Finger Lakes Land Trust crews planted more than 600 native perennials along Skaneateles Lake and worked with volunteers to add 40 trees and shrubs at Shotwell Brook Conservation Area this fall.
The two restoration projects cover recently acquired land in the lake's watershed, according to a Land Trust announcement. The organization says the plantings are intended to improve habitat, absorb nutrients and reduce erosion.
Boats carried plants to the Staghorn Cliffs shoreline
At the lake's south end, stewardship staff planted along 850 feet of shoreline acquired in 2025. The property includes part of the Staghorn Cliffs, where fossils preserve an ancient coral reef.
Steep hillsides above the cliffs make the property hazardous to approach by land, so the site is accessible only by boat. Staff filled a rowboat with plants and tools and towed it behind a larger boat to carry out the work.
The plantings included common boneset, flat-topped white aster, grass-leaved goldenrod, Indiangrass and wrinkleleaf goldenrod.
The Land Trust said native vegetation can absorb excess nitrogen and phosphorus, encourage other native plant growth and provide wildlife habitat.
The acquisition brought the organization's protected shoreline in that area to 3,000 feet. The property adjoins Staghorn Cliffs Preserve and Cora Kampfe Dickinson Conservation Area and provides habitat for bald eagles and other wildlife.
Shotwell Brook preserve prepares for a 2027 opening
At Shotwell Brook Conservation Area in Skaneateles, Rotary Club volunteers helped staff plant 40 native trees and shrubs donated by Go Native! Perennials. Species included white pine, Canadian serviceberry, red maple and staghorn sumac.
The Land Trust said the work is intended to restore habitat, reduce soil erosion and help limit flooding during major storms.
The conservation area, purchased in 2024, has 1,000 feet of frontage on Shotwell Brook and more than 1,000 feet along U.S. Route 20.
The organization is preparing for public access in 2027 by establishing native grassland and developing 2.1 miles of walking paths. Plans include a universally accessible loop, scenic overlooks and wildlife viewing areas.
The Land Trust will own and manage the land as a public nature preserve. Protecting the brook also supports Skaneateles Lake's water quality: the tributary enters the lake near the intake for Syracuse's unfiltered drinking-water supply.
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