The Finger Lakes Land Trust has officially opened a brand-new nature preserve on Keuka Lake — giving the public more access to one of the region’s most scenic spots while also protecting vital forest and water resources.
The 30-acre Waldershare Acres Nature Preserve, located on Bluff Point in the town of Jerusalem, Yates County, was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, October 1. The preserve is now open year-round from dawn to dusk for walking, hiking, and nature observation.
“This is a project made possible by community support,” said FLLT President Andrew Zepp. “It is our hope that this project will lead to the protection of additional lands on Bluff Point.”
A short hike with a big impact
The preserve includes two short, looped trails totaling 0.6 miles, winding through mature hardwood forests that provide essential habitat for both migratory and resident songbirds. These woodlands also help reduce erosion and nutrient runoff into Keuka Lake, a key concern for local water quality.
Access to the trails is available from a new parking area on East Bluff Drive, and a trail map is available at fllt.org/waldershare.
A community-supported conservation effort
To make the preserve possible, the Finger Lakes Land Trust launched a fundraising campaign in 2024 to acquire Waldershare Acres and another nearby parcel on Bluff Point. Major support came from Dave and Brenda Rickey, Karen Meriwether and Thomas Snow, and two anonymous donors.
The project aligns with the Land Trust’s broader mission to conserve forests, farmland, and lakeshore across the region. To date, the FLLT has protected more than 34,000 acres, including over 45 public preserves and conservation easements on 200 privately owned properties.
The organization focuses on land protection that supports wildlife habitat, clean water, and sustainable agriculture. It also works closely with local governments, landowners, and the public to promote conservation and education.
More outdoor destinations across the region can be explored through the Land Trust’s free resource, GoFingerLakes.org.
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