Finger Lakes Outdoor Explorers- Morgan Preston

Title of Your Presentation:
Rooted in Community: Nature-Led Play and Neighbor-Led Purpose
A look at how two grassroots initiatives—Finger Lakes Outdoor Explorers and the Cheshire Community Action Team—are helping to raise curious, capable kids and strengthen rural communities from the ground up.

Bio:
Morgan Preston is the founder of Finger Lakes Outdoor Explorers, a nature-based program for young children that cultivates confidence, curiosity, and a deep love of the outdoors. She also volunteers on the board with the Cheshire Community Action Team (CCAT), a grassroots group dedicated to enhancing life in the Hamlet of Cheshire. Her greatest inspiration comes from her two young sons, Archer and Cooper, who remind her daily of the power of play, wonder, and mud puddles. Morgan lives in the woods and can often be found in a stream, on a trail, or with a glue stick in hand.

Summary of Presentation:
Morgan will share the story behind Finger Lakes Outdoor Explorers (FLOE)—how a simple passion for the outdoors and children grew into a beloved community program where children thrive through hands-on outdoor play. She’ll also introduce the Cheshire Community Action Team (CCAT), a local volunteer group bringing neighbors together through community-focused events, hamlet improvement initiatives and the preservation of Cheshire’s rich history and rural charm. Learn how nature and neighborliness are shaping the future of our region—and how small, purpose-driven projects can plant powerful roots.