“We have such a brief opportunity to pass on to our children the love for this Earth, and to tell our stories. These are the moments when the world is made whole. In my children’s memories, the adventures we’ve had together in nature will always exist.”- Richard Louv
This sentiment perfectly captures the essence of my journey this summer. The land I once explored with wide-eyed wonder as a child is now where I educate my own and other children about the importance of forging a connection to nature.
This past summer, as the Community Outreach Assistant for the Thousand Islands Land Trust (TILT), has been nothing short of an adventure, taking me on an unforgettable journey back to my roots. Growing up in the Thousand Islands was more than just a childhood—it's a love story with a place that shaped who I am today. Now, watching my own two children grow up in this breathtaking environment, I realize how fortunate I am to watch my two wonderful children blossom in the place so special to me.
From a young age, I knew I wanted to do something positive with my life, to make a difference in the world. After falling in love with this place, my parents chose to move from Rochester to raise their family in Clayton. They taught us to love and respect this unique region, emphasizing the importance of giving back to our community. My mother, now a retired science teacher, has been a significant influence on my commitment to the Thousand Islands and my passion for educating others about it. Through her volunteer work with organizations like TILT and Save The River (STR), she has taught me the value of community service and the difference we can make.
The St. Lawrence River was our playground—our dock a whopping 62 steps from the door of my house. When my friends came over, we called the River “my pool” and joked about having “pool parties.” At the time we had no idea how fortunate we were, to live in such a splendor. We spent our days jetting over to TI Park, Bathtub Bay, going cliff jumping, visiting the rope swing, and relaxing at Potter’s Beach. It was a childhood filled with adventure, which my two daughters are reliving now.
Fast-forward a few decades, in my hometown of Clayton and I’m living my dream career as a teacher at Guardino Elementary. During my 18 years of teaching students from kindergarten to high school seniors, my top priority has always been creating a safe and caring environment. It is my aim to inspire a love for helping others and the understanding that our incredible community should not be taken for granted. As an active role model, I want these students to view my legacy as one of giving back, helping others, and cherishing this special place we call home.
Coincidentally, my journey with the Land Trust began in my very first year of teaching. My students collaborated to create flyers—a simple project that became a powerful introduction to community involvement and environmental stewardship. This experience not only exposed them to the mission of conservation in the region, but also began a community service tradition in my class. Our efforts with the Land Trust became a launching pad to work with other local organizations. We collaborated with community members to plant daffodils, raise awareness about invasive species, plant trees at home, and make heartfelt gifts for veterans and active service members. These projects are more than classroom activities; they’re lessons in community connection and the importance of contributing to something larger than ourselves. The ultimate goal is that these experiences will inspire students to continue to place value on the act of giving back directly to our community and beyond.
Through my role as the Community Outreach Assistant at TILT, I have had the opportunity to deepen my connection with the community. It was an experience that allowed me to weave my personal values into meaningful work and directly contribute to the conservation mission. I led numerous TILTreks, engaging both year-round and seasonal residents in exploring the land and learning about conservation. Seeing the smiles, curiosity, and joy of those who attended our programs was incredibly fulfilling. It's in these moments—when a child spots a bird for the first time, or a family shares a quiet moment on a trail—that the impact of our work becomes clear. Through these interactions, we’re not just teaching about conservation; we’re instilling a lasting respect for nature and this special place we call home.
One of the highlights of my time at TILT was revamping the “Conservation Connections” environmental education program to better meet the needs of children of all ages and learning levels. The primary goal of this comprehensive, multi-faceted program is to reach more children, especially those that may face barriers to accessing the outdoors. By tailoring our TILTreks, and TILTKids Treks to be family-friendly, educational, and free, we’ve made sure these experiences foster a lifelong connection to the land. This summer, I witnessed firsthand how these small steps can build lasting connections that extend beyond the trailhead.
In every role—whether as a teacher, parent, or community leader—our intention is to make a difference, support our community, and empower younger generations to shape their world. Nurturing a sense of place in children involves helping them develop a deep connection and appreciation for their surroundings, including their local community, natural environment, and cultural heritage. With this gained knowledge and understanding, children can grow into conservation-minded individuals who will support and participate in protecting natural spaces. Through engaging children in environmental education and community service here in the Thousand Islands, together we will foster a legacy of love and hope, ensuring the beauty of this area endures for future generations.
By Kelly Picunas, Community Outreach Assistant, Thousand Islands Land Trust
Kelly joined TILT in July 2024 as the Community Outreach Assistant for the summer months. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Print Journalism and Women’s Studies from the State University of New York College at Oswego. She also holds a Master of Science for Teachers (M.S.T.) degree in childhood education from the State University of New York at Potsdam. She will be entering her 18th year of teaching in the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. Originally from Clayton, NY, Kelly has known and loved this area all her life. She and her two daughters enjoy boating, swimming, and giving back to the community.
Posted in: Volume 19, Issue 10, October 2024, Essay, Nature, Current
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