Jim Moore / December 19. 2025
The Finger Lakes region continues to deepen its commitment to conservation and outdoor recreation with a robust online resource that makes discovering local nature preserves easier than ever.
The Finger Lakes Land Trust (FLLT), a nonprofit dedicated to protecting forests, shorelines, gorges, wetlands, and farmland across the region, highlights an extensive list of free public nature preserves on its “Learn the Land” Find a Nature Preserve page. These preserved lands are open to residents and visitors alike for quiet recreation, including hiking, paddling, birding, scenic views, and family outings, with an interactive map to help users plan their visit.
A Network of Nature Across the Region
The FLLT’s preserves span dozens of sites with trails and landscapes that showcase the Finger Lakes’ diverse environments. Highlights on the page include well-loved locations such as:
- Sims-Jennings Preserve at Cayuga Cliffs, offering dramatic overlooks above Cayuga Lake. Finger Lakes Land Trust
- Houghton Land Preserve, minutes from downtown Corning with accessible trails for all ages. Finger Lakes Land Trust
- Otisco Lake Preserve and Wesley Hill Nature Preserve, featuring forest paths and wildflower displays. Finger Lakes Land Trust
- Lindsay-Parsons Biodiversity Preserve, a large, biodiverse area valuable not just for recreation but educational and ecological research. gofingerlakes.org
Each preserve entry typically includes acreage, trail distances, and suggested activities, enabling visitors to choose the best outdoor experience for their interests and ability level. Finger Lakes Land Trust
Accessible Outdoor Recreation for Everyone
One of the key benefits of the FLLT preserves is free public access. Trails are available year-round for hiking and exploring, and many properties also welcome paddling and birdwatching. Some preserves are especially great for families and children, offering manageable trail lengths and scenic spots perfect for outdoor learning and adventures.
The online resource also links to the Land Trust’s public use policies, encouraging visitors to enjoy these lands responsibly and provide trail reports if they encounter issues that need attention.
Supporting Conservation and Community Engagement
Beyond simply listing preserves, the FLLT’s “Learn the Land” section connects users to broader learning opportunities — from educational videos and articles about local flora and fauna to information on water quality protection and conservation strategies. This reflects the organization’s mission to engage the community in both outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship.
The Trust, active since 1989, has now protected over 35,000 acres of land and water across the Finger Lakes, with more than 45 publicly accessible preserves and 55 miles of trails. These natural spaces contribute to clean water, scenic vistas, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreation opportunities for people of all ages.
Get Involved and Explore
Visitors are encouraged to use the interactive map on the FLLT site to find preserves near them, plan visits, and learn more about the important work of land conservation. Whether you’re seeking a quiet walk through a mature forest or a family outing by the lakeshore, the Finger Lakes Land Trust’s online resources make these outdoor experiences easier to discover and enjoy.
For those who wish to do more, information on volunteering, land protection, and educational events is also available through the FLLT website. https://www.fllt.org/
