The Thousand Islands Land Trust (TILT) is proud to announce the permanent conservation of the 44-acre McCarn Hill Property in the Town of Clayton. For many, McCarn Hill is more than a scenic hillside—it is a recognizable landmark and the final panoramic view before entering the Village of Clayton. Long appreciated by residents and visitors alike, the property contributes to the character, sense of place, and scenic beauty that define the Thousand Islands experience. Its conservation marks an important addition to a growing network of protected lands, trails, and a more linked community taking shape between McCarn Hill, Carrier Ridge, and the Village of Clayton.
This project reflects how land conservation, responsible development, public access, and long-term community investment can work together to support the future of the Thousand Islands region.
Located near the Heritage Heights neighborhood, McCarn Hill connects directly into an expanding system of conserved lands that includes TILT’s S. Gerald Ingerson Preserve and nearby conservation lands associated with the Rivergate Trail. Together, with recently conserved lands along Carrier Ridge, these properties are creating a connected landscape where neighborhoods, forests, grasslands, trails, and community spaces come together as part of a broader community network.
What were once separate properties are becoming part of a larger interconnected system — one that links existing neighborhoods and future housing opportunities with outdoor recreation, protected natural areas, and eventually stronger connections to the Village of Clayton and the St. Lawrence River.
McCarn Hill contains mature mast producing hardwood forests, including oaks and hickories that support the Indiana Bat, as well as hemlock trees that keep the waters of McCarn Creek cool. The property supports migratory birds including Wood Thrush and Brown Thrasher and provides habitat for the federally endangered Indiana bat. Protection of the land also supports water quality, with its vibrant interior wetlands helping to filter water within the watershed and strengthening overall ecological health of the region.
“McCarn Hill represents exactly the type of balanced approach that helps strengthen communities,” said Spencer Busler, Associate Director of TILT. “This project protects important natural resources while recognizing that communities also need housing, investment, and opportunities for thoughtful growth. Conservation and development do not have to be opposing forces. When planned carefully, they reinforce each other and help shape stronger communities over time.”
Recognizing the importance of balancing conservation and community needs, Chris Matthews worked with TILT to permanently protect 44 acres while allowing adjacent portions of McCarn Hill to move forward with carefully planned residential development.
The nearby McCarn Hill development is expected to include six to eight new homes, demonstrating that conservation and housing opportunities can successfully occur side by side.
McCarn Hill builds upon similar efforts occurring nearby along Carrier Ridge, where TILT recently conserved three separate parcels while remaining portions of the property were retained by the Cantwell family for residential development.
Future homes planned within the Carrier Ridge area represent continued investment in the Clayton community, while the surrounding conserved lands protect the scenic landscapes, wildlife habitat, and natural character that make the Thousand Islands such a desirable place to live.
Together, McCarn Hill and Carrier Ridge represent a larger vision for conservation — one focused not only on protecting land, but on connecting people and places in ways that are both practical and lasting. Over time, these conserved properties create opportunities for hiking, biking, walking, cross-country skiing, and expanded trail connections linking Heritage Heights, McCarn Hill, Carrier Ridge, surrounding neighborhoods, downtown Clayton, and the St. Lawrence River. These connections support healthier lifestyles, improve access to nature, strengthen relationships between neighborhoods, and enhance the quality of life that residents and visitors’ value.
“The Thousand Islands has always been defined by the connection between people and the landscape,” said Busler. “Our goal is to protect the forests, waters, wildlife, and scenic places that make this region special while helping communities remain vibrant places to live, work, and visit.”
The McCarn Hill and Carrier Ridge conservation efforts demonstrate that the future of the Thousand Islands does not have to be a choice between growth and conservation.
It is, and can be, both.