Central New York Land Trust is honored to announce that Dr. Robert J. Vitkus, DDS, recently donated $2.2 million to the Central New York Land Trust. Dr. Vitkus passed away on June 22, 2020.

Dr. Vitkus’s donation establishes funds to support watershed protection, public access, recreation, hunting, fishing and forest management.

The Central New York Land Trust will use this generous gift to protect additional land in the Skaneateles Lake watershed and promote watershed protection in Onondaga County.

As a young Boy Scout, Bob spent much of his time outdoors. His father, also an avid outdoorsman, taught Bob to hunt and fish. Bob was a devoted sportsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family and friends in and around Skaneateles Lake. It was a passion he held throughout his lifetime. Dr. Vitkus determined he wanted his legacy to include watershed protection and to support recreational hunting and fishing; he believed time spent with family and friends outdoors was a gift to be shared.

“He was intent on wanting to conserve the natural habitats he so enjoyed, and it was his hope to create an environmental legacy here in our community,” said Albert Joerger, Executive Director of the Central New York Land Trust. “Over time, the cumulative benefit of his gift will be priceless.”

The Central New York Land Trust is a charitable organization protecting water quality in Central New York since 1972. With over 46 preserves and 3,000 acres with public access, the Central New York Land Trust seeks to preserve and protect natural areas in order to provide our communities clean water, clean air, wildlife habitat, and a chance to connect with the land. For more information please call (315) 575-8839 or visit our website at CNYLandTrust.org.