Let's Find You; An On The Canal Program Series
The 353 mile long Eerie Canal is an amazing resource, come learn about it and see how you can use it in your mental health Journey.
Program Overview
TNG&Y’s “Let’s Find You” series is an environmental, educational, and mental health development program. It incorporates the history and culture of the Genesee River and Erie Canal through a place-based storytelling approach during a 6 week series program. Across all sessions—including mental health counselors-guided walks, birdwatching on boats, yoga practices, and journaling sessions—facilitators share narratives related to the canal’s ecological significance, Indigenous heritage and historical use of the river, local wildlife and habitat systems, and the relationship between natural environments and mental health.
Week 1
Boat cruise with a Canal History & Candle-Making
Week 2
Yoga, Breathwork & Meditation on the Canal
Week 3
Painting the River
Week 4
Birdwatching on a Boat & River History
Week 5
Fishing with the experts
Week 6
Matinee Trail Walk Along the Canal (Journaling & Guided Dialogue)
LET’S FIND YOU: A FALL EXPERIENTIAL ON THE CANAL PROGRAM
September
Trail Biking w/ a Mental Health Expert
A movement-based recreational experience along the canal trail that integrates historical and environmental education with mental health dialogue and reflection. Participants build resilience and connection through guided biking, conversation, and healing practices.
📍 Location: Roundhouse Shelter, Genesee Valley Park, 1000 E River Rd, Rochester, NY 14623
📅 Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026 (weather permitting)
⏰ Time: 9:30am-11:30am
💵 Cost: Free to all
✨ Focus: Canal history, ecology learning, biking, hiking, community, mental health, outdoor fun, connection, and wellness
Painting the River With A SOMATIC HEALER
Participants engage in a guided outdoor painting experience of the Genesee River along the Genesee River, combining creative expression, mindfulness, and environmental appreciation. The session encourages participants to slow down, observe the natural surroundings, and translate their observations, emotions, and reflections onto canvas. Facilitators will incorporate brief discussions on the history, ecology, and significance of the Genesee River while encouraging participants to connect with the landscape through art. The experience will also feature conversation and activities with a somatic healer. The program will emphasize creativity, relaxation, self-expression, education, and connection to place. Adaptive approaches and materials will be incorporated to support accessibility and participation for people of all abilities.
📍 Location: Henpeck Park, 2901 Ridgeway Ave, Rochester, NY 14626.
📅 Date: Sunday, September 20, 2026 (weather permitting)
⏰ Time: 9:00am-11:00am
💵 Cost: Free to all
✨ Focus: Canal history, ecology learning, painting, community, mental health, outdoor fun, connection, and wellness
Boat cruise with a Canal History & Candle-Making
Join us for our Boat cruise with a Canal History & Candle-Making, the second experience in our Let's Find You: A Wellness Experiential on the Canal series.
Paired with a candle-making activity this session combines water-based recreation, environmental storytelling, and reflection. Participants engage in a workshop with mental health experts while learning canal history and participating in a hands-on creative activity. The experience fosters emotional processing, cultural connection, and environmental education.
📍 Location: 280 Exchange BLVD, Rochester, NY, 14608
📅 Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026 (weather permitting)
⏰ Time: 3:30pm-5:00pm
💵 Cost: Free to all
✨ Focus: Canal history, ecology learning, community, mental health, outdoor fun, connection, and wellness
Fishing The Canal
Participants learn recreational fishing skills while engaging in environmental education about aquatic ecosystems and mental wellness practices such as patience, presence, and reflection. This dual-guided session supports both skill-building and emotional well-being.
📍 Location: Henpeck Park, 2901 Ridgeway Ave, Rochester, NY 14626.
📅 Date: Sunday, October 4, 2026 (weather permitting)
⏰ Time: 9am-11:00am
💵 Cost: Free to all
✨ Focus: Canal history, ecology learning, community, mental health, outdoor fun, connection, and wellness
Yoga, Breathwork & Meditation on the Canal
An outdoor wellness session rooted in gentle physical recreation, nature immersion, and mental health practices. Participants practice yoga, breathwork, and meditation while engaging with the natural sounds and rhythms of the river, promoting nervous system regulation and stress reduction.
📍 Location: Roundhouse Shelter, Genesee Valley Park, 1000 E River Rd, Rochester, NY 14623
📅 Date: Sunday, October 11, 2026 (weather permitting)
⏰ Time: 9:30am-11:00am
💵 Cost: Free to all
✨ Focus: Canal history, ecology learning, community, mental health, outdoor fun, connection, and wellness
October
Birdwatching on a Boat With a Canal & River History
A guided recreational boating experience focused on environmental education and interpretation of bird species, habitats, and ecological systems. Mindfulness and observation practices are integrated to support mental clarity, presence, and connection to nature.
📍 Location: Genesee Valley Park, Rochester, NY
📅 Date: Sunday, October 18, 2026 (weather permitting)
⏰ Time: 1:30PM to 3:00PM
💵 Cost: Free to all
✨ Focus: Canal history, ecology learning, birdwatching, boating, birding, community, mental health, outdoor fun, connection, and wellness
New York Power Authority
Collaborators, & Partners
State Of NEW YORK
Sponsors
2026 On The Canal sponsors, collaborators, and partners
Kendra Green
Shanna Mystic
Poetically Undefined
Su Oteme
Khadijah Davis
NYS Canal Corporation
Rochester By Water
