A local institution built around land.

Yonkers Land Conservancy is a Yonkers-based 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on land resources conservation and the protection of open space.

Where it comes from

The organization received federal tax-exempt status in June 1997 and is classified under environmental quality, protection and beautification, with a specific activity classification of land resources conservation.

Community reporting says the organization began as the Park Hill Land Conservancy in 1997 and changed its name to Yonkers Land Conservancy in 2008. The same source reported that seven Park Hill building lots were under its protection and were inspected and photographed annually by board members.

What we will not pretend

Not every protected property is a public park. Conservation easements can protect privately owned land from development while the landowner retains ownership. New York's Department of Environmental Conservation explains that easement properties can have both a landowner and an easement holder, and may be open or closed to public use.