The Finger Lakes Land Trust (FLLT) acquired eleven acres with more than 3,100 feet of frontage along Fall Creek in the town of Dryden, Tompkins County.

The parcel will be added to the FLLT’s adjacent Etna Nature Preserve, safeguarding habitat for fish and wildlife as well as water quality within Fall Creek—the drinking water supply for Cornell University and a major tributary to Cayuga Lake.

Situated between Upper Creek Road and New York State Route 366, the newly acquired property is a floodplain and brings protected streambank here to 6,200 feet. The new parcel is accessible from an existing pull-off on Route 366.

Photo: Chris Ray

“This acquisition adds to a growing greenbelt along Fall Creek,” says Land Trust Executive Director Andrew Zepp.  “By acquiring this land, we’re protecting important habitat while expanding recreational opportunities and helping to maintain water quality”.

The FLLT’s Etna Nature Preserve consists of woods, wetlands, and streams, with a short hiking trail that complements the landscape and facilitates bird watching. The trail crosses over a tributary to Fall Creek and loops through a small spruce plantation.

Partial funding for this project was provided by the FLLT’s Finger Lakes Forever campaign and the estate of Margaret Bald.