Over Fifty Years of Community Stewardship
The Cazenovia Preservation Foundation works at the intersection of historic preservation and land conservation. In the 1980s, farsighted community members recognized that protecting the Village’s historic buildings would mean little without also safeguarding the surrounding farmland, forests, and scenic views.
For over 50 years, CPF has partnered with local residents and governments to preserve the rural character and architectural integrity of both the Village and the greater Cazenovia area.
Here are a few of our notable accomplishments:
So far, in 2025, we’ve…
Won a $97,500 Professional Development Grant from the New York State Conservation Partnership Program* to hire a part-time Development Coordinator—a new role focused on growing our fundraising program and strengthening CPF’s long-term sustainability.
Hosted over 400 participants at our popular snowshoe hikes held in January, February, and March.
Launched the 2025 Poetry on the Trail Contest on the theme “Neighbors.” The contest closes June 20, and the exhibit will open with a guided hike this September during the Cazenovia Autumn Leaves Art Festival.
Installed a new crosswalk across Albany Street, improving safety and connectivity between the Gorge Trail Gateway and Creekside Park behind the Cazenovia Public Library.
Received a $150,000 grant from the Central New York Community Foundation’s Dr. Robert J. Vitkus Fund and $50,000 grant from The Nature Conservancy to support our acquisition of the Schapiro Farm.
* The NYS Conservation Partnership Program is funded by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation through the Environmental Protection Fund in partnership with the Land Trust Alliance of New York.
In 2024, we…
Renewed our National Land Trust Alliance Accreditation through a rigorous review process that demonstrated CPF’s continued excellence in fiscal accountability, organization leadership, sound transaction practices, and diligent stewardship of the lands we conserve.
Dedicated four new trail kiosks that enhance the trail user experience, sponsored by Rockbridge Investment Management, LLC, Andrew and Lauren Bennet in memory of Barbara Settel, Knowles Precision Devices in memory of Kirk Wardell, and Chuck and Gyata Stormon in memory of John C. Stormon.
Established a new award—the Judy Z. Gianforte Land Stewardship Award—to annually recognize an individual who has made exemplary contributions to conservation land stewardship.
Were approved to receive intervenor funds through the New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) to support expanded mapping and modeling in connection with the review of a proposed wind energy project.
Celebrated the completion of a successful Gorge Trail Gateway Fundraising Campaign at the grand opening of the Gorge Trail Gateway in the heart of the Village of Cazenovia. Improvements completed in 2024 included a dedicated pedestrian/bike entrance, a trail parking area, tree and shrub plantings, and installation of a LUNKERS structure in Chittenango Creek to stabilize the bank, prevent erosion, and provide habitat for fish.
Completed a major trail improvement project at Rod’s Pond Trail, part of the Burlingame Trail system, enhancing the trail user experience year-round, and adding this trail to CPF’s network of groomed cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Received a Capacity Grant through New York State Conservation Partnership Program* to assess gaps in CPF’s trail network and explore opportunities to connect Cazenovia’s four public-access trail systems.
Were awarded a $350,000 grant from New York State’s Forest Conservation Easements for Land Trusts (FCELT) program to protect 467 acres of forestland near the southeastern boundary of the Town of Cazenovia.
Adopted a new Strategic Organizational Plan to define CPF’s goals and priorities over the next five years, to CONNECT, GROW, STEWARD, and SUSTAIN. .
Established the Cazenovia Preservation Foundation Agency Fund at the Central New York Community Foundation to strengthen financial sustainability and offer donors a new giving option.
Constructed a new pedestrian bridge on the Fairchild Hill Trail.
Installed trail counters to monitor parking access and trail usage by both pedestrians and cyclists at several popular trail locations.
In 2023, we…
Ran a successful “Bring the Note to Rest” fundraising campaign to settle the remaining amount due on the Burlingame Meadow mortgage—CPF’s only debt obligation. This effort was done in conjunction with our second annual Music in the Meadow event.
Applied to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to list Fairchild Hill as a stop on the NY State Birding Trail.
Accepted the conveyance of the Fenner Pond Property from the disbanding Fenner Conservation Club. We will continue to share it with the community for public fishing, birding, and quiet recreation.
Received two capacity-building grants totaling $37,000. One grant supported the development of CPF’s 2024–2028 Strategic Organizational Plan, and the other to more closely align CPF’s conservation project review process with our ongoing land management practices.
Completed a conservation easement project on the Frey Farm, a mid-1800s historic farmstead with 134 acres of agricultural land. The project protects working farmland, historic architecture, and natural resources.
Hosted a fall gala to celebrate CPF’s accomplishments, share information about future projects, and provide a space for supporters, board members, and staff to connect.
Hired a dedicated bookkeeper to keep pace with the organization’s increased activities and implement several new QuickBooks time and project tracking modules for more streamlined grant accounting and reporting.
Hired a communication and development specialist to support fundraising efforts and manage publication production, website updates, and social media efforts.
In 2022, we…
Hosted the first Music in the Meadows event; Symphoria’s String Quartet played a concert in the Burlingame Meadow while guests enjoyed a relaxing sunset picnic supper.
Won a grant from the Central New York Community Foundation for the Gorge Trail Gateway improvement project.
Secured a 20-year agreement for public access rights with Earl Buyea, Sr., to create access from the north side of Albany Street (Route 20) starting at Buyea’s Hardware Store Parking to the Gorge Trail Gateway.
Closed on the purchase of development rights of the 471-acre Gianforte Farm, through the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Farmland Protection Implementation Grant (FPIG) program.
Placed conservation easements on the 29-acre Meadows Estate and the 53-acre Meadows Farm, preserving the greenbelt at the southern gateway into the village of Cazenovia.
Installed a driveway and parking area off of Rt. 20 to allow for maintenance, emergency, and public access to the Burlingame Northwest Gateway Trail through a Transaction Grant from the New York State Conservation Partnership.
Won an appraisal grant from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets for four farms to be appraised as part of preparation for application of Farmland Protection Implementation Grant program.
Planted native trees, shrubs, and perennials in the Willow Patch, following the eradication of the invasive Japanese knotweed.
In 2021, we…
Purchased 27.5 acres of undeveloped land with 470 feet of road frontage on US Route 20, west of the Village of Cazenovia to secure permanent public access to the Sherman’s Gulch Trail. The grant funding this purchase was awarded by the Central New York Community Foundation’s newly-established Dr. Robert J. Viktus Fund.
Began planning the Gorge Trail Gateway project to improve pedestrian safety, trailside amenities and erosion control and provide the public with a beautiful place to enjoy Chittenango Creek in the heart of the village.
Developed a solar siting GIS toolkit to inform the Town of Cazenovia Solar Committee as it considered revisions to the Town of Cazenovia Code on Solar Energy Generation.
Co-hosted a four-part Beyond Rooftop Solar panel discussion series to build a common base of knowledge about commercial solar development.
Purchased a new Customer Relations Management (CRM) software and completed the data migration to the new cloud-based platform to improve communication with our members.
Designed a new brand guide to refine and standardize the look of CPF’s public information materials across print and digital media.
Held the first Community Photography Contest; received over 250 photo submissions from students, and adult professional and amateur photographers showcasing the unique beauty of the Cazenovia area.
Upgraded the Fairchild Hill Trail Parking Area.
Produced “Why Cazenovia” story.
2020
Won a grant from the Madison County Planning Department through the Finger Lakes - Lake Ontario Watershed Protection Alliance (FLLOWPA) Grant Program to eradicate the highly invasive plant Reynoutria japonica, commonly known as Japanese knotweed, from the Willow Patch.
Won two grants under the New York State Conservation Partnership Program and New York's Environmental Protection Fund to upgrade our member database and communications plan, and to survey and mark the boundaries of all CPF-owned properties.
Won a capacity-building grant from The Nature Conservancy of New York to identify essential areas for preservation within our service area and hire a Conservation Planner with solid GIS skills and experience in planning, conservation, stewardship.
2019
Closed on the purchase of development rights of the 565-acre Pushlar Farm, through the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Farmland Protection Implementation Grant (FPIG) program.
Completed major repairs to CPF trails with grant assistance provided by the New York State Conservation Partnership Program, the CNY Community Foundation, the John Ben Snow Foundation, and community donations.
Voted to adopt our new five-year Strategic Operating Plan.
2018
Completed an updated Strategic Organizational Plan for the next five-year operating period, using input from the community to select top priorities.
Purchased 23 acres of field and woodland adjacent to the Burlingame and Fairchild Hill trails.
Constructed a permanent, year-round parking area and access trail on the Burlingame Trail Gateway.
Received accreditation by the Land Trust Alliance, and joined a network of organizations that have demonstrated fiscal accountability, organizational leadership, sound transaction practices and diligent stewardship of the lands they conserve.
2017 (our 50th anniversary!)
Celebrated our 50-year anniversary.
Compiled and submitted 200-plus pages of documents that detailed CPF's policies and procedures as a land trust to the national Land Trust Accreditation Commission to apply for accreditation approval.
2016
Repaired the stone bridge on the Gorge Trail.
Initiated the restoration of the iconic Lincklaen House sign.
Took an active role in community discussions and planning of Route 20 development.
Offered free educational events to the community, including our Walks ‘N Talks Series and the Discovery of Place children’s history program.
Initiated the application process for national accreditation with the Land Trust Alliance.
2015
Rebuilt the rail trestle bridge on the South Trail.
Worked with the Cazenovia Rotary to double the size of the Pollinator Garden.
Hosted the 1st annual Thanksgiving morning Turkey Trot on the Gorge Trail
Sponsored many educational events including the Discovery of Place history program for local 4th graders, Dare to Care photo project with CazRec, and Tree Care with the Pros alongside Bartlett Tree Experts.
2014
Started a 2-year project in the Willow Patch and Carpenter’s Pond supported by the Central New York Community Foundation, including the construction of a boardwalk, the opening of the coal chute and the planting of a pollinator garden off Willow Place.
Initiated a Historic House Signage Program.
Prepared new trail maps for CPF Fairchild Hill, Burlingame, Gorge and South trails.
Held first Walk Among the Spirits in Evergreen Cemetery.
2013
Hosted noted community planner Randall Arendt to Cazenovia for a workshop with municipal officials on planning for development and the Village Edge South area.
Added to the trail network and installed a 9-foot-tall willow basket sculpture in the Willow Patch.
Accepted a protective easement on the exterior architecture and open space of the Hillcrest House on the Jephson Estate.
Ensured that 570 more acres of farmland will remain in agricultural use.
Opened 1/2 mile of Chittenango Creek banks for public fishing.
2012
Completed management plans for three CPF-owned properties.
Planted trees for screening at Fenner Road athletic field.
Completed a Strategic Land Conservation Plan.
Developed a planned giving program.
Extended the trail in the Willow Patch.
Recorded over 5000 trail users signed in at CPF kiosks, for 66% growth in just two years!
2011
Placed four benches, information signage and a fence at Carpenter’s Pond.
Repaired major streambank collapses on both the Gorge Trail and the South Trail.
Collected 4057 sign-ins at its Gorge, Burlingame and Fairchild Hill trails, a 26% increase over 2010.
2010
Accepted an easement on 155 acres of farmland and woodland.
Finalized the purchase of development rights by New York State on the 272-acre Greyrock Farm.
Completed the preliminary layout of a trail in the Gillette Lane parcel.
Established a parking area for Fairchild Hill trail with the generous support of the Trush Family.
Worked with the New York State Canal Corporation and the Village of Cazenovia to re-establish the integrity of the dike and water outlet at Carpenter’s Pond.
Added historic interpretive signage to the Gorge Trail.
Led 4th grade students on Gorge Trail walks as part of their New York State history unit.
2009
Received title to a 15-acre wetland from Ernie and Marilyn Koglmeier.
Installed living willow sculpture garden at Willow Patch.
Finalized the purchase of development rights by New York State on the 243-acre Critz Farm.
Teamed with the League of Women Voters to sponsor a community speaker on gas well hydrofracking.
2008
Assisted two farms with successful applications for New York State Farmland Protection Implementation Grants.
Sold the 108-acre Route 20 East property with conservation easements to Cazenovia Restoration Foundation.
Initiated an educational series of summer Walks ‘N Talks on the flora, fauna, and farms around Cazenovia.
Provided financial assistance to restore the windows and other exterior improvements at the Lehigh Valley Railroad Depot.
Secured a trail easement from a CPF member to provide parking and access to CPF-maintained trails off Burlingame Road.
Worked with interns from the Upstate Institute Field School at Colgate University and the Environmental Studies Program at Cazenovia College on easement documentation and mapping of trails and invasive species.
2007 (our 40th anniversary!)
2006
Received easements on two Sullivan Street properties.
Accepted easement on 217 acres of farmland on Lane Road.
Established the Easement Protection Fund with gifts from three CPF members.
Agreed to participate with the Town of Cazenovia in the New York State Farmland Purchase of Development Rights initiative by helping to prepare applications for three Cazenovia farms, and to accept the easements on the farms that received grants.
Created the Farmland Preservation/Conservation Easement Fund as a tribute to the late Faith Knapp, from proceeds of a dinner dance hosted & underwritten by two members.
2005
Endorsed the draft Historic Preservation Ordinance presented to the Village.
Accepted “challenge grant” for a 3:1 community “match” by raising $90,000
2004
Received 115 acres of wooded land for trail and conservation purposes on Burlingame Road, which connects the Auchincloss gift, Sherman’s Gulch, and Fairchild Hill.
Sponsored Boy Scout’s grant application to the Central New York Community Foundation for renovation work at the Loyster Lodge.
Created a trail map to strengthen awareness of and access to CPF’s extensive trail system
2003
Awarded two grants for environmental enhancement and stabilization in the Willow Patch.
2001
Accepted gift of 11-acre wetland on Gillette Lane for the conservation program.
2000
Bought 108 acres, a part of the greenbelt, on Route 20 East from Dr. Ambrose to prevent “big box” commercial use.
Gorge Trail joins the Link Trail becoming part of a national network of trails.
1999
Co-sponsored Cazenovia Area Planning Project (CAPP), a 34-member task force working with the municipal planner that included 10 community organizations, and the Village and Towns of Cazenovia, Fenner, and Nelson.
Began assisted financing program for historic restoration of private properties in Cazenovia, New Woodstock, Nelson, Erieville, or Fenner.
Purchased lot on Willow Place to protect Carpenter’s Pond.
1997
Received conservation easement on 90 acres on both sides of Cobb Hill Road.
Purchased abandoned railroad right-of-way from Ballina Road to New Woodstock for trails.
1995
Received two property gifts: 40 acres off Burlingame Rd. and 41 acres off Rippleton Rd.
1994
Received Lorenzo Farms lot (7 acres) as an asset property for resale.
1991
Received gift of Sherman’s Gulch (48 acres off Burlingame Road) to extend trails.
Donated $10,000 to the Village’s Albany Street beautification project.
Saved historic Gate House on dike near Carpenter’s Pond.
Acquired an architectural easement on 9 Albany Street.
1990
Received $25,000 grant from the Kaplan Fund’s Rural New York Program for alternative land planning for parcels of 50 or more acres. Matched by the Mather Fund and members.
1988
Received gift of Carpenter’s Pond.
Adopted The Land Use Guide for the Town of Cazenovia, as did the Town and Village.
Worked to protect through easements and careful subdivision the environmentally sensitive Rose Farm (670 acres) in New Woodstock.
1987
Purchased, added protective covenants, and resold the 92-acre Meadows Farm on Rippleton Road.
Received the Willow Patch, five acres in the middle of the village, as a gift.
1985
Purchased 25 acres at south end of lake (now called Fairchild Hill) to be kept forever wild and be part of Greenbelt and CPF trail system.
Helped pay for restoration work on Lakeland Park wall and iron fence.
Gave $7,500 to Caz College for exterior restoration of the Theater.
Purchased 2.5 miles of abandoned railroad bed and opened it as the Gorge Trail.
Began a conservation easement program and a trail program.
Acquired an architectural easement on the Lincklaen House.
1983
Applied for the Village Historic District to be on the National Register of Historic Places.
Sold Lehigh Valley Railroad Depot with architectural easements.
1982
Donated $500 to New Woodstock Historical Society to support building expansion project.
1981
Worked with groups studying ways to protect the rural character of the community.
1980
Participated in the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Rural Resources pilot project and hosted seminar for homeowners in the historic district.
1978
Published Cazenovia, The Story of an Upland Community.
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