Betsy Darlington of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York.

What is your volunteer role at the Finger Lakes Land Trust?  What kinds of work do you do here?

Currently, I’m on 3 committees, and I occasionally help with guided hikes, species inventories, and The Land Steward newsletter.

Photo: Harry Littel

How long have you been involved as a volunteer?

Since the Land Trust’s beginning in November, 1988.  Sometimes questions arise about people or properties  from “the early days,” and sometimes I can answer them.

Why do you volunteer?

It’s enjoyable—great people and beautiful lands.

What’s your favorite FLLT activity and/or preserve?  Why?

Being out at Land Trust nature preserves.  The Stevenson Forest Preserve, Lindsay-Parsons Biodiversity Preserve, Lick Brook (especially Sweedler and Thayer), Steege Hill, Roy H Park Preserve, Ellis Hollow, Parker Nature Preserve, Martin Nature Preserve, and above all the soon-to-be-a-preserve Logan Hill are probably at the top of my list, but I really have too many “favorite” preserves to list.

Anything else you want to add?

The Land Trust is protecting more and more significant land—and it’s all through voluntary actions by landowners—sales or gifts of land and conservation easements.  Many landowners have a deep attachment to their land, and the Land Trust provides a way for these lands to be protected “forever,” and long after the current owners are gone.