EcoDistrict at the High Falls

Pioneering Sustainable Urban Living at High Falls

Greentopia drafted a plan for the FIRST EcoDistrict in New York state here at High Falls – a model for sustainable and resilient neighborhoods.

Our climate is changing. As the trend of people moving back into cities continues, the need for well designed, low emission, and healthy urban spaces will only become more pressing. The EcoDistricts framework takes an interconnected, holistic approach to sustainability. At the core of any EcoDistrict are three guiding principles: Equity, Resilience and Climate Protection.

About the EcoDistrict

The EcoDistrict is a neighborhood-scale sustainability and design project. It will create a neighborhood of the future at High Falls, striving to achieve environmental and social justice, with a focus on access to our incredible natural assets to create a more livable and healthier community.

As our climate changes and more people move back into cities, the demand for green space and sustainable urban design grows. The EcoDistricts framework guides us in addressing these challenges through three core principles:

🤝 Equity

  • Are the benefits and responsibilities of development shared fairly?

  • Does every voice count in decision-making?

  • Are we prioritizing the needs of our most vulnerable residents?

🌱 Resilience

  • Can our community withstand environmental and economic disruptions?

  • Are we proactively preparing for known challenges and the unexpected?

🌍 Climate Protection

  • How do we achieve carbon neutrality as a neighborhood?

  • Are we safeguarding our ecosystems and restoring them where needed?

Creating an EcoDistrict in High Falls isn’t just about deciding what to do—it’s about determining how we make those decisions and accomplish our goals. We tackle complex, far-reaching problems, and by working together at the neighborhood level, we create real, attainable change.

While we may not single-handedly reverse global biodiversity loss, we can make a meaningful impact
in High Falls State Park.

Logo of EcoDistrict at High Falls with blue vertical bars above the text.

Neighborhood of the Futrue

Greentopia: Leading the Charge

As the backbone organization of the High Falls EcoDistrict, Greentopia:

  • Conducted the initial planning study

  • Brought together key stakeholders

  • Launched pioneering sustainability projects

Together, we are building a healthier, more sustainable future—one neighborhood at a time.

Large blue balloon with a water droplet symbol, accompanied by smaller white and blue balloons, tied to a pole near a tree, in front of a brick building.

1,000 Trees Project

1000 Tree Project - In 2018 Greentopia applied and received a $75,000 DEC grant to begin work on the 1000 Tree Project. From 2019-2020 we planted 350 with our partners Genesee Land Trust, RG&E and the City of Rochester. Greentopia continues of look for funding and partners to plant more trees in greater High Falls. Find out where those trees were planted.

Link to Google Map

Two people wearing face masks and holding hard hats stand in front of a chain-link fence. Behind them is a waterfall, a multi-story brick building, and a bridge over a river. The sky is clear and sunny.

Eco Loop

Greentopia partnered with Ken Parulski the developer of TourBlend to create a 1.3 mile self-guided tour around the High Falls gorge that touches on High Falls industrial history and the importance of renewable energy to early industry in Rochester.

This tour and many others are available for both iPhone and Android devices.

The University of Rochester’s Global Sustainable Development class, compiled a report for Greentopia highlightING the challenges and areas of opportunity for environmental initiatives for stakeholders in the district.

The report was incorporated into TourBlend’s Eco Tour that includes the sustainability efforts of - WXXI, ROC Recycling, Genesee Brewery, City Hall, MCC and Innovative Field.

EcoFest 2023

After a nine year hiatus, Greentopia’s Ecofest took place at the Rochester Public Market. The theme of the 2023 Ecofest was Electrify your Life: Energize your Sustainable Choices”- we offered booths to over 50 environmental organizations, academic institutions, State, County and City environmental departments, and sustainable/environmental vendors. The Ecofest also included an electric car show, live music from local artists, food trucks, workshop demonstrations and fun activities.

Sustainable Development
at the Neighborhood Level

High Falls is home to New York State’s FIRST EcoDistrict®—a groundbreaking model for collaborative, sustainable urban transformation. Together, we’re building an equitable, vibrant, and resilient community.

Support Our Mission

🌿 Donate to Greentopia and help fund impactful EcoDistrict projects.

🙌 Join Us as a Volunteer and be part of the change.