Staff Report / August 19, 2026
WEST DANBY — The Finger Lakes Land Trust (FLLT) has expanded its conservation footprint in Tompkins County with the purchase of an 83-acre property in West Danby. The transaction marks the 15th addition to the Lindsay-Parsons Biodiversity Preserve, growing the protected natural area to over 630 acres.
Bordering Danby State Forest, the newly acquired parcel features steep forested hillsides, a natural kettle pond, and wetlands adjacent to the Cayuga Inlet. Originally established in 1996 as the world’s first temperate-zone preserve dedicated to research in chemical ecology and biodiversity, the preserve is a prime destination for birdwatching, hiking, and scenic viewing. Funding for the acquisition was provided by private donations alongside a grant from New York State’s Water Quality Improvement Project Program.
Key details regarding visitor access and the regional conservation initiative include:
- Public Access & Recreation: The preserve is open daily from dawn to dusk for low-impact activities like hiking and cross-country skiing, featuring nearly four miles of trails. A wetland wildlife overlook is located on Sylvan Lane near the West Danby Firehouse, opposite the main entrance on Route 34/96.
- The Emerald Necklace Initiative: The Lindsay-Parsons Preserve forms a key link in the “Emerald Necklace,” an ongoing effort to connect 50,000 acres of public open space surrounding Ithaca.
- Ecological Significance: The Emerald Necklace corridor encompasses 78 miles of the Finger Lakes Trail, several dozen Tompkins County-designated Unique Natural Areas, and two Audubon-designated Important Bird Areas, making it a priority in New York State’s Open Space Plan.
Learn more here: https://www.fllt.org/land-trust-acquires-15th-addition-to-lindsay-parsons-biodiversity-preserve/
