LANSING, NY (WHCU) – A new spot to enjoy nature has officially opened in Lansing.
The Finger Lakes Land Trust (FLLT) cut the ribbon on Wednesday at the Sims-Jenning Preserve at Cayuga Cliffs. The preserve features meadows, woodlands, gorges, and panoramic lake views. FLLT says the preserve will protect over 4,000 feet of wooded bluffs above Cayuga Lake.
FLLT began acquiring land for the preserve in 2021 with a 200-acre purchase from Lansing residents William and Jean Sims, who also donated a conservation easement on an adjacent 41 acres that serve as a buffer for the preserve.
In 2023, a 23-acre purchase was made from the family of the late John Thompson to provide safe public access to the preserve. FLLT says both families sold their property for much less than a fair market value to create the preserve.
Located off Ridge Road, the Sims Jenning Preserve is open during daylight hours for what FLLT calls “low-impact recreation” like hiking, cross-country skiing, and quiet nature observation. Hikers are required to stay on marked trails to avoid potentially dangerous cliffs and disturbing native plants and wildlife
