by Owen Trela I TILT Volunteer
For as long as I can remember, the Thousand Islands have been my home away from home. Every summer, my family made the drive to Clayton, drawn to the St. Lawrence River and the rhythm of life along its shores. What began as a seasonal tradition gradually became something deeper—a lasting connection to the water, land, and community that defines this place.
That connection only grew over time, giving me memories, perspective, and a desire to give back. When I looked for ways to get involved locally, TILT immediately stood out. Its mission— to protect land and water while connecting people to the places they love—aligned perfectly with my own connection to the River. Volunteering with TILT after college felt less like a choice and more like the next step in a relationship that had been forming for years.
Learning the Land, One Trail at a Time
My journey began in June 2025 with trail documentation across TILT’s Signature Preserves. Recording conditions, signage, and infrastructure offered a hands-on introduction to conservation. Each trail revealed more than the landscape —it showed how stewardship supports both public access and ecological health. At Otter Creek Preserve, I met the Golden-winged Warbler, a small songbird whose declining population underscores the importance of habitat management. Two areas are maintained as Golden-winged Warbler Demonstration Areas, benefiting not only the warbler but also species like Ruffed Grouse and American Woodcock. Seeing how targeted management ripples across an ecosystem was one of the most meaningful lessons of my summer.
Certain Preserves quickly became favorites. The Rivergate Trail at the S. Gerald Ingerson Preserve winds through woodland paths, wetlands, and a dramatic rail-trail trestle. Zenda Farms Preserve felt like a vibrant community hub, with historic barns, looping trails, and a playful path that ducks into the woods. And Potters Beach Preserve on Grindstone Island—the very Island where TILT was founded in 1985— reminded me that conservation is a shared responsibility. Joining the Potters Beach Cleanup this fall, collecting litter alongside others who care deeply for this place, was humbling and inspiring.
“Conservation is not a single action but a cycle of care— restoring habitats, maintaining trails, and fostering a shared sense of responsibility for the places we love.” – Owen Trela
Conservation Beyond the Summer
As summer shifted to fall, my role evolved. From September through November, I joined TILT’s Stewardship Staff on conservation easement monitoring visits—a different side of land protection. These visits ensure the conservation values of protected properties are upheld, but they’re about more than compliance. Meeting landowners, hearing their stories, and sharing a mutual appreciation for the River reinforced that conservation is as much about relationships as responsibility. Easements may set boundaries, but they protect the land’s story, ensuring it remains healthy, resilient, and intact for future generations.
Looking back, volunteering with TILT taught me how every effort—big or small—helps protect this special region. I’m grateful to have been part of that work and to know that the River—my home away from home—will continue to be cared for, season after season, year after year.