The Finger Lakes Land Trust (FLLT) has announced the permanent protection of 73 acres of scenic farmland in the town of Ulysses, Tompkins County, through a conservation easement donated by resident and longtime FLLT member Sandy Hill.
The protected parcel, located on Wilkins Road, includes mature woodlands and frontage on a tributary to Cayuga Lake. The easement restricts development to a single home, allows for continued farming, and requires a forested buffer along the stream, helping safeguard water quality in the watershed.
Hill, who donated the land in 2023, did so with the understanding that it would be sold to a private buyer under the terms of the easement. Proceeds from that recent sale have been used to establish the Carman and Sandra B. Hill Fund, supporting paid internships focused on land and water conservation.
“My donation has been made to protect farmland from development and keep Cayuga Lake clean,” Sandy Hill said. “Climate change is having a devastating effect, so we all should make an effort to protect our land. Also, I wanted to honor my late husband, Carman Hill, who carefully cared for this beautiful farmland and wood lot.”
FLLT President Andrew Zepp praised the gift for its dual impact. “We are grateful to Sandy Hill for this wonderful gift, which will provide the support needed to educate the next generation of conservationists. At the same time, we are securing prime farmland and a pristine stream corridor,” Zepp said.
The Finger Lakes Land Trust has now protected over 30,000 acres of land across the region through conservation efforts like this one.
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