The Finger Lakes Land Trust has purchased 74 acres at the heart of “Kashong Glen,” a classic Finger Lakes gorge spanning Geneva in Ontario County and Benton in Yates County. The Town of Geneva has partnered with the Land Trust and will own and manage the property as an addition to its nearby Kashong Conservation Area.
The newly protected land includes more than 5,500 feet of frontage along Kashong Creek, making it a key area for protecting water quality in Seneca Lake. The gorge features several scenic waterfalls and provides habitat for a variety of wildlife.
“When I learned this property was for sale, I immediately contacted the Land Trust with a plea: ‘We have to obtain this property and save it from development,’” said Geneva Town Supervisor Mark Venuti. “True to form, the Land Trust came through.”
This is the latest collaboration between the FLLT and the Town of Geneva. In 2008, the two organizations worked together to establish the 84-acre Kashong Conservation Area, donated by Polly Spedding. The Town owns the land and maintains hiking trails, while the FLLT holds a deed restriction ensuring the property will remain undeveloped.
The project was funded largely through New York State, which provided 85% of the cost via the Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) grant. The Finger Lakes Land Trust has set a fundraising goal of $75,000 to cover remaining expenses, with the Town of Geneva matching contributions. Supporters can contact FLLT Director of Development Cherise Tolbert at (607) 275-9487 or [email protected] to contribute.
Over the years, the Finger Lakes Land Trust has protected more than 35,000 acres of the region’s lakeshore, gorges, forests, and farmland. The organization manages 45 nature preserves open to the public and holds conservation easements on 200 private properties. FLLT focuses on protecting wildlife habitat, conserving lands critical for water quality, connecting conservation areas, preserving farmland, and educating communities about the region’s unique natural resources.
