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History: The Chip Holt Nature Center in Vitale Park on Conesus Lake is a not-for-profit entity, built and managed by citizens of the Lakeville community. In 2008, we began offering interpretive and outdoor recreation programming for local schools and the public.

Chip Holt: Chip was the Chief Engineer and executive in charge of directing the conception, development, and launch of Xerox’s innovative DocuTech product line. In addition, he was a Distinguished Alumni of Drexel University and a member of the Alumni Circle of Distinction. Thanks to Chip’s contributions and that of the DocuTech team, the Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers (IEEE) honored Xerox in 2003 with the equivalent of the Nobel Prize for the creation of DocuTech.

“Perhaps more than any person since Chester Carlson, inventor of xerography, and early company executive John Dessauer, Chip provided technical vision and leadership that transformed the Xerox Corporation,” said Charles B. Duke, colleague of Chip’s, noted physicist, and retiree of Xerox. “Chip was both the architect and initial implementer of the DocuTech product line.”

Chip’s wife, Kathy, described him as “layered” – so very complex; you worked down a layer at a time. He loved golf, teaching, history, clocks, all music except jazz (!), the piano, children, sailing, fitness and exercise, telling jokes, fishing, gardening, and more. But at the end of the day, engineering anything and everything was his passion!

Chip died September 24, 2005 with grace and dignity – “always a gentleman.”

Kathy Holt: In May 2013, Kathy Holt passed away. An invitation to visit Vitale Park in 2006, extended by Dick Palermo, prompted Kathy to donate a generous capital fund to build the nature center. A love of nature and the outdoors, shared by Kathy and Chip, inspired her to request it be named in his memory. Her enthusiasm for the success of the center extended to work as a Board of Directors member, dedication of her financial support, and supplying some of the furnishings for the center.

Spirited by nature, she freely shared her wisdom and experience gained through her varied philanthropic endeavors, especially the Boys and Girls Club of America and the K9 Training program. Livonia and the surrounding communities will continue to enjoy Kathy's legacy through family and student oriented programming. We will forever be thankful for Kathy's dedication in her pursuit of "connecting minds to nature." 

Our Mission:The Chip Holt Nature Center mission is to (1.) provide interactive educational programs and recreational opportunities for present and future generations, (2.) promote ecological stewardship for Conesus Lake and its watershed, and (3.) increase awareness and appreciation for the natural resources of the Finger Lakes.