The Finger Lakes Land Trust (FLLT) today announced it has purchased a small but critical parcel near the south end of Canandaigua Lake in the town of Italy, Yates County. The property is located at the mouth of Clark Gully, an iconic gorge, and is surrounded by High Tor Wildlife Management Area.

The 3.4-acre parcel features 2,200 feet of frontage on an unnamed creek that flows through the gorge, which is situated on Great Hill. Also known as Nundawao, Great Hill is of special significance to the Seneca Nation. The Seneca refer to themselves as “The People of the Great Hill, or Onöndowa’ga:’, and this area is referred to as the place of their origin.

Photo: Nigel Kent

During the coming year, the FLLT will consult with representatives of the Seneca Nation, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and local residents to explore long-term conservation options for this special place.

“We are grateful to the Jones family for helping us permanently conserve this wonderful natural area,” said Executive Director Andy Zepp. “We are very much looking forward to working with our partners and the local community to consider the future of this land.”

This latest acquisition is part of a growing network of conserved lands at the south end of Canandaigua Lake which includes the FLLT’s West River and Great Hill nature preserves. The organization has also partnered with the Town of South Bristol to create nearby Carolabarb Park; Ontario County to acquire Grimes Glen; and New York State to add several parcels to High Tor Wildlife Management Area.