TILT conserves land in the Thousand Islands region of New York State, which includes the islands in and the shoreline along the St. Lawrence River between Cape Vincent, NY and Massena, NY/Cornwall, Ontario where the river passes entirely into Canada. The river drains the Great Lakes Basin, and thus, is a critical part of the largest supply of fresh water on the planet.

The lands conserved may be:

·        habitat for threatened or endangered species 
·        filters for clean water in watershed areas
·        important historic sites
·        scenic areas that define the character of the region
·        recreational lands that benefit the community
·        important for reasons personal to an individual owner

Helping Landowners Conserve Their Private Property

A property owner can protect the natural features of his or her land through a conservation easement, or land conservation agreement. This is a voluntary legal agreement between the owner and TILT and is designed to meet the owner’s needs and personal wishes for the land. It limits some of the owner’s rights to develop the land and protects the land in perpetuity, passing with the land when it is sold or inherited.

The landowner continues to own the land, retaining all rights to it except those limited by the easement, and pays property taxes on it. It remains private property.

Conserving Land Owned by TILT

TILT also protects land it owns. Four preserves are open to the public: Potters Beach, Zenda  Farm Preserve, Grindstone Island Nature Trail and Crooked Creek Preserve offer recreational opportunities for visitors, as well as environmental protection. Other lands owned by TILT include rocks and shoals in the St. Lawrence River, grasslands and forest which preserve wildlife habitat, and land donated to TILT for its scenic qualities.

Most of these lands remain on the tax rolls and TILT pays all property taxes on them.

Habitat Conservation and Restoration

Partnering with other agencies and organizations, TILT has helped to restore a variety of important habitats in the region. Stewardship is the most important part of our work, and includes restoration of nesting habitat for Common Terns, reclaiming open fields for grassland species, protecting wetlands and other nursery areas for aquatic species.

Education and Consulting – Get Out On The Land With TILT!

TILTreks & Talks is an annual series of educational programs that give you many opportunities to Get Out on the Land! Some are field trips to a preserve for a bird walk or an historical tour; some are recreational outings like bike rides and kayak paddles; still others are discussions and presentations on wildlife or habitat preservation. You will always learn something, and you will probably meet some great people too.