Finger Lakes Land Trust

Ithaca, New York

 

Organization description: 

The Finger Lakes Land Trust protects over 17,000 acres of our region’s forests, fields, wetlands, streams, and lakeshores.  Many of these lands are open to the public for quiet recreation through a network of over 30 nature preserves. 

 

We have protected thousands of additional acres by working with landowners to place permanent development restrictions on private lands that remain on local tax rolls.  We focus on protecting critical habitat and water resources, connecting conserved lands, and keeping prime farmland in agriculture. 

 

We also hold programs to educate local governments, landowners, and the community about conservation.  All of our work takes place within the 12-county Finger Lakes region. Our work is made possible by the generous support of over 200 volunteers and 2,000 members.

 

Organization Goals:

The Finger Lakes Land trust’s mission is “to conserve forever the lands and waters of the Finger Lakes region, ensuring scenic vistas, clean water, local foods, and wild places for everyone.” We accomplish this by focusing on land that protects sweeping views, local agriculture, and valuable waterbodies. FLLT is also dedicated to protecting and maintaining contiguous networks of wild lands for exploration by a curious child, an adventurous hiker, and our region's wildlife.  

  

Phenology Project Description:

The Phenology Trail at the Roy H. Park Preserve in Dryden, NY was piloted in August 2015 to engage the community in hands-on science.  The six tree species included in the trail are monitored by volunteers and nature preserve visitors. While this trail contributes phenological data for climate change science, it also provides excellent educational opportunities for all ages regarding tree species identification, basic ecology, and the local effects of climate change.

 

Managed and maintained by volunteers, this project is currently seeking future volunteer coordinators and additional volunteer citizen scientists to help contribute their observations.

 

To learn more about the Finger Lakes Land Trust or to get involved: 

• Websites: Phenology Trail at Park Preserve and Finger Lakes Land Trust

• Coordinators: Hannah George and Nick Dietschler; email: info@fllt.org