TILT provides opportunities for citizens to play a role in providing a healthy and balanced community.

About TILT

Located on the shores of the St. Lawrence River in Clayton, New York, the Thousand Islands Land Trust (TILT) is a dynamic not-for-profit land trust dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of the scenic, recreational, natural and historic character of the Thousand Islands Region

Great Lakes, Great River, Ancient Rock

The St. Lawrence River carries the outflow of the Great Lakes to the North Atlantic Ocean.  In this sublime place, much of North America’s fresh water flows over some of the planet’s most ancient rocks, creating an area of natural beauty, rich wildlife habitats, and outstanding recreational opportunities.

Two Decades of Work and Tradition

TILT started over two decades ago when landowner conservationists on Grindstone Island, one of the largest of the Thousand Islands, and several other islands, acted to retain the region’s fine open lands and shores. 

Islands, Grasslands, Forests, Shoals, Shoreline, and Beaches

Today the land trust works along the St. Lawrence River from its start at Cape Vincent, east (down river) about 30 miles to the Chippewa Bay area.  More than 7,000 acres of natural lands are protected through TILT's land or conservation easement ownership. 

Holdings include shoreline, grasslands and forest, small islands and shoals, marshes, and a natural sand beach that is a traditional focus of recreation along the river. 

Forts, Farms, and Trails

Not all of TILT properties are natural in nature - several historic sites protected by TILT include an 18th century British fort site, a 1930’s state-of-the-art cattle farm and a 22 mile recreational rail-trail.  Recreational trails are popular along the River, they afford users a glimpse of the area.  In addition to the rail trail known as Rivergate, TILT maintains the Grindstone Island Nature Trail between Canoe Point & Picnic Point State Parks, as well as the Macsherry Trail at Crooked Creek. Both are self guided nature trails.

Knowledge and Traditions