Starting in 1987…

November 1988

Otsego Land Trust was incorporated as a charitable corporation, with Snell, Barwick, and Cooper as the organization’s initial directors.

Through the leadership of Lin Vincent, George Snell, and Earle Peterson, who served as succeeding presidents, Otsego Land Trust better defined its mission.

1990

Under the leadership of Lin Vincent, OLT’s first president, Dorothy Campbell became the first conservation easement donor, protecting in perpetuity Leatherstocking Falls and nearly 100 acres of property overlooking Otsego Lake.

Leatherstocking Falls is part of the historic Leatherstocking Farm north of Cooperstown. Also known as “Panther’s Leap,” these legendary falls are where, in James Fenimore Cooper’s Leatherstocking Tales, Leatherstocking saves the life of an Indian maiden.

1993

Peterson Family Charitable Trust, led by Dr. Earle Peterson donated the second conservation easement, 706 acres, to protect Cranberry Bog. The Peterson family went on to protect nearly 1,200 acres, today known as Greenwoods Conservancy.

Greenwoods Conservancy protects a wide variety of habitat, including open fields, forests, and wetlands. Additionally, it serves as an outdoor classroom for a range of research projects.

2000

1,946 acres protected in perpetuity

2001

OLT published its first newsletter. Read our newsletters >>

2002

The first full-time staff member was hired. OLT moved to its current location in Pioneer Alley in Cooperstown. Meet our Staff >>

2008

OLT released its conservation blueprint, a strategic plan outlining threats to the Otsego region and where the focus was on land protection in those areas.

OLT purchased the first Conservation Area Property: Compton Bridge >>

Compton Bridge conservation area was the first property OLT owned and opened for public access. At the confluence of Oaks Creek and Susquehanna River, it is a great location to fish, paddle, or walk a short wetland trail.

2010

6,507 acres protected in perpetuity

2011

OLT added conservation Areas Fetterley Forest and Brookwood Point.

As OLT’s most trafficked conservation property, Brookwood Point offers a little bit of everything for everyone: historic gardens, wetlands, and woodland trails. It features an ADA accessible trail and public access paddling.

2012

OLT added our conservation areas Parslow Road, Deowongo Island, Oaks Creek/Crave.

2015

10,000 acres protected in perpetuity

2016

2018