The Finger Lakes Land Trust celebrated a record-breaking year in 2024, conserving 2,267 acres across the region. The nonprofit announced its achievements in its annual Year-in-Review, which highlighted milestone accomplishments, including the permanent conservation of more than 33,500 acres since its founding.
Among its largest projects was the protection of nearly 1,000 acres at Bad Bear Hill near Corning, marking the largest single conservation effort in the organization’s history. The site is valued for its ecological and recreational significance.
FLLT also expanded public access to natural spaces, opening the Sims-Jennings Preserve at Cayuga Cliffs, which features two miles of trails and panoramic lake views. Another project saw the acquisition of 101 acres near Skaneateles Village to safeguard water quality and develop walking paths.
Other significant initiatives included expanding the Wesley Hill Nature Preserve near Honeoye Lake as part of the Hemlock to High Tor initiative, launching a new conservation effort at Keuka Lake’s Bluff Point, and securing the 10th acquisition at Canandaigua Lake’s Bare Hill.
The Land Trust also collaborated with state and private partners to protect over 10,000 feet of Cayuga Lake’s Fall Creek and to enhance New York’s largest wildlife management area. Trails added to the Robert H. Treman State Park underscored FLLT’s commitment to fostering outdoor recreation and education.
Looking ahead to 2025, FLLT encouraged community members to join its mission of preserving the Finger Lakes’ unique landscapes through donations, volunteering, and advocacy.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].