Mike and Carrie Koplinka-Loehr of Lansing, Tompkins County, NY.

Why did you choose to conserve your land?  What motivated you?

We have 4 children and we always got them outdoors in all seasons, since we lived near natural areas.  We could tell that their imaginations flourished when out-of-doors and in larger areas of undeveloped acreage.

The idea of preserving anything in perpetuity is something most organizations can’t promise; but, FLLT can, and leaving a legacy of undeveloped nature to future generations quite literally can preserve our humanity and our connection to nature, parcel by parcel.

How did you conserve your land?

We worked with the Land Trust to place a conservation easement on our property.

What makes your land so special to you?

Setting aside a large area, especially adjacent to another conservation easement, to create a mini “corridor,” meant a lot, so whole habitats could be maintained.  We have two small streams that fall into gorges on our land that always bring joy when we walk near them.  The mix of woods and meadows and streams makes for a rich diversity of plant, animal and bird life.  And being across from Taughannock Park is special.  I envision the original inhabitants of the land in some sense still able to walk, gather food and live here if need be, and now that potential won’t be lost, ever.

Anything else you would like to add?

Fox, eagle, hawks, turkey, grouse, deer, coyote, possum, etc., are our companions on the land.  What a gift, and we’re glad this land will continue to provide such habitat, forever.