Message from the CPF President
Thank YOU for making the Gorge Trail Gateway project a reality. “Juno’s Run” (above) follows alongside Chittenango Creek at the Gorge Trail Gateway. This year, CPF will install a crosswalk across Albany Street to make a safer trail connection to Creekside Park behind the Cazenovia Public Library.
Evolution and Transition—Fourteen years ago, a simple question sparked something extraordinary. CPF’s then-Conservation Manager, Judy Gianforte, asked if my husband, Paul Curtin, and I would host an old-fashioned square dance in our barn to benefit CPF. We said yes—and, as they say, the rest is history.
Our relationship with CPF evolved from being regular donors and occasional event attendees into a wonderful commitment that will shift again with CPF’s Annual Meeting this May. As I reflect on this journey, I’m filled with gratitude.
Since joining the board in 2016, serving as Vice President alongside Jim Steinberg, and stepping into the role of President in 2022, it’s been an honor to work with Executive Director Jen Wong, our dedicated board, and all of YOU—our members and volunteers. Together, CPF has grown stronger, smarter, and more rooted in the fabric of our community.
Some of our achievements do not seem particularly noteworthy, like upgrading our database and using cloud-based tools to streamline property inspections. But, these updates transformed our operations, strengthened stewardship, and enhanced communication. Other milestones have been more visible, like earning national accreditation which facilitates partnerships with other organizations and unlocks new sources of funding, and completing the Gorge Trail Gateway, a shining example of CPF’s vision and teamwork.
From barn dances to trail openings, from strategic plans to new paths carved through woods and fields, CPF has grown into a more robust organization, protecting the natural, agricultural, and historic gems of our region. Its accomplishments are powered by you. Thank you for all you do. Thank you for the opportunity to serve, and for your trust, your time, and your belief in the magic of CPF.
See you out on the trails!
Cynthia Maxwell Curtin
CPF Board President