The Finger Lakes Land Trust (FLLT) protected 73 acres of scenic farmland in the town of Ulysses, Tompkins County, with a conservation easement. The property was donated to the organization in 2023 by longtime FLLT member and local resident Sandy Hill.

Located on Wilkins Road, the parcel also contains mature woodlands and frontage on a tributary of Cayuga Lake. The easement limits development to a single home, allows for continued agricultural use, and provides for a forested buffer along the tributary, enhancing watershed protection.

Photo: Chris Ray

Sandy donated the land with the understanding that it would be sold to a private buyer subject to the terms of the easement. Proceeds from the recent sale of the property will be used to create the Carman and Sandra B. Hill Fund, which the Land Trust will use to support paid internships that will provide hands-on experiences in land and water conservation. Sandy’s gift honors her late husband, Carman, who passed away in 2017.

“My donation has been made to protect farmland from development and keep Cayuga Lake clean,” Sandy 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.”