The Finger Lakes Land Trust (FLLT) was awarded $100,000 through the New York State Conservation Partnership Program. The program is funded through the State’s Environmental Protection Fund and administered by the Land Trust Alliance, in coordination with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

More than $3,000,000 in Conservation Partnership Program grants were awarded to 64 projects that will protect water quality, prevent farmland conversion, boost public access for outdoor recreation, and conserve open space. The funding awarded through the Conservation Partnership Program will support 44 land trusts across New York State.

Photo: Bill Hecht

The FLLT was awarded $100,000 to improve accessibility at its popular Roy H. Park Preserve in the town of Dryden, Tompkins County. Located just 20 minutes from downtown Ithaca, the 240-acre preserve is located within a complex of 8,000 acres of contiguous conservation land including Hammond Hill and Yellow Barn state forests.

The grant will allow the FLLT to make improvements to the preserve’s hiking trail and wetland boardwalk to provide universal access and ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In conjunction with these improvements, the FLLT also intends to complete extensions of the existing trail to provide access to two additional scenic overlooks, adding to the visitor experience while also increasing visitor capacity.

“This support will allow us to make this scenic natural area accessible to people of all ages and abilities,” said Land Trust President Andy Zepp. “We’re grateful for this latest grant from the New York State Conservation Partnership Program and their longtime support of our conservation efforts.”