Stewardship

As a land trust, CPF has the legal responsibility to protect and defend the conservation values on its easement and owned properties, usually in perpetuity.

The basis for our stewardship of these properties is baseline documentation of the condition and boundaries of a piece of property and an understanding of the specific purpose and conservation values of each parcel. Stewardship of each property is undertaken by CPF staff and volunteers through formal annual inspections, informal ‘drive-bys’ and visits, and continued communication with property owners and neighbors.

CPF Land Steward Program

For many years, CPF trails have been monitored by a dedicated group of volunteer Trail Stewards. Other CPF members and community volunteers have helped with special work days on projects that maintain or improve CPF lands and trails for public use and access.

To address the increasing need and opportunity for community involvement in CPF’s land stewardship, CPF has initiated a Land Steward Program where volunteers will help monitor and maintain the 380 acres of CPF-owned property and 10 miles of public use trails. CPF Land Stewards can adopt a trail section or a CPF property, be involved in invasive plant control or help coordinate outdoor volunteer activities or work days.

There are no scheduled hours, but an opportunity for training in land and trail management and to work outdoors with others equally committed to protecting Cazenovia’s public outdoor spaces.

For more information about the CPF Land Steward Program or to add your contact information to our general list of trails volunteers, e-mail cazpreservation@gmail.com.