Learning the Land: A Volunteer’s Journey with TILT

A River That Keeps Calling Me Back

For as long as I can remember, the Thousand Islands have been my home away from home. Every summer, my family made the drive to Clayton, NY, drawn by the pull of the St. Lawrence River and the rhythm of life along its shores. What began as a seasonal tradition slowly became something deeper—a lasting connection to the water, the land, and the community that defines this place.

As a part-time resident of Clayton, that connection only strengthened over time. The River gave me memories, perspective, and a sense of belonging—and eventually, a desire to give something back. When I began looking for a way to get involved locally, the Thousand Islands Land Trust (TILT) stood out immediately. Its mission—to protect land and water while connecting people to the places they love—felt like a natural fit. After graduating from college, volunteering with the Land Trust felt less like a decision and more like the next step in a relationship that had been forming for years.

Learning the Land, One Trail at a Time

My volunteer journey began in June 2025. I was eager to learn more about conservation and to better understand what it takes to care for the landscapes that make the Thousand Islands so special. My first assignment was trail documentation—recording conditions, signage, and infrastructure across TILT’s Signature Preserves. As someone still learning the nuances of hiking in this region, it was the perfect introduction. Each trail offered a new perspective, not just on the landscape itself, but on how thoughtful stewardship supports both public access and ecological health.

At Otter Creek Preserve, I was introduced to the Golden-winged Warbler, a small songbird whose declining population tells a much larger conservation story. I saw that commitment to the stewardship of the land in action. Two areas are managed as Golden-winged Warbler Demonstration Areas, where young forest and shrub-land habitats are intentionally maintained. These efforts benefit not only the warbler, but also species such as the ruffed grouse and woodcock.

Seeing how targeted habitat management can ripple outward across an ecosystem was one of the most impactful lessons of my summer. Understanding that trail maintenance and habitat monitoring play a role in supporting species like this gave my work new meaning.

As the weeks went on, certain Preserves began to feel familiar—almost personal. The Rivergate Trail at the S. Gerald Ingerson Preserve became a favorite, offering a mix of winding woodland paths and a repurposed rail-to-trail with a dramatic trestle, wetlands, and overlooks, while Zenda Farms Preserve felt like a vibrant community hub, with historic barns, a network of looping trails, and a playful duck into the woods, each offering its own sense of place and purpose.

More locations carry the weight of history, like Potters Beach Preserve on Grindstone Island. This is the Island where the Land Trust was founded in 1985, and today it remains one of the most iconic and well-loved places in the Thousand Islands. Joining the Potters Beach Cleanup this summer was a reminder that conservation is a shared responsibility. Collecting litter alongside others who care deeply about this place was humbling, and it reinforced how strongly this community values the lands that bring people together.

Conservation Beyond the Summer Season

As summer shifted into fall, my volunteer role evolved. From September through November, I joined TILT’s Stewardship Staff on conservation easement monitoring visits, an entirely different side of land protection. These visits ensure that the conservation values of protected properties are being upheld, but they are about far more than compliance.

Meeting landowners, hearing their stories, and sharing a mutual appreciation for the River underscored an important truth: conservation is as much about relationships as it is about responsibility. Conservation easements may come with clear boundaries, but those boundaries protect the land’s story, ensuring it remains healthy, resilient, and intact for future generations.

As the River quieted and the first snow of November hinted at winter’s arrival, my time volunteering with TILT came to a close. Looking back, I’m struck by how much I learned; not just about habitats, trails, or easements, but about the many forms conservation can take.

Through hands-on work, education, and collaboration, the Land Trust showed me that conservation is not a single action, but a cycle of care and renewal. It’s about restoring habitats, stewarding Preserves, working with landowners, and fostering a shared sense of responsibility for the places we love.

I’m grateful to have been part of that work, and grateful to know that the River—my home away from home—will continue to be cared for in all seasons, year after year.

By Owen Trela, TILT Volunteer

Owen Trela is a recent graduate of St. Lawrence University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Philosophy. An aspiring law student, his experience with TILT has inspired him to pursue a future in environmental law. Having previously spent his summers in Clayton as a TILT volunteer in 2025, Owen is excited to return and continue supporting conservation efforts in the Thousand Islands region in 2026. Now residing in Lake Placid, NY, he understands the value and impact of community-based work and looks forward to being part of it once again. In his free time, Owen enjoys playing soccer, traveling, and spending time on the St. Lawrence River.