Zenda Farms Preserve

Explore Zenda Farm Preserve!

Zenda Farms Preserve offers a unique opportunity to connect with the agricultural heritage of the region while enjoying the natural beauty of its open spaces. From its pastures and meadows to the historic buildings, this preserve highlights the important role agriculture plays in our local history, all while providing important habitats for grassland birds.

A Living Legacy and Vision for the Future

Zenda Farms Preserve showcases TILT’s mission, blending land conservation, habitat restoration, and community engagement. This flagship preserve features historic Jamesway Barns, three scenic trails, a community garden, a vineyard, summer resident sheep, and kid-friendly climbing boulders. It hosts beloved events like the annual Community Picnic & Volunteer Recognition, KidsTreks, and TILTKids Day Camp, offering opportunities for education and recreation. TILT’s management prioritizes conservation practices, such as delayed mowing to protect nesting birds, and invites volunteers to support stewardship efforts. Zenda embodies TILT’s commitment to preserving natural resources, fostering public access, and celebrating agricultural heritage, while embracing a future of continued growth and community connection.

Explore the Trails

Lois Jean and John MacFarlane Trail: A 1.35-mile loop trail around the Preserve’s meadows, ideal for hiking, jogging, and cross-country skiing. The trail provides scenic views of the fields and its rolling hills, offering a peaceful way to explore the Preserve’s natural landscape. Please keep dogs on a leash during the nesting season (May to August) to protect grassland birds that call Zenda Farms home.

• The Lois Jean and John MacFarlane Trail: A 1.35-mile loop trail around the Preserve’s meadows, ideal for hiking, jogging, and cross-country skiing. The trail provides scenic views of the fields and its rolling hills, offering a peaceful way to explore the Preserve’s natural landscape. Please keep dogs on a leash during the nesting season (May to August) to protect grassland birds that call Zenda Farms home.
• The Zenda Spur Trail: Circumnavigates the vineyard, winds into the meadow and offers a stroll past the sheep that call Zenda home from May to September.
• The Zenda Woods Trail: Escapes into the forest behind the farm through the newest trail. From the trailhead, this trail is 1.0 mile and provides a glimpse this woodland path offers a serene journey through ferns, fungi, and a winding natural trail.

Experiences & Programs

• Zenda Community Garden: The Zenda Community Garden provides space for local community members to grow fresh, locally produced fruits and vegetables. Applications to become a member are accepted in early spring every year along with a $35/family fee. 
• Zenda Farms Preserve Honey and Maple Syrup: Zenda Farms is buzzing with activity! Our hives produce fresh, local honey, and our maple trees provide delicious syrup giving you a true taste of the Thousand Islands. You can find our honey and maple syrup in an array of sizes at our storefront, at local stores like 1000 Islands River Rat Cheese and Hunner’s Market, and at the Mary & Ted Mascott Welcome Center this summer. Stop by and take home a sweet piece of Zenda!
• Zenda Farms Comes Alive: For the first time in decades, animals have returned to Zenda Farms! Our hardworking flock of sheep and skilled herding dogs are bringing the farm back to life. From June through August, visitors can watch exciting herding demonstrations showcasing the incredible teamwork between dogs and sheep. Looking to train your own Border Collie? We also offer lessons to teach the art of sheep herding. Contact us at 315-686-5345 for more information.
• Explore Zenda Farms: Then & Now: Experience the rich history and natural beauty of Zenda Farms with a guided tour. Explore the historic Jamesway barns, learn about the farm’s agricultural past, and discover how conservation efforts are shaping its future. Call us at 315-686- 5345 to schedule your tour today!