A Celebration of Conservation, Community, and Volunteerism at Zenda Farms Preserve

From left to right, Jeff Hobb, TILT Community Engagement Coordinator Delaney McIlrath, and Dale Petroff pose during TILT's annual Zenda Community Picnic & Volunteer Recognition Event. Hobb and Petroff were recognized with the 2026 Merle Youngs Conservation Award for their significant contributions to conservation at Zenda Farms Preserve and for exemplifying the values of innovation, dedication, and excellence championed by Merle Youngs

What a fantastic evening! More than 500 community members gathered at Zenda Farms Preserve on Friday, June 12, for the Thousand Islands Land Trust (TILT)’s annual Zenda Community Picnic & Volunteer Recognition Event. From great food and live music to family-friendly activities and time spent outdoors, the event provided an opportunity to celebrate conservation, community, and the volunteers whose dedication helps advance TILT’s mission.

The strong turnout reflects the community’s ongoing commitment to protecting the lands and waters that make the Thousand Islands region so special. The success of the event was made possible through the participation of attendees, volunteers, local business sponsors, and community partners, whose support continues to strengthen conservation efforts throughout the region.

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