GENEVA, NY (607NewsNow) – The Finger Lakes Land Trust (FLLT) is expanding an existing nature preserve.

The Ithaca-based nonprofit is partnering with the Town of Geneva to add 74 acres to the Kashong Conservation Area, which was established in 2008.

The new parcel spans parts of Ontario County in Geneva and Yates County in Benton. It features a gorge, several waterfalls, and 5,500 feet of frontage along Kashong Creek. The acquisition will protect local water quality and provide habitat for wildlife.

The existing conservation area consists of 84 acres donated by resident Polly Spedding. Geneva owns the land and maintains a hiking trail system, while FLLT holds and monitors a deed restriction that ensures the land will not be developed.

For leadership in Geneva, the collaboration was a no-brainer.

“When I learned this property was for sale, I immediately contacted the Land Trust with a plea,” said Geneva Town Supervisor Mark Venuti. “We have to obtain this property and save it from development. True to form, the Land Trust came through.”

The acquisition was 85% funded by grant money from New York State’s Water Quality Improvement Project program. FLLT is trying to raise $75,000 to cover a portion of the remaining costs, which Geneva has agreed to match.

Contact FLLT Director of Development Cherise Tolbert at (607) 275-9487 if interested in contributing.