Natural Resources

Receding glaciers 10,000 years ago cut deep grooves in the earth forming picturesque lakes and hills while depositing excellent soil in what was to become Ontario County, NY. Five of the Finger Lakes (Canandaigua, Hemlock, Canadice, Honeoye, and the deepest of all, Seneca) call Ontario County their home. Hemlock and Canadice Lakes also serve as drinking water sources for the city of Rochester.

Ontario County’s geography is diverse with the northern part of the county on the plain of Lake Ontario, one of the Great Lakes, the central portion in the heart of the Finger Lakes and the southern part of the county in the Appalachian foothills.

There is plenty of beauty and fun to be had in these natural resources. The lakes are great year-round, with water sports in the summer and ice fishing in the winter. The area’s landscape includes many parks, waterfalls, such as Grimes Glen in Naples, and scenic views in places like the Bristol Hills.

For more on how the lakes and the region’s landscape came to be, click here.