The Finger Lakes Land Trust (FLLT) released its 2024–2025 annual report highlighting a landmark year of conservation, community engagement, and ecological restoration across the region. In total, the organization protected 1,668 acres of land, over 71,000 feet of streambank, and nearly a mile of lakeshore.
Now in its 36th year, the Land Trust has permanently conserved more than 34,000 acres — including 45 nature preserves with 55 miles of public trails — across the Finger Lakes region.
Major land protection wins
- New preserves and parkland:
- Shotwell Brook Conservation Area (101 acres) near Skaneateles will feature two miles of trails, including a fully accessible loop.
- Staghorn Cliffs (15 acres) on Skaneateles Lake adds 850 feet of shoreline protection, only accessible by water.
- A new public park in Aurora is underway with 1,100 feet of Cayuga Lake shoreline.
- Waterfront and watershed protections:
- 10,000 feet along Fall Creek in Cayuga County, which feeds Cornell’s water supply.
- 1,680 feet along the Chemung River in Chemung County, a future public conservation site.
- Bear Swamp Creek and Canandaigua Lake headwaters properties now protected.
- Working lands and scenic views:
- 406 acres of farmland in Yates County placed under conservation easement.
- A dramatic 122-acre site in Naples, known for its vistas, was purchased and is slated for future public access.
Community projects and public access
FLLT partnered with local and state agencies to open and expand trails, parks, and wildlife areas. Highlights include:
- A new midway access point planned for the Black Diamond Trail in Tompkins County.
- The expansion of the Emerald Necklace with 30 new acres near Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area.
- Formal opening of Margaret’s Woods as part of Robert H. Treman State Park, adding 140 acres of public land.
Stewardship and restoration
- Volunteers contributed nearly 400 hours across 19 trail workdays.
- 900 pounds of trash and 30 tires were removed from a new Chemung River site.
- New vernal pools were created at Canandaigua Vista Preserve to improve water quality and wildlife habitat.
- Agricultural lands were converted into pollinator habitat at Shotwell Brook.
Financial overview
FLLT reported $8.45 million in revenue and used 72% of its funds directly on program services. Key funding sources included gifts, grants, land sales, and investment returns.
Looking ahead
President Andrew Zepp and Board Chair Karen Meriwether emphasized the importance of community support, stating:
“With your support, we opened new trails, restored sensitive ecosystems, and invested in the future of the Finger Lakes. We are forever grateful for your commitment to conservation.”
To learn more or support the work, visit fllt.org.
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