Our Land

In the 1970s, Genesee Valley was a bustling working farm, characterized by its beef cattle and iconic split rail fences. The farm was diligently managed by Tom LaMonica, who was deeply involved in its daily operations. Tom's journey began with his undergraduate studies at Wooster, followed by his service in the Army. Upon returning from the military, he took up a position at Friends School, where he met his future collaborator, David Pines.

During this period, Tom was also pursuing his master's degree at Towson University. There, he connected with a group of outdoor education enthusiasts. This collaboration led to the construction of the first ropes course on the Genesee Valley property, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the farm.

In the 1980s, Tom and David started bringing students from Friends School to Genesee Valley to engage in team-building activities. This initiative laid the groundwork for the farm's future focus on experiential learning.

By 1990, Tom had expanded the property by acquiring additional land, which is where the office now stands. A year later, in 1991, David Pines secured non-profit status for Genesee Valley, setting the stage for its formal development as an educational and recreational resource.

In 1992, Genesee Valley launched its own program, opening its doors to schools, universities, and corporate groups. This expansion allowed the farm to become a prominent venue for team-building and outdoor education.

On September 2, 2010, Tom LaMonica passed away. However, his legacy lives on through his wife, Jane, who continues to manage Genesee Valley as the Executive Director. Through her leadership, Tom's vision of a place where people can learn, grow, and connect with nature endures.