Sarah Jenkins discovered Kashong Glen by accident five years ago. Lost on a weekend hike, she stumbled down a steep trail and found herself standing before a cascading waterfall, surrounded by towering rock walls carved by centuries of flowing water. “I couldn’t believe something this beautiful existed so close to home,” she recalls. “It felt like finding a secret world.”
That secret world almost became a housing development. But thanks to a crucial land purchase by the Finger Lakes Land Trust, Kashong Glen will remain wild and accessible to future generations of accidental discoverers like Sarah.
The Finger Lakes Land Trust recently announced the purchase of 74 acres that include the heart of Kashong Glen, a classic Finger Lakes gorge straddling the towns of Geneva in Ontario County and Benton in Yates County. This acquisition ensures that one of the region’s most stunning natural areas will stay protected instead of being carved up for development.
How This Partnership Saves a Natural Treasure
The Town of Geneva stepped up as a crucial partner in this conservation effort. Rather than letting the land trust manage the property alone, Geneva agreed to own and steward the newly acquired acres as an addition to the existing Kashong Conservation Area.
This collaborative approach makes perfect sense. Geneva has been managing conservation land in the area since 2008, when the town worked with the land trust to establish the original 84-acre Kashong Conservation Area using land donated by Polly Spedding.
“When I learned this property was for sale, I immediately contacted the Land Trust with a plea: ‘We have to obtain this property and save it from development,'” said Geneva Town Supervisor Mark Venuti. “True to form, the Land Trust came through.”
The collaboration demonstrates how local governments and conservation organizations can work together effectively. While the land trust brought the financial resources and conservation expertise, Geneva provided the long-term stewardship commitment and local knowledge needed to manage the property properly.
What Makes Kashong Glen Worth Saving
The newly protected property offers more than just pretty scenery. Here’s what makes this 74-acre parcel so valuable:
- Over 5,500 feet of frontage along Kashong Creek
- Multiple scenic waterfalls carved into limestone bedrock
- Critical wildlife habitat connecting to existing conservation areas
- Natural water filtration systems that protect Seneca Lake water quality
- Rare plant communities adapted to gorge environments
- Geological formations showcasing regional natural history
The creek frontage alone makes this acquisition significant. Kashong Creek flows directly into Seneca Lake, and protecting its watershed helps maintain water quality for one of the region’s most important natural resources.
| Property Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Acres | 74 acres |
| Creek Frontage | 5,500+ feet |
| Location | Geneva (Ontario County) and Benton (Yates County) |
| New Owner | Town of Geneva |
| Management | Addition to Kashong Conservation Area |
| Key Features | Waterfalls, gorge, wildlife habitat |
Local naturalists have documented several species of concern in the Kashong Glen area, including plants that thrive in the cool, moist conditions created by the gorge’s unique microclimate. These species often can’t survive in developed areas, making habitat protection crucial for their long-term survival.
Why This Matters Beyond Pretty Views
The protection of Kashong Glen delivers benefits that extend far beyond providing a nice place for weekend hikes. The acquisition addresses several pressing environmental and community needs.
Water quality protection ranks as the most significant benefit. The property’s location along Kashong Creek makes it a natural filter system for runoff heading toward Seneca Lake. Development would have replaced forest and wetland areas with impervious surfaces, increasing polluted runoff and potentially harming lake water quality.
“This land plays a crucial role in protecting our most precious resource,” explains local environmental scientist Dr. Maria Rodriguez. “When you preserve watershed areas like this, you’re essentially installing a natural water treatment system that works 24/7 at no cost to taxpayers.”
The economic benefits shouldn’t be overlooked either. Protected natural areas like Kashong Glen attract tourists and outdoor enthusiasts who spend money in local communities. They also help maintain property values in surrounding areas by preserving scenic views and recreational opportunities.
Climate resilience represents another important factor. Natural areas absorb carbon dioxide, help regulate local temperatures, and provide flood control by absorbing stormwater runoff. These ecosystem services become increasingly valuable as extreme weather events become more common.
For local residents, the protected glen offers accessible outdoor recreation close to home. The existing trail system in the Kashong Conservation Area will likely be expanded to include the newly acquired property, giving families more options for hiking, nature study, and outdoor education.
Looking Forward: What Happens Next
The Town of Geneva now faces the pleasant challenge of integrating 74 new acres into its existing conservation management program. Town officials plan to assess the property for potential trail connections and public access points while ensuring that increased visitation doesn’t damage sensitive habitats.
“We want people to experience and enjoy this special place, but we also need to protect what makes it special,” notes Geneva Parks and Recreation Director Tom Sullivan. “It’s a balancing act, but one we’ve successfully managed with our other conservation properties.”
The land trust will continue monitoring the property through conservation easements, ensuring that Geneva maintains it according to conservation standards. This ongoing oversight provides an extra layer of protection and professional conservation guidance.
Environmental education opportunities are already being discussed. Local schools have expressed interest in using the expanded conservation area for outdoor classroom programs, giving students hands-on experience with watershed ecology and gorge geology.
The successful acquisition also sets a positive precedent for future conservation projects in the Finger Lakes region. It demonstrates that strategic partnerships between land trusts and municipalities can achieve conservation goals that might be impossible for either organization working alone.
FAQs
What is Kashong Glen?
Kashong Glen is a natural gorge along Kashong Creek featuring waterfalls, limestone cliffs, and diverse wildlife habitat located between Ontario and Yates counties.
Can the public visit the newly protected land?
Yes, the Town of Geneva plans to manage it as part of the existing Kashong Conservation Area with public trails and access points.
How much did the land acquisition cost?
The purchase price hasn’t been publicly disclosed, but the Finger Lakes Land Trust funded the acquisition through donations and grants.
What would have happened without this purchase?
The 74-acre property was at risk of being developed for housing, which would have eliminated the natural habitat and public access forever.
Are there other similar conservation projects planned?
The land trust continues identifying and protecting critical natural areas throughout the Finger Lakes region through partnerships with local municipalities.
How can people support similar conservation efforts?
Residents can donate to the Finger Lakes Land Trust, volunteer for trail maintenance, or advocate for conservation funding in their local communities.
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