The Thousand Islands Land Trust (TILT) recently hosted a dynamic two-day Conservation Connections program, designed to ignite curiosity and foster a love for the outdoors. Students engaged in hands-on classroom learning on the first day, followed by guided outdoor exploration at TILT’s Otter Creek Preserve in Alexandria Bay. The experience offered a powerful educational opportunity rooted in the natural beauty and ecology of the Thousand Islands region.
On Day 1, students learned about TILT’s mission to conserve the natural beauty, diverse wildlife habitats, and water quality of the Thousand Islands region. To deepen their understanding, the conducted a creative science experiment in the classroom using Skittles and water to explore erosion and weathering—natural processes that directly impact the landscapes and ecosystems TILT works to conserve.
Day 2 brought the classroom outdoors as students hiked the trails at Otter Creek Preserve. Here, they observed real-life examples of erosion and weathering, building upon what they learned in the classroom. Along the way, students participated in a scavenger hunt, identifying environmental processes and local species, including the Golden-winged Warbler—a declining songbird whose habitat is actively protected by the Land Trust at Otter Creek Preserve.
“It’s always great to see students making connections between what they’ve learned and what they’re seeing outside,” said Delaney McIlrath, TILT’s Community Engagement Coordinator. “Being out on the land helps make conservation feel more real and gives students the chance to ask questions, observe, and explore at their own pace.”
Through the Conservation Connections program, TILT provides place-based education that boosts engagement, deepens ecological literacy, and fosters the next generation of environmental stewards. By combining classroom learning with direct experiences in nature, students gain scientific knowledge and develop a meaningful connection to the land. When asked why other teachers should take part in the Conservation Connections program, one local educator shared, ‘It’s so simple for us as teachers—a very peaceful experience. The kids love it, and TILT takes care of it all!’
Educators interested in organizing a field trip are encouraged to contact Delaney McIlrath at dmcilrath@tilandtrust.org. To learn more about TILT and its mission, visit tilandtrust.org.