Join Us On An Educational River Cruise
Embark on an educational charter river and canal cruise in Pittsford or Rochester, NY. Educators receive special pricing and we can accommodate different timing on our educational charters so please reach out to us to schedule.
Erie Canal Lock 32 Tour
Enjoy a unique experience with the Sam Patch Erie Canal Boat Tour, cruising through Lock 32 and exploring the historic waterway in NY. Learn about canal cruising and book your tour today.
Birding on the Erie Canal
See and hear the 100 species of birds that make their home along the Erie Canal near the historic Village of Pittsford, New York.
Environmental Education on the Erie Canal (E3C)
Students will learn how to investigate water quality and aquatic ecology and measure the effects of pollution and other human activities on the Erie Canal.
River and Canal Tour
Explore the Genesee River as it winds its way from the Historic Corn Hill Neighborhood to Genesee Valley Park, where the river intersects with the Erie Canal. Experience the region’s rich history and stunning scenery along the way.
Birding on the Genesee River
See and hear the amazing variety of birds that make their home along the Genesee River near downtown Rochester, New York.
Environmental Education on the Genesee (EEG)
Students will learn how to investigate water quality and aquatic ecology and measure the effects of pollution and other human activities on the Genesee River.
Promoting Education on the Erie Canal
Education, history, and the environment have been Corn Hill Navigation’s focus since its beginnings in 1991. Ted Curtis founded the organization to draw attention not only to the history but also the need to improve the environmental quality of the Genesee River and Erie Canal. For over 20 years, the Sam Patch has been an iconic part of the Schoen Place and Pittsford Village experience. Thanks to the community’s generous support, each year tens of thousands are enthralled by the history and natural beauty of the Genesee River and the Eighth Wonder of the World that is the Erie Canal. As they strolled the banks of the canal, thousands more were treated to the rare opportunity of watching a functioning, replica Erie Canal packet boat in action.
Our education cruises make it possible for school children to navigate a canal lock, spot a blue heron, or discover the fascinating unseen microscopic life inhabiting our waterways. In 2018, the community’s support helped expand our educational programs with the addition of a new hands-on Environmental Education on the Erie Canal curriculum, dubbed E3C. Sam was transformed into a floating science lab! Supported in part by funding from the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and the Farash Foundation, City School District students from 5th to 12th grade investigated canal water quality and aquatic ecology, and measured the effects of pollution and other human activities on the canal.
Corn Hill Navigation is grateful for the many generous gifts and grants from individuals, charitable foundations, and businesses in support of its education programs, including the following donors and partners:
- Avangrid Foundation
- Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor
- Delta Environmental
- Farash Foundation
- New York State Pollution Prevention Institute
- St. John Fisher College
“The Avangrid Foundation is proud to partner with CHN to help illuminate the importance of the Erie Canal and Genesee River to the people of greater Rochester. The waterways are integral to Rochester’s identity and history, and to a sustainable future. We want to ensure that everyone has a chance to experience and fall in love with this precious resource.”
— Nicole Licata Grant, Director of the Avangrid Foundation