Together with the American Bird Conservancy, Ruffed Grouse Society and Indian River Lakes Conservancy, TILT is working to launch a largescale habitat restoration effort aimed at supporting the rapidly declining population of Golden-winged Warblers. With the Thousand Islands region as New York’s last stronghold for this species, this collaborative effort is vital for its survival.
TILT and its partners successfully secured a Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Joint Venture Habitat Restoration and Protection grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to fund this habitat management work. The goal is to establish 200- acres of Golden-winged Warbler habitat throughout the region, also benefitting other species, like the Ruffed Grouse, that are reliant on young forest habitat. Golden-winged Warblers depend on young forest and shrubland for breeding and nesting, but habitat loss—driven by the decline of early successional forests and human disturbance—has significantly impacted their populations.
This fall, TILT will begin management at the Mullet Creek Nature Preserve at Fishers Landing. Using best management practices, our stewardship team will implement a variety of techniques to restore ideal habitat conditions. These efforts may involve selectively removing overgrown shrubs opening up herbaceous areas— landscapes dominated by grasses, wildflowers, ferns, and other soft stemmed plants. Additionally, strategic methods such as softening the forest edge and planting key tree and shrub species will enhance structural diversity.
Through this joint effort, the Land Trust and its partners are taking critical steps to restore habitat and safeguard the future of the Golden-winged Warbler, the Ruffed Grouse and other early successional species. This initiative highlights the power of conservation partnerships, ensuring that these threatened species continue to thrive in the Thousand Islands region.
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