It began with a phone call between OLT and The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and ended a year later in five new properties and 187 acres under our belt.

How? We were in the midst of brainstorming how to fundraise for protecting a riverfront parcel spanning the Towns of Milford and Middlefield, an awesome one at that. TNC also realized the untapped potential of this parcel and hopped on the bandwagon. Yes, this property’s conservation values are that inspiring.

TNC helped us purchase the parcel from Ed and Mary Greenaker, providing 97% of the purchase costs. A full project suite blossomed out of the two organizations’ partnership and coordination to conserve new lands and transfer some already protected lands within the Upper Susquehanna Watershed Region to OLT from TNC. The partnership was critical in tying everything together.

TNC contributed $185,000 in total towards acquisition costs and our future management of these lands. They’re in our hands now, so what’s next for these parcels?

The Blueway Spreads its Wings

We’re adding two new places for you and your families to explore! That’s right, The Blueway is branching out to provide more public access opportunities across the region.

Lordsland Preserve

With ownership now transferred from TNC to OLT, Lordsland Preserve is now part of our Blueway public access properties. Located in the Town of Roseboom, you can visit and walk along 1.4 miles of walking trails through forests, wetlands, meadows, and steep slopes. While you’re out, keep your eyes peeled for Jacob’s Ladder, a flowering plant that blooms in early spring to early summer with a ladder-like arrangement of leaves and numerous nodding flowers on top.

According to the New York Natural Heritage Program, Lordsland is one the best locations for finding this beauty, but please be considerate and practice the “take only pictures, leave only footprints” mantra that allows our Blueway properties to remain healthy and beautiful for all visitors. Contact us for specific directions to Lordsland, and if you come across Jacob’s Ladder, share your photos with us on social media!

The Riverfront Parcel

The one that spawned this entire project—isn’t ready for your adventures just yet, but don’t fret! It will be well worth the wait, and in the meantime, get your hiking shoes, canoes, and kayaks ready because once it is open, you will want to take full advantage of its mowed trails and 7,200 feet of frontage on the Susquehanna River and Cherry Valley Creek.

Situated at the confluence of these two waterways, and just minutes away from the Village of Milford, it will be the perfect location to launch and enjoy an afternoon. You might be thinking, “This is great, but what is this awesome place called?” We’re working on it, and will announce its name soon. If you have a fun idea, let us know!

Preserving Rare Habitats

The other three properties, while not envisioned for public access, all comprise of Northern white cedar swamp, a rare habitat in New York State. These types of swamps are typically home to an array of uncommon plant species, including wildflowers and mosses, and two of the properties have significant frontage along Summit Lake. One of the three parcels is protected with a conservation easement and remains privately owned.

Down the road, OLT may utilize the two parcels we now own for educational and scientific research endeavors or targeted, staff-led walks. But their truest value lies in the protecting the natural resources and scenic value of sensitive habitats and species for generations to come.