Located in southern Cayuga County, the Dorothy McIlroy Bird Sanctuary features wildlife-rich wetlands that border Fall Creek – the largest tributary to Cayuga Lake. The sanctuary is located within one of New York State’s Important Bird Areas and plays an important role in maintaining water quality.

Photo: Chris Ray

The site’s wetlands are utilized by Bald Eagles and migratory waterfowl while the adjacent forests provide nesting habitat for the Hermit Thrush and Winter Wren.

Visitors to the McIlroy Sanctuary can enjoy an easy mile-long loop trail that traverses woodlands that are more typical of the Adirondacks than other nearby locations in the Finger Lakes region. The trail also provides access to a wetland overlook on Fall Creek.

The Finger Lakes Land Trust has secured a contract to purchase two additions to the sanctuary, both featuring wetlands on the creek as well as adjacent upland forest. Acquisition of these lands is part of an ongoing effort to ensure the future of the most pristine reach of Fall Creek, which provides habitat for native brook trout.

Photo: Chris Ray

Last year, the Land Trust acquired 22 acres of creekside habitat just downstream from the sanctuary and also secured another parcel through the use of a perpetual conservation easement. The pending additions total 56 acres and will expand this wildlife haven to more than 300 acres.

A fundraising goal of $115,000 has been set for this project to cover the land purchase, associated transaction costs, and a $20,000 contribution to the Land Trust’s Stewardship Fund to cover costs associated with long-term stewardship of the land.

You can advance the campaign with a gift. To learn more, email giving@fllt.org or call (607) 275-9487.