December board meeting in two weeks with an empty chair to end this year.

Ben Gajewski, Executive Director