Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

January 13, 2025 

Contact: Southern Tier Land Conservancy 

Website: www.southernTLC.org 

Location: Vestal, NY 

SOUTHERN TIER LAND CONSERVANCY ANNOUNCES FIRST LAND CONSERVATION PROJECT IN OWEGO, NY 

The Southern Tier Land Conservancy (STLC), a newly established 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization based in Vestal, NY, is proud to announce its first land conservation achievement with the acquisition of a portion of the Canawanna Nature Preserve in Owego, NY. This milestone marks the beginning of STLC's mission to preserve and protect the natural heritage of New York's Southern Tier region. 

The Canawanna Nature Preserve, which will be managed in partnership with the Owego Rotary Club, features public hiking trails and provides valuable access to natural spaces for local residents and visitors alike. This collaboration between STLC and the Rotary Club demonstrates the power of community partnerships in achieving conservation goals.

“This small acquisition represents more than just preserved land – it's a commitment to our community's future," said Jeff Merrill, President of the Southern Tier Land Conservancy and Binghamton University ’94 Basketball Hall of Fame member. "By protecting the Canawanna Nature Preserve, we're ensuring that future generations will have the opportunity to connect with nature, learn about our local ecosystem, and enjoy the peaceful beauty of our region's natural landscapes." 

Jason Shaw, STLC Treasurer, Broome County Legislator, and owner of Our Country Hearts, emphasized the economic and social benefits of the project: "Conservation projects like the Canawanna Nature Preserve not only protect our environment but also enhance our community's quality of life. Public access to natural spaces has been shown to boost local property values, attract tourism, and provide countless physical and mental health benefits to residents. This is truly an investment in our community's wellbeing." 

Board member Susan Ryan, who also serves as a Broome County Legislator, highlighted the broader regional impact of the project: "The establishment of this preserve demonstrates how local government and nonprofit organizations can work together to create lasting environmental legacies. This project will serve as a model for future conservation efforts throughout the Southern Tier, showing how we can balance development with preservation of our natural heritage." 

The preserve will remain open to the public, offering recreational opportunities while protecting the land's ecological value. This balanced approach to conservation aligns with STLC's vision of fostering both environmental stewardship and community engagement. 

About Southern Tier Land Conservancy 

The Southern Tier Land Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting natural lands in New York's Southern Tier region. Through strategic conservation initiatives and community partnerships, STLC works to ensure the preservation of ecologically significant areas for future generations. 

For more information: 

Website: www.southernTLC.org 

Media Contact Information: Jason Shaw 1(607) 343-8939, jason@southernTLC.org