Tucked quietly among the folds of New York’s rolling hills lies a secret the state has long kept to itself. The Little Finger Lakes—Honeoye, Canadice, Hemlock, and Conesus—are four shimmering pearls set into a landscape of quiet forests, fertile farms, and timeless beauty. Long overshadowed by their famous northern siblings, these lakes have quietly nourished communities, inspired artists, and offered sanctuary to those seeking the road less traveled.
Now, they’re stepping into the spotlight with a bold, community-driven vision to reimagine the region for a new generation.
On February 22, 2025, something extraordinary happened. At the Little Lakes Community Center in Hemlock, a constellation of local visionaries—farmers, artists, educators, entrepreneurs, and advocates—came together for a transformative workshop. Their goal? To chart a sustainable, inclusive, and collaborative path forward for the region they love. It wasn’t just a meeting. It was a movement.
And now, the movement continues.
Everyone is invited: The second community workshop
We’re gathering again to continue shaping a vision for the region’s future—together. Whether you joined us for the first workshop or this will be your first time, your voice matters, and we’d love for you to be part of the conversation.
Location: Little Lakes Community Center
4705 South Main Street, Hemlock, NY 14466
Date: Sunday, April 27, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
This interactive workshop will include community updates, collaborative activities, and next-step planning. Light refreshments will be available.
RSVP at [email protected]
Or just come as you are—everyone is welcome!
At February’s inaugural gathering, participants used tools like Mentimeter to map regional assets, uncover shared values, and articulate a unifying narrative. What emerged was more than vision—it was a commitment:
“We envision the Little Finger Lakes Region evolving into a model of sustainable living, where our communities collaborate to celebrate cultural heritage, preserve natural beauty, and foster economic vitality, ensuring a thriving and inclusive environment for all.”
This vision now guides everything from tourism branding to year-round programming. And it’s already bearing fruit.
In towns like Geneseo, Lakeville, Bloomfield, Avon, Livonia, Naples, Lima, Hemlock, and Springwater, small businesses are drawing from local heritage to craft unique experiences. On the hillsides above Hemlock, places like Lagom Landing are making nature-based retreats accessible to all, honoring the land while inviting others into its rhythms.
As Jerry Elman, one of the workshop organizers, put it: “Sustainable farming is our version of vineyards.” That ethos—of rootedness, of growth, of hospitality—runs through every trail, every farmer’s market, every lakeside porch in this region.
Whether you’re a lifelong local or a newcomer, a business owner or a birdwatcher, your perspective helps shape this shared future.
Join us on April 27th to add your voice, your hopes, and your ideas.
Because here in the Little Finger Lakes, it’s the little things that count—and together, they can change everything.
George Cassidy Payne is a Rochester-based nonprofit leader, educator, and advocate for sustainable economic development. With a philosophy and social work background, George has spent over two decades addressing issues of equity, public policy, and crisis intervention. His community development and environmental sustainability expertise informs his commitment to strengthening Rochester’s regional economy.