The Finger Lakes Land Trust (FLLT) today announced it has acquired two parcels that encompass more than 200 acres within the Hemlock to High Tor corridor, and has also secured contracts to purchase two key additions to existing nature preserves within the Canandaigua Lake watershed. Each of these projects is part of the organization’s increased efforts to create a greenbelt of conserved land connecting Hemlock Lake to Canandaigua Lake.
With assistance from the Canandaigua Watershed Council, the FLLT purchased a scenic 122-acre property located in the town of Naples. The site is well known for its glacially shaped hills visible from State Route 21. In addition to its scenic qualities, the land also provides habitat for grassland birds and is particularly important for water quality in Eelpot Creek, a tributary of Naples Creek and Canandaigua Lake. The FLLT intends to transfer the property to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to be managed as a satellite of the nearby High Tor Wildlife Management Area.

Photo: Nigel Kent
In the town of Canadice, the FLLT acquired 117 acres of forested hillsides at the south end of Honeoye Lake. A rugged gorge cuts through the property, providing water to the adjacent Honeoye Inlet Wildlife Management Area and beyond to the lake. The organization plans to transfer this parcel to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation as an addition to the adjacent Harriet Hollister Spencer Recreation Area. Other nearby conservation lands include the Finger Lakes Community College’s Muller Field Station, the Cumming Nature Center, and the Wesley Hill Nature Preserve.

Photo: Matt Sitler
The FLLT also secured contracts to purchase two additions to its existing nature preserves within the Canandaigua Lake watershed. On the west side of the lake, the organization is proceeding with plans to acquire 23 acres of woodlands adjacent to its popular Canandaigua Vista Preserve. On the east side of the lake, 300 feet of wooded lakeshore will be added to the Nundawao/Great Hill Nature Preserve. Both acquisitions will secure productive wildlife habitat while helping to maintain water quality within Canandaigua Lake.
The Hemlock to High Tor corridor extends from Hemlock Lake in the west to the High Tor Wildlife Management Area at the south end of Canandaigua Lake. This conservation initiative was launched in 2024 to address increasing development pressure in the western Finger Lakes and in recognition of the region’s impressive natural and outdoor recreational resources. The FLLT will continue to work with state, municipal, and non-profit partners to build upon significant conservation accomplishments completed over the last 20 years.
“The Hemlock to High Tor project will help ensure water quality within our precious lakes and will result in a network of conservation lands that will provide outstanding opportunities for outdoor recreation,” said FLLT President Andy Zepp.
“These recent projects highlight the unique and varied landscapes of the Hemlock to High Tor focus area – from glacially carved hills to undeveloped shoreline to intact forested hillsides,” added FLLT Project Director Lindsay McMillan. “We’re excited to continue building on this work to protect habitat and safeguard water quality for future generations.”