Supporters of land conservation in the Finger Lakes have an opportunity to make their contributions go twice as far this fall.
Thanks to a $100,000 matching gift challenge from an anonymous donor, the Finger Lakes Land Trust (FLLT) will receive a dollar-for-dollar match for any new memberships or increased donations made before December 31, 2025.
“This is a powerful way for our community to come together and protect the lands and waters that make the Finger Lakes so special,” the organization said in its announcement.
Here’s how to participate:
- Increase your gift: If you gave $100 last year and increase your donation to $200, FLLT will receive an extra $100 from the matching donor.
- Become a new member: First-time donors at any level above $35 will be matched.
- Gift a membership or refer a friend: If someone joins at a higher amount than your 2024 donation, that gift also qualifies for a match.
Conservation work underway
The matching challenge supports FLLT’s mission to conserve the forests, farmland, lakeshores, and streams across the Finger Lakes region. Earlier this year, the organization acquired 850 feet of shoreline at the Staghorn Cliffs on Skaneateles Lake, extending the total protected lakeshore in this area to 3,000 feet.
FLLT manages over 45 nature preserves that are free and open to the public. See their list of publicly accessible preserves where hunting is not allowed during the fall and winter hunting season, October 1 through December 16, 2025.
To join, give, or learn more, visit: https://fllt.org
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