Susie Wood posted on August 01, 2011 11:43
The Sissy Danforth Rivergate Trail will be dedicated on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at 4:00 pm. The trail, owned by the Thousand Islands Land Trust (TILT), is named for former director, Louise “Sissy” Danforth, who championed the trail’s development from abandoned railroad bed to multi-use hiking, biking, skiing, and ATV trail.
In 1993, TILT began acquiring pieces of the old New York Central/Penn Central Railroad bed in Clayton, Orleans, Theresa, Redwood and Philadelphia. The rails-to-trails project is now 27 miles long, in several sections that can be accessed from several points.
Sissy Danforth was Executive Director of the Thousand Islands Land Trust from 1991 – 2003. During that time, in addition to developing the Rivergate Trail, Sissy helped conserve many rocks & shoals in the St. Lawrence River. These islets are critical and very sensitive habitat for waterfowl and fish, as well as other marine species. She was also instrumental in the reconstruction of the visitors’ pavilion at Picnic Point State Park on Grindstone Island. She expanded the TILTreks program with kayak paddles and bike rides and more, helping participants to “get out on the land.” A teacher by profession, Sissy was an enthusiastic voice for conservation in the region, inspiring many to learn about and work for the protection of the Thousand Islands.
All are invited to the dedication, which will take place at the trailhead on Black Creek Road in Clayton. From Clayton, take County Route 3 (East Line Road) almost 2 miles and turn right onto Black Creek Road. Continue about a mile, then turn left to stay on Black Creek Road. The trail head is on the right, just after you cross the railroad tracks.