By Jim Farrell – Kenneth Deedy Environmental Intern
Looking out across the River in Clayton recently, I couldn’t help but notice how much has changed. Though not old enough to claim long-time residence, I remember a quieter era—when the TI Inn sign shone from its metal roof, the Clayton Bait Shop was open, and the village felt more like a quiet stop than the vibrant hub it is today. Now, the village bustles with shops, restaurants, and visitors, yet the River and its islands remain timeless, holding memories of the past for those who know where to look.
A River Through Time
Growing up in a family of biologists, the River was never just a vacation spot—it was a living classroom. My father worked here “ice out to ice in,” and our conversations often circled back to wildlife, wetlands, and the future conserving land on the islands wasn’t only about protecting scenery or rare species—it was about ensuring that traditions like hunting, fishing, and outdoor family gatherings could continue long into the future. Though my hunt that day was unsuccessful, the conversation with Ken gave me a deeper respect for the land and why protecting it matters. “These moments shape traditions, link generations, and remind us why conservation is essential; without preserved landscapes, they could slip away, but with them, they remain timeless.” of this place we loved. Though our family never moved to Clayton permanently, those early years shaped me. They taught me to see the River not just for its beauty, but for its complexity, and gave me an appreciation for how people and nature interact. That perspective is what first drew me to the Thousand Islands Land Trust.
As a young hunter, my first experiences on Grindstone Island were exciting and humbling. Success in the field wasn’t guaranteed, but the pull of the River and my love for hunting kept me coming back season after season. Over time, I realized what makes the Thousand Islands so special: it is a place where conservation and hunting work to balance one another. Protected habitat ensures that deer, waterfowl, and countless other species thrive, and hunters remain part of the natural cycle, engaged with and responsible for the stewardship of the land.
During one early season, I had the chance to sit with Ken Deedy, one of TILT’s founders, on his porch, coffee in hand, overlooking the River. What had my attention was his vision: conserving land on the islands wasn’t only about protecting scenery or rare species—it was about ensuring that traditions like hunting, fishing, and outdoor family gatherings could continue long into the future. Though my hunt that day was unsuccessful, the conversation with Ken gave me a deeper respect for the land and why protecting it matters.
Since then, I’ve returned to Grindstone each fall. Hunting is about more than pursuing game; it is immersion—the long sits under towering oaks, the sudden flush of mallards lifting off a back bay, the quiet awe of a sunrise spilling across the River. What strikes me most is how Grindstone holds steady—the old cheese factory standing, schoolhouses marking the past, and wild woods stretching as they always have—while Clayton grows and evolves with new buildings and ideas, a contrast that makes this region so remarkable.
Working as the Kenneth Deedy Environmental Intern gave me a deeper appreciation for all of this. I was proud to hold a position created in Ken’s legacy, carrying forward the vision he set in motion over forty years ago. My love of Grindstone, my respect for conservation, and my belief in the balance between preservation and tradition are rooted in the work Ken and TILT began.
Preserving a Legacy
Thanks to the Land Trust, the wild places of the Thousand Islands will endure—not only for hunters like me, but for anyone seeking connection to the River, whether through hiking, paddling, birding, or simply being present. For me, this place is more than a hunting ground; it is where tradition, conservation, and community come together. It reminds me that the future of this region depends on how well we honor its past and gives hope that generations to come will feel the same pull of the River that has shaped my life.