The Finger Lakes Land Trust (FLLT) has launched an ambitious initiative to accelerate land protection and stewardship efforts in the western Finger Lakes, where development pressure is increasing amidst the region’s impressive and beloved natural resources.
Through its Hemlock to High Tor initiative, the Land Trust aims to ensure the future of a forested landscape that extends across 114,000 acres from Hemlock Lake to the High Tor Wildlife Management Area at the south end of Canandaigua Lake.
You can learn more below, get updates in our email newsletter, and advance the initiative by making a gift online:
To learn more about this opportunity, contact Development Specialist Karinna Browning at karinnabrowning@fllt.org or (607) 275-9487.
Video
Map
Story
Hemlock Lake | Matt Sitler
THE HEMLOCK TO HIGH TOR CORRIDOR hosts the only two Finger Lakes with undeveloped shorelines, Hemlock and Canadice; some 23,000 acres of existing conservation land; and, three New York State wildlife management areas.
The corridor encompasses one of the most extensive contiguous forests remaining in the Finger Lakes region. These forests play a vital role in stabilizing steep slopes and providing clean water for our lakes. They also harbor a diversity of wildlife, including wide-ranging mammals such as the black bear, bobcat, and fisher.
Undeveloped lands within this area are recognized both for their value as wildlife habitat and the vital role they play in watershed protection. Hemlock and Canadice lakes have served as a drinking water supply for Rochester and adjacent communities for more than 100 years, and currently provide approximately 37 million gallons per day. Canandaigua Lake provides drinking water to five municipalities.
Also residing within the corridor are resources for recreation and outdoor education, such as Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area, Cumming Nature Center, and the Finger Lakes Community College’s Muller Field Station.
The Hemlock to Hi Tor initiative seeks to conserve the area’s natural resources and address threats posed by increasing development pressure. The initiative includes four components:
(1) Protecting large blocks of intact forest from development and fragmentation
(2) Creating conservation corridors between existing protected lands
(3) Protecting and restoring areas that are vital for watershed protection
(4) Enhancing opportunities for outdoor education and recreation to better connect people with nature
Please read more about project leadership and partnerships below.
-
- Hemlock Lake | Nigel Kent
-
- Canadice Lake | Nigel Kent
-
- Harriett Hollister Spencer Recreation Area | Nigel Kent
-
- Cumming Nature Center | Matt Sitler
-
- FLLT Wesley Hill Nature Preserve | Matt Sitler
-
- FLLT Canandaigua Vista | Bill Hecht
-
- Grimes Glen | Nigel Kent
-
- Grimes Glen | Chris Ray
-
- Canandaigua Lake | Matt DeTurk
-
- FLLT Great Hill Preserve (Nundawao) | Bill Hecht
-
- FLLT Canandaigua Highlands Overlook | Edie Jodz
-
- High Tor, Conklin Gully | Chris Ray
Leadership
The Finger Lakes Land Trust in 2025 welcomed Lindsay McMillan of Hemlock, NY, to lead the effort as the Hemlock to High Tor Project Director. From 2019 to 2024, Lindsay served as the Association Director of the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association, and is a founding member of the Lake Friendly Living Coalition of the Finger Lakes.
Partnerships
The FLLT will develop consensus around long-term strategies that accelerate land and water conservation while enhancing both the quality of life and outdoor recreation-based tourism economy. Partnerships will be a critical facet of the initiative, including public conservation agencies and private non-profits.
The work will build upon a foundation that includes 25 projects completed by the Finger Lakes Land Trust, as well as the significant conservation accomplishments completed by New York State and The Nature Conservancy over the past 20 years.
“Hemlock to High Tor is an inspiring region of lush forests, abundant freshwater habitats, and important wildlife corridors,” said Mat Levine, Director of Stewardship for The Nature Conservancy’s New York program and Naples resident. “These lands and waters are also the source of vital health, economic, and quality of life benefits for our communities. Conserving and stewarding these hills and valleys for a resilient and healthy future is a win-win for nature and people.”
As of 2025, the FLLT has secured more than 2,300 acres in the area by establishing five nature preserves, two public parks, 13 conservation easements, and eight cooperative acquisitions with New York State.
Community Support
The Finger Lakes Land Trust will work with partners to develop a long-term conservation plan for the corridor, as well as a plan for enhancing opportunities for outdoor education and recreation. As part of this effort, the FLLT will expand its outreach to local communities and key stakeholders.
Please help advance the initiative!
To learn more about this opportunity, contact Development Specialist Karinna Browning at karinnabrowning@fllt.org or (607) 275-9487.
