Dear Friends of the Finger Lakes, thank you for an extraordinary year in land and water conservation. You helped the Land Trust surpass 18,000 acres and 10,000 feet of lakeshore — protected forever — and many other goals. Here are a few top stories from 2015. Thank you for all your contributions and hard work. Happy New Year.
Photo: FLLT
Growing the Largest Wildlife Management Area in New York!
The Land Trust acquired an 86-acre parcel of land adjacent to Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area in the town of Catharine, Schuyler County. Connecticut Hill encompasses more than 11,500 acres of undeveloped land southwest of Ithaca and is the largest wildlife management area in the state of New York. Original Story
Photo: Harry Littell
New 290-Acre Logan Hill Preserve in Tioga County!
The Land Trust accepted a donation of 290 acres located in the village and town of Candor, Tioga County from Ithaca residents Betsy and Dick Darlington. The property is a mix of forest and meadows with frontage on Catatonk Creek and is located entirely within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Original Story
Finger Lakes Boy, Age 11, Named Conservationist of the Year!
This year’s Conservationist of the Year Award was presented to 5th grader Henry Scholl. Henry is an eleven-year old resident of Niles, Cayuga County, who raised $142.58 in support of the Land Trust and its conservation efforts. Original Story
Photo: FLLT
Prime Organic Farmland Protected in Cayuga County!
The Land Trust accepted the donation of two conservation easements in the town of Sennett, Cayuga County. The two easements protect approximately 86 acres of prime working farmland, home to Elderberry Pond restaurant and farm. The farm serves as the main source of food for the restaurant. Original Story
Photo: Steve Knapp
New Bird Conservation Area Open to the Public!
The Land Trust announced the formal dedication of its West River Preserve and the opening of a scenic overlook with distant views of the Naples Valley and High Tor Wildlife Management Area. Original Story | Preserve Profile
Photo: Betsy Darlington
Mark Chao Celebrates the 10th Annual Spring Bird Quest!
In celebration of the 10th Spring Bird Quest, Land Trust volunteer and avid birder Mark Chao identified 121 bird species found on over 27 visits to 19 FLLT preserves. Nearly $9,000 was raised for critical bird habitat. Original Story | Bird Quest Blog
Photo: FLLT
Historic Site of Mark Twain’s Summer Home Protected!
The Land Trust today accepted the donation of two conservation easements in the town of Elmira, Chemung County. The two easements protect over 200 acres of meadows and woodlands that are immediately adjacent to Quarry Farm which once served as a summer home and writing retreat for Samuel Clemens, the writer well-known as Mark Twain. Original Story
Photo: FLLT
New 206-Acre Hinchcliff Family Preserve Near Skaneateles Lake!
In August of 2015, the Land Trust opened the 206-acre Hinchcliff Family Preserve, featuring sweeping views of Skaneateles Lake and a 1 ½ mile loop trail that crosses several gullies and dips into a forest rich with historical artifacts highlighting the agricultural history of this beautiful area. Original Story | Preserve Profile
Photo: Rick Lightbody
Great Community Engagement at Story Walk and HIKEapalooza!
Over 200 people attended the Land Trust’s summer events in celebration and support of land conservation. Twelve events were held in all twelve counties of the Finger Lakes region on June 20. Story Walk 2015 | HIKEapalooza 2015
Photo: FLLT
116 Acres Saved Next to Finger Lakes National Forest!
The Land Trust accepted a donation of a conservation easement on 116 acres of fields and woodlands bordering Finger Lakes National Forest. The conserved land is located in the heart of the Finger Lakes Region, just outside of Watkins Glen in the Town of Hector, Schuyler County. Original Story
Photo: Rick Lightbody
New Land Trust Web Site at FLLT.ORG!
The new site offers an interactive map of nature preserves and trails, better online giving, and a volunteer signup form. The site won awards for visual appeal and sustainability. Please use our web feedback form to send your thoughts about the site. Original Story
To start off a great new year in conservation, please enjoy this short video of Thayer Preserve near Ithaca. You can see other clips on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Also see FLLT By the Numbers, a page of encouraging facts. Thanks again. Happy New Year.
