Heather Eckardt wants to hear from Rochester.

Eckardt is the founder of Rooted in Rochester, which describes itself as a nonpartisan listening campaign gathering information on what Rochester residents want done with land, air and water resources. Rooted in Rochester was created by a pilot initiative called Funding Futures: Together We Decide, along with five other Hudson Valley communities.

“I feel like this initiative is an opportunity to really connect with people and have them remember what they loved about this place as a kid, or what they like to do when they have a free moment, or a favorite view or experience. Usually, those things have to do with the natural world,” Eckardt said. “Our natural places are degraded and compromised all the time, and I think people don’t feel like there is much they can do about it, but this isn't true.”

Eckardt manages the website, events and information gathering for the campaign alongside five other cohort members. Together, they attend guest speaker sessions about “inspiring and replicable” environmental products in the Hudson Valley, and ways to build community and communication. She also meets with people individually to hear their stories and concerns. In June, she will compile the information for the ballot, oversee the counting of votes and present the findings to the community and town board.

Eckardt said she hopes to inspire neighbors and remind them that they have power. Rooted in Rochester is seeking community engagement from the project ideas form and through community events, such as a recent community lunch at the town recreation center and a holiday wreathmaking workshop at the Accord Fire District.

“Accord Market has provided delicious local food, and the wreathmaking workshop was led by a local forager and floral artist,” Eckardt said. “The goal is for people to make new connections and feel inspired in each other’s company. The momentum builds as more people get involved.”

On January 10, Rooted in Rochester will host a family storytime at Little Ones Learning Center in Accord. According to Eckardt, this event will engage children with a nature-based story and crafts, while encouraging parents to discuss and submit project ideas. On January 31, they will also host an event at Skate Time on Route 209, with town trivia, skating, snacks, and a community mural attendees can contribute to.

The deadline to submit project ideas is February 28, and, as Eckardt said, “the more ideas, the better.”