Just a short drive from downtown Canandaigua, the preserve offers visitors respite from the stresses of everyday life, an enjoyable one-mile loop trail, and wildlife viewing opportunities close to home. Placed under Finger Lakes Land Trust Permit # CV-02. Hiking, Snowshoeing, Birdwatching, and Cross-Country Skiing allowed. Dogs must be on leash and under control at all times. Open dawn to dusk all year. Stay on marked trails only!
See fllt.org/vista for more history, natural history, photos, and interactive map
History
In 2019, the Land Trust launched an extensive fundraising campaign to purchase the 90 acres and create the preserve. These scenic hillsides were owned by two sisters, Duannah Barnum and Suzie Underhill, whose family once managed the land as a dairy farm. For many years, an existing trail network was maintained by neighbor Marty Dodge—a retired Finger Lakes Community College conservation instructor who has been a strong advocate for conserving the property. After securing the land in 2020, Land Trust staff worked with volunteers and contractors to improve the trail system and install an interpretive kiosk and parking area.
During the full hunting season, from October 1- December 21, bow hunters will be hunting on the preserve in locations that are at least 150 feet from the marked hiking trail, and the trail will remain open to the public during that time. Hikers must stay on the marked hiking trail at all times. Hunters will be allowed to hunt with bow only throughout the regular bow season, as well as through the regular gun season and late bow/muzzle-loader hunting season.