T.I. Park: Sunday, February 3, 9:30am

 

Join TILT as ornithologist Gerry Smith leads this unique bird watching opportunity. Bald Eagles often hunt around the waters off T.I. Park, so we will meet in the parking lot next to The Guzzle with hopes of seeing some of these majestic birds. Please dress warmly and wear appropriate footwear. Don’t forget your binoculars! Light refreshments will be served. This TILTrek is in association with Save the River’s Winter Weekend. Please register in advance by emailing treks@tilandtrust.org, by calling the TILT office at 686-5345, or by signing up on the website by clicking here.

 

 

Zenda Farm Preserve: Saturday, March 16, 10am

The American Heart Association reports that about one in three American kids is overweight or obese. Because of this epidemic, kids today risk having shorter life spans than their parents. Physical activity is a step in the right direction. TILT, in partnership with the Jefferson County Public Health Service, the Community Coalition for Children and Adopting Healthy Habits, is hosting a “Healthy People, Healthy Planet” fundraiser walk to end childhood obesity. The walk will take place at the LoisJean and John MacFarlane trail on TILT’s Zenda Farm Preserve in Clayton. Registration is $25 per person and will include a complimentary 1-year TILT membership. Proceeds will be shared between The Alliance for a Healthier Generation and TILT. The Alliance for a Healthier Generation is a national organization working towards reducing the prevalence of childhood obesity by 2015, by empowering kids to make healthy lifestyle choices. TILT’s share will be used for the continued maintenance of our trails, which are open year round for public use. Please register in advance by emailing treks@tilandtrust.org, by calling the TILT office at 686-5345, or by signing up on the website by clicking here. Please register by Friday, March 8^th. Walk-ins welcome! Lunch will be provided by Subway of Clayton.

 

 

TILT Office, 135 John St. Clayton: Friday, April 5, 5pm-7pm

 

We are hosting an open house for local residents to learn more about the ways they can support land conservation through volunteering. Staff will talk briefly about upcoming volunteer-related treks and ongoing opportunities like preserve stewardship and joining the marketing street team. Light refreshments will be served. So that we can have enough snacks and supplies, please register in advance by emailing treks@tilandtrust.org, by calling the TILT office at 686-5345, or by signing up on the website by clicking here. Walk-ins are also welcome!

  

Macsherry Trail: Saturday, April 6, 10am

 

Naturalist Peter O’Shea will lead TILTrekkers on a walk through the Macsherry Trail on the Crooked Creek Preserve in Hammond to look for signs of the changing seasons, from wildlife movement to emerging plant life. We’ll meet at the trailhead on Indian Point Road at 10am. Wear boots as the trail will likely be wet and a bit muddy. Please register in advance by emailing treks@tilandtrust.org, by calling the TILT office at 686-5345, or by signing up on the website by clicking here.

 

 

Eagle Wing Shoals & Tidd Island: April 8 - 12 (Exact date dependent on weather), 8:30am

 

TILT and Save The River need volunteers to help install nesting boxes and gull exclusion grids on Eagle Wings Shoals and Tidd Island to protect the Common Tern, a NY state threatened species. Please meet at the TILT office at 8:30 am. Work gloves are recommended and water and lunch will be provided by Subway of Clayton. Please register in advance by emailing treks@tilandtrust.org, by calling the TILT office at 686-5345, or by signing up on the website by clicking here.

 

 

Onondaga Audubon’s Derby Hill Observatory: Saturday, April 20, 9:30am

 

Join TILT at Derby Hill, which is a spectacular viewing place to observe migrating raptors. Ornithologist Gerry Smith will be on hand to discuss the significance of the location and help identify bird species. Participants will meet at the Derby Hill Observatory at 9:30 am. For directions, go to www.derbyhill.org. TILT plans to stay until about 1:00 pm. Please bring your own binoculars and a lunch. It can be windy and cool on Derby Hill, so dress in layers for changeable weather and wear sturdy shoes. Please register in advance by emailing treks@tilandtrust.org, by calling the TILT office at 686-5345, or by signing up on the website by clicking here.

 

 

Zenda Farm Preserve: Saturday, April 27, 10am

 

Join the Land Trust at Zenda Farm Preserve for our “For the Trees” Community Event in celebration of Arbor Day. We planted 20 new trees last year along our LoisJean and John MacFarlane Trail, and we hope to plant at least 20 more, with the help of volunteers. This year we are also offering additional workshops, treks and exhibits to enhance our celebration. There will be educational activities for kids, like making “seed bombs” and “moss graffiti;” a guided tree trek in the Zenda woods and free seedling trees for families to plant at home. Local conservation partners will also be on hand to run additional tree-related activities during the event. TILT’s "For the Trees" Arbor DayCommunity Event will be in association with the Children and Nature Network’s “Let’s G.O. (Get Outside)!” program, which encourages organizations to plan April events that mobilize their communities to play, serve and celebrate. The addition of new trees at Zenda Farm Preserve will benefit not only the local wildlife but the community as a whole. Please let us know if you would like to volunteer by emailing treks@tilandtrust.org, by calling the TILT office at 686-5345, or by signing up on the website by clicking here. And feel free to stop by during the event to join in the celebration!

 

I Love My Park Day
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center, Wellesley Island: Saturday, May 4, 10am
Free

You’re invited to join TILT, Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) and New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) at the Minna Anthony Common Nature Center on Wellesley Island as part of the second annual I Love My Park Day. Join volunteers across the state as we participate in cleanup, improvement, and beautification of this beloved New York State park. Please register in advance by emailing treks@tilandtrust.org, by calling the TILT office at 686-5345, or by signing up on the website by clicking here.
 

Trail Maintenance Day
Macsherry Trail, Hammond: Saturday, May 11, 10am
Free

TILT is calling all volunteers to help steward our Macsherry Trail on the Crooked Creek Preserve in Hammond. Help us get this popular hiking destination ready for another busy summer season by trimming branches, clearing debris and building bridges. Wear your work clothes and be sure to bring gloves. TILT will provide water and lunch will be provided by Subway of Clayton. We’ll meet at the trailhead on Indian Point Road at 10am. Please register in advance by emailing treks@tilandtrust.org, by calling the TILT office at 686-5345, or by signing up on the website by clicking here.

 

 

Grindstone Island Nature Trail: Saturday, May 25, 9:30am

 

Don Brown, TILT's Stewardship Coordinator, will lead a hike along our Grindstone Island Nature Trail. Along the way he will be identifying native, non-native and invasive species and discussing the different effects these have on our local ecosystem. He will also explain how the TILT stewardship staff monitors and manages invasives and what you can do to help stop the invasion on your own property. Please meet at the TILT office at 9:30 am for transportation to the island. This TILTrek has limited space. Please register in advance by emailing treks@tilandtrust.org, by calling the TILT office at 686-5345, or by signing up on the website by clicking here.

 

Otter Creek Preserve, Alexandria Bay: Saturday, June 8, 10am

 

Join the Land Trust and local herbalist Sue-Ryn Burns as we explore Alexandria Bay’s Otter Creek Preserve in search of “weeds of worth” - aka wild edibles and other useful plants. Sue-Ryn has been selling her herbal products in the North Country for over 30 years - many of you have probably come across her Hillwoman Herbs booth at a few festivals and fairs. This is sure to be an interesting and informative stroll through one of TILT’s beautiful preserves. Bring the family and pack a picnic lunch - who knows, maybe we’ll find something along the way to add to the meal! *This TILTrek is reserved for TILT supporters only and has limited space! If you'd like to become a member and join us on the trek, call the office at 315-686-5345 or register on the website by clicking here to make a contribution.

 

 

Zenda Farm Preserve: Friday, June 14, 5:30-7:30pm

 

 

TILT would appreciate advance reservations, so we are sure to have enough for everyone. Sign up on our website by clicking here, call the office at 315-686-5345, or email events@tilandtrust.org.

 

 

Zenda Farm Preserve, Clayton: Friday, June 21, 5pm-7pm

 

Volunteers are incredibly important to TILT and help us greatly with our mission to conserve the natural beauty and wildlife habitats of the 1000 Islands. We would like to thank those who have volunteered with a casual reception at our Zenda Farm Preserve. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be served. If you would like to learn more about volunteering for TILT in the future, you are welcome to join us as well! Please register in advance by emailing events@tilandtrust.org, by calling the TILT office at 686-5345, or by signing up on the website by clicking here.

 

Fort Haldimand, Carleton Island: Saturday, June 22, 9:30am

 

Join TILT and Professor Douglas J. Pippin, from the Department of Anthropology at SUNY Oswego, on a trek out to Carleton Island to explore and dig at Fort Haldimand. Professor Pippin has led previous TILTreks and KidsTreks at the fort and gave a fascinating lecture last summer about the life of a British soldier during the Revolutionary War. Wear comfortable shoes and meet in Cape Vincent at 9:30 for transportation to the island. *This TILTrek is reserved for TILT supporters only and has limited space! If you'd like to become a member and join us on the trek, call the office at 315-686-5345 or register on the website by clicking here to make a contribution.

 

 

Grindstone Island Preserves: Saturday, June 29, 8:30am

 

Join us and ornithologist Gerry Smith on this island tour aboard a hay-wagon to see sensitive grassland habitat and look for birds. Participants should wear long pants and sturdy shoes, and bring binoculars. Sunscreen and bug spray are also recommended. TILT will provide water and snacks, but please pack a lunch if needed. Meet at the TILT office at 8:30am for transportation to the island. *This TILTrek is reserved for TILT supporters only and has limited space! If you'd like to become a member and join us on the trek, call the office at 315-686-5345 or register on the website by clicking here to make a contribution.

 

French Creek, Clayton: Tuesday, July 2, 6pm

 

Launch your kayak, canoe or skiff and join TILT for an evening paddle up French Creek. This trek will explore the quiet waters of this important tributary to the St. Lawrence, and the countless species of birds, amphibians, fish, and plant life that inhabit it. Light refreshments will be served. Kayak rentals are available for $15 through TILT, in partnership with Riverbay Adventure Inn. Please register in advance (and let us know if you need a kayak!) by emailing treks@tilandtrust.org, by calling the TILT office at 686-5345, or by signing up on the website by clicking here.

 

 

Grindstone Island Preserves: Saturday, July 13, 8:30

 

Sign up to experience a bike tour of the places on Grindstone Island that TILT protects. The ride will be led by life-long summer resident Mark Behan and will include Potters Beach, the Heineman Family Preserve and the Delaney Bay Marshland, as well as the historic and cultural buildings of Grindstone. The tour will culminate at one of Grindstone’s NY State Parks, so bring a picnic lunch! Meet at the TILT office at 8:30am for transportation to the island. Space is limited. Please register in advance by emailing treks@tilandtrust.org, by calling the TILT office at 686-5345, or by signing up on the website by clicking here.

 

 

Various Locations: July 20, 8-9am

 

TILT is looking for volunteers to assist with the annual loon census! The Adirondack Loon Conservation Program collects data from throughout northern New York in order to study trends in the population and implement management efforts if indicated. If you’re interested in being a census observer, please contact TILT by emailing treks@tilandtrust.org, by calling the TILT office at 686-5345, or by signing up on the website by clicking here. We will record the area you will be observing and send you the tally sheets and info forms for this year’s census.

 

 

The Heinemans' on Picton Island: July 20, 6-9pm

TILT's annual fundraiser will be held on historic Picton Island at the home of the Heineman family. Join us for a memorable evening on the River with friends, food, and live music and support land conservation and environmental education. The evening will feature live and silent auctions where guests can bid on unique items and experiences in the 1000 Islands and beyond.

 

 

 

Transportation to and from the island is available. For reservations, call the TILT office at 686-5345, by email at events@tilandtrust.org or register on the website by clicking here. The deadline for reservations is July 12th.

 

TIBS on Governor's Island: Wednesday, July 24, 1-3pm (Meet at TILT office at 12:30)

 

Based on the popularity of last year’s trek, the TILT is once again partnering with Dr. John Farrell and the crew at TIBS (Thousand Islands Biological Station) to give kids the opportunity to learn what it takes to be a fish scientist! It will be an exciting day of fish-related activities and discoveries. Meet at the TILT office at 12:30 to catch the boat over to Governor's Island. Snack will be provided. KidsTrek participants must be accompanied by an adult. Please wear clothing and footwear appropriate for outdoor play. Space is limited, so sign up early by emailing treks@tilandtrust.org, calling the TILT office at 686-5345, or by signing up on the website by clicking here.

 

 

 

Zenda Farm Preserve: Saturday, July 27, 10am-3pm & Sunday, July 28, 1-3pm

 

The Land Trust is inviting TILTKids to first take a closer look at the plants, animals and insects that call Zenda Farm Preserve home and then to interact and document these discoveries in a variety of ways. A handful of local experts will be leading mini-workshops throughout each day. We’ll learn everything from discovering dragonflies to birdhouse building to nature photography - there will be something for everyone! TILTKids Camp is a new offering from TILT as a way to expand on our popular KidsTreks program. *Becoming a supporter at the TILTKids level gets your family the benefits of TILT membership, with special newsletters and online activities for the kids! Please contact TILT for more information about this new way to support land conservation. If you’re already a member and want to add TILTKids benefits to your membership, let us know. Call the office at 315-686-5345 or register on the website by clicking here to make a contribution.

 

 

Grindstone Island Preserves:, Tuesday, July 30, 8:30am

 

TILT's now legendary tour of inland Grindstone Island is led by Grindstone resident and TILT Trustee Ken Deedy. We will embark on a fascinating tour of the 4^th largest island in the 1000 Islands to learn about the cultural and natural history of the area. Wear comfortable shoes and know that Grindstone roads are dusty. TILT will provide water and lunch will be provided by Subway of Clayton. Meet at the TILT office at 8:30am for transportation to the island. *This TILTrek is reserved for TILT supporters only and has limited space! If you'd like to become a member and join us on the trek, call the office at 315-686-5345 or register on the website by clicking here to make a contribution.

 

 

Ingerson Preserve, Clayton: Wednesday, July 31, 1-3pm

 

TILT is inviting kids to the “outdoor art studio” at the Ingerson Preserve, where they will learn basic art and color lessons from their surroundings and create original works of art inspired by, and including pieces of, the natural world around them. This KidsTrek is created in partnership with the Thousand Islands Art Center. Meet at the Ingerson Preserve trailhead in Heritage Heights, Clayton. Snack will be provided. KidsTrek participants must be accompanied by an adult. Please wear clothing and footwear appropriate for outdoor play. Space is limited, so sign up early by emailing treks@tilandtrust.org, calling the TILT office at 686-5345, or by signing up on the website by clicking here.

 

Eagle Wing Shoals & Tidd Island: August 5 - 9 (Exact date dependent on weather), 8:30am

 

TILT and Save The River need volunteers to help dismantle the gull exclusion grid. This event is weather dependent - we will call registered participants to confirm the date. Please meet at the TILT office at 8:30 am. Work gloves are recommended and water and lunch will be provided by Subway of Clayton. Please register in advance by emailing treks@tilandtrust.org, by calling the TILT office at 686-5345, or by signing up on the website by clicking here.

 

 

Minna Anthony Common Nature Center, Wellesley Island: Wednesday, August 7, 1-3pm

 

The Land Trust is partnering with the naturalist Kim Cullen at the Minna Anthony Common Nature Center to host an educational scavenger hunt on the nature trails of Wellesley Island! Follow the map and discover clues as we “hike and seek” and learn about the ecology of the 1000 Islands. Snack will be provided. KidsTrek participants must be accompanied by an adult. Please wear clothing and footwear appropriate for outdoor play. Space is limited, so sign up early by emailing treks@tilandtrust.org, calling the TILT office at 686-5345, or by signing up on the website by clicking here.

 

 

 

 

TILT Office: 135 John St. Clayton: Sunday, Aug 11, 3:30pm

 

Former TILT Trustee Zell Steever will lead a lecture on the interesting weather patterns that have been affecting the 1000 Islands lately and how this relates to climate changes worldwide. Our TILTalks lectures are made possible by the generosity of Guthrie and Louise Birkhead. So we can be sure to have enough chairs, we ask that you please register ahead of time by calling 315-686-5345, emailing treks@tilandtrust.org, or by signing up on the website by clicking here.

 

 

Location TBD: Wednesday, August 14, 1-3pm

 

Local music instructor Dede Nash is partnering with the Land Trust for a “naturally musical” trek on one of TILT’s Nature Trails. Music can be found everywhere in nature, and Dede will show us how to listen, understand and recreate the sounds we hear in the wild. Snack will be provided. KidsTrek participants must be accompanied by an adult. Please wear clothing and footwear appropriate for outdoor play. Space is limited, so sign up early by emailing treks@tilandtrust.org, calling the TILT office at 686-5345, or by signing up on the website by clicking here.

 

 

Rivergate Trail LaFargeville Trailhead: Saturday, Aug 17, 10am

 

Join TILT Trustee Elaine Tack on this enjoyable ride from the Rivergate Trail’s LaFargeville trailhead (across from Agway) to TILT’s Zenda Farm Preserve in Clayton. Along the way, Elaine will share the history of Rivergate as a “rails-to-trails” project. Lunch will be provided by Subway of Clayton as we enjoy the beautiful vistas of Zenda Farm. Return transportation will be available for riders (and bikes) that can’t quite make the trip back! *This TILTrek is reserved for TILT supporters only! If you'd like to become a member and join us on the trek, call the office at 315-686-5345 or register on the website by clicking here to make a contribution.

 

 

Potters Beach, Grindstone Island: Saturday, Sept 7, 9am

 

Volunteers are needed to help steward the Land Trust’s beloved Potters Beach after another busy summer season on the river. Wear gloves, bring tools if you have them and spend an enjoyable morning on the beach, tending and caring for this preserve. TILT will provide water and lunch will be provided by Subway of Clayton. Meet at the TILT office at 9am for transportation to the island. Please register in advance by emailing treks@tilandtrust.org, by calling the TILT office at 686-5345, or by signing up on the website by clicking here.

 

 

Macsherry Trail: Sunday, Oct 13, 1pm

 

Bring the whole family as the Thousand Islands Land Trust leads a hike in search of fall foliage on the Macsherry Trail in Hammond’s Crooked Creek Preserve. The Macsherry Trail is a 1.5 mile loop and a 3 mile loop that winds through wetlands and woods along Crooked Creek, with the long loop offering a fabulous view of Chippewa Bay. It’s a favorite hiking destination because of these views and the interesting glacial striations left on enormous boulders that line the trail. A perfect family outing for a Sunday afternoon! We’ll meet at the trailhead on Indian Point Road at 1pm. Please register in advance by emailing treks@tilandtrust.org, by calling the TILT office at 686-5345, or by signing up on the website by clicking here.