A Finger Lakes conservation group just crossed a major milestone decades in the making.
The Finger Lakes Land Trust announced it has now conserved more than 35,000 acres across the region, marking over 30 years of work to protect the landscapes that define the Finger Lakes.
The land trust began in 1989 as an all-volunteer effort and has since grown into an accredited conservation organization working across a 12-county area. Its projects focus on protecting water quality, wildlife habitat, scenic views, and public access to the outdoors.
Over the years, the organization has helped conserve more than six miles of lakeshore, 1,752 acres of wetlands, and 221 miles of creek frontage. It has also created 55 miles of publicly accessible hiking trails throughout the region.
Recent projects include permanently protecting 850 feet of shoreline at the south end of Skaneateles Lake, partnering with the Village of Aurora to create a new shoreline park on Cayuga Lake, opening a new nature preserve at Bluff Point on Keuka Lake, and purchasing a 117-acre addition to Harriet Hollister Spencer Recreation Area near Honeoye Lake.
Leaders with the organization credited supporters and staff for reaching the milestone.
“I personally would like to express my appreciation to those mentioned above,” said Karen Meriwether, chair of the Finger Lakes Land Trust Board of Directors and a Keuka Lake resident. “Additionally, I would like to recognize the staff of FLLT not only for their many contributions to this milestone but for the enthusiastic and respectful manner in which they approach every aspect of their work.”
The land trust said support from members, partners, and volunteers has played a key role in protecting land that will remain conserved for future generations.
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