The Thousand Islands Land Trust (TILT) kicked off its spring season with two engaging events that brought together young explorers and community volunteers to connect with nature and support local conservation efforts.
On April 3, TILT hosted its first spring KidsTrek at the Zenda Farms Preserve in Clayton, welcoming 30 enthusiastic participants for an immersive exploration into the secretive world of owls. Led by naturalists Vici and Steve Diehl, the group hiked the Zenda Woods Trail while learning about owl behavior, hunting adaptations, and their critical role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem.
A highlight of the afternoon outdoors was a hands-on owl pellet dissection, where children uncovered bones and fur remnants, offering a fascinating glimpse into the diet and habits of these nocturnal predators. The activity sparked curiosity and excitement, giving participants a deeper appreciation for wildlife and the natural world around them.
Continuing the momentum of hands-on conservation, TILT partnered with Save The River on April 17 to host the annual Common Tern Grid Nesting Installation. Volunteers gathered to support efforts to protect the threatened Common Tern by installing nesting boxes and gull exclusion grids on Eagle Wings Shoals in Clayton. This initiative plays a vital role in creating safe nesting habitats, helping to improve breeding success for Common Terns in the Thousand Islands region.
“These events are a wonderful example of how people of all ages can engage with conservation,” said Delaney McIlrath, TILT’s Community Engagement Coordinator. “Whether it’s a child discovering the wonders of owls for the first time or a volunteer helping to restore critical bird habitat, each experience builds a stronger connection to the land and water we all share.”
Discover more opportunities to get involved and get out on the land by visiting tilandtrust.org/events.