A significant land donation by Finger Lakes Land Trust member Grace Bates will result in a new public park along Cayuga Lake in Aurora. The new lakeshore park will feature 1,100 feet of shoreline and four acres of upland, previously part of the Wells College campus.
Conservation easement ensures lasting public access
Before donating the land to the Village of Aurora, Bates established a conservation easement with the Finger Lakes Land Trust (FLLT). The easement guarantees permanent public access, protects scenic views, and safeguards wildlife habitats.
The parcel is located at the southern end of Aurora, along the Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway on State Route 90. The landscape includes wooded and open shoreline that supports a variety of wildlife—including wintering waterfowl and Bald Eagles seen year-round.
“There is no doubt in my mind that this is the most exciting thing I have ever been a part of,” Bates said. “This park will protect wildlife habitat, preserve scenic views, and provide village and visitor access to Cayuga Lake forever.”
Local leaders celebrate community impact
Aurora Mayor James Orman praised the project, calling it a major step forward for the community.
“This will now provide the Village with public access to the lake for families to gather safely,” Orman said.
FLLT President Andrew Zepp added, “This is a tremendous gift, and we are grateful to Grace for her commitment to the community of Aurora and the future of Cayuga Lake.”
Ongoing conservation around Cayuga Lake
With this addition, the Finger Lakes Land Trust has now helped conserve nearly three miles of Cayuga Lake shoreline. Nearby protected areas include:
- VanRiper Conservation Area
- Whitlock Nature Preserve
- Cayuga Shores Wildlife Management Area
- Camp Barton
All of these lands have been secured either directly or through conservation easements, which allow continued private ownership and use while protecting ecological value.
What happens next
The Village of Aurora will begin work on converting the land into a public park. The conservation easement ensures the land cannot be developed and must remain open to the public. More details about park amenities and timelines are expected as the village moves forward with planning.
To learn more about land protection efforts in the Finger Lakes, visit fllt.org.
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