The Finger Lakes Land Trust (FLLT) announced that an anonymous donor has pledged a $500,000 gift to help establish the Shotwell Brook Conservation Area adjacent to the village of Skaneateles.

Purchased by the FLLT in October of 2024, the 101-acre property features 1,000 feet of frontage on Shotwell Brook, a key tributary of Skaneateles Lake, and more than 1,000 feet of frontage on U.S. Route 20.

Photo: Chris Ray

The FLLT will own and manage the land in perpetuity as a publicly accessible nature preserve, providing local residents with valuable opportunities for outdoor recreation and connection to nature. The project will also enhance Skaneateles Lake’s water quality by protecting Shotwell Brook, which enters Skaneateles Lake near the water intake for the city of Syracuse’s unfiltered drinking water supply.

The FLLT is actively fundraising to match the $500,000 challenge. Any increased contributions over 2024 total giving from current FLLT members made in support of the Shotwell Brook Conservation Area will be matched dollar for dollar. New members who contribute to the project will have their gift doubled.

All contributions will directly support the creation of a 2.1-mile network of walking paths featuring a universally accessible loop trail, scenic overlooks and wildlife viewing areas, an interpretive kiosk and parking area, and long-term management of the site.

Before preparing the land for public access, the Land Trust will initiate ecological restoration efforts on the land through a partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This will include restoring and enhancing wetlands on the property, planting native trees and shrubs, establishing native grassland, and controlling non-native invasive pest species. With community support, this project will help preserve a vital watershed and provide lasting access to nature for future generations.

Please visit fllt.org/shotwellbrook to donate today and double your impact, or contact Dawn Cornell, Director of Development and Communications, at (607) 275-9487 or dawncornell@fllt.org for more information.