On behalf of the Finger Lakes Land Trust, Board Chair Fred Van Sickle and his wife, Susan, have established a planned giving challenge to make a lasting impact on the future of our region’s lands and waters.
We invite you to help us double the number of people currently providing for the Land Trust in their plans, from 32 to 64 members. For every new planned gift commitment—or notification of an existing one—taking us to our goal of 64, Fred and Susan will contribute $1,000 to the Land Trust through the Our Finger Lakes Forever Challenge. Your planned gift will not only secure the future of the Finger Lakes but also unlock immediate funding to help advance our mission today.

Photo: Chris Ray
“We were inspired to protect the natural beauty of the Finger Lakes after moving to Ithaca a decade ago. When we were considering our gift for the recent capital campaign, we decided to add a bequest to increase our impact. A planned gift is a tangible way to invest in solutions to the climate crisis and keep the Finger Lakes iconic. It also allows us to continue our support beyond our lifetimes and sets a strong example for our children.
We are committed to supporting local organizations that preserve land and enrich our region, and we’re proud to support the Land Trust’s vision and outstanding work.”
-Fred and Susan Van Sickle
A planned gift allows you to contribute to the Land Trust through your will or long-term plans, ensuring your values continue to protect our cherished landscapes for generations. Learn about the different ways you can make a planned gift.
To have your planned gift qualify for the $1,000 match, simply fill out our online form or contact the Finger Lakes Land Trust at info@fllt.org or (607) 275-9487 to share your estate plans with us.