Tribs and Tribulations? A look at our local rivers Professor Michael R. Twiss, Department of Biology Clarkson University Rivers are the defining features of the St. Lawrence County landscape. There are four major rivers that flow north through the county to the St. Lawrence River. Join the St. Lawrence Land Trust for our inaugural State of the Rivers talk.

TILT and Save the River need volunteers to help install nesting boxes and gull exclusion grids on Eagle Wings Shoals and Tidd Island to protect the Common Tern, a NY state threatened species. Throughout the nesting season, volunteers are also needed monitor nests and hatchling success of the Common Tern. Work gloves are recommended and lunch will be provided by Subway of Clayton. Please register to volunteer by emailing volunteer@tilandtrust.org, by calling the TILT office at 315-686-5345, or by signing up on the TILT website at www.tilandtrust.org

To celebrate our 30 years of conserving the place we love, TILT plans to plant 30 new trees along our LoisJean and John MacFarlane Trail, with the help of volunteers. Bring the whole family and also enjoy workshops, hikes and exhibits from TILT and our partner organizations, including the Minna Anthony Common Nature Center and Thousand Islands Arts Center. The Hawn Memorial Library in Clayton will also show an environmental kid-friendly movie, Epic, after the fun at Zenda is complete! Lunch for volunteers will be provided by Subway of Clayton.

Pick Your Preserve! Tackle Your Trail! TILT is calling all volunteers to help steward our Macsherry Trail on the Crooked Creek Preserve, Otter Creek Preserve Nature Trail, Grindstone Island Nature Trail, Potters Beach Preserve or MacFarlane Trail at Zenda Farms Preserve to get these popular outdoor recreation destinations ready for another busy summer season. Wear your work clothes and be sure to bring gloves and tools if you have them. TILT will provide water and Subway of Clayton will provide lunch.

Join kayak-enthusiast, and TILT trustee, Jane Carver for a special, “silver” paddle to explore the beautiful Crooked Creek Preserve, which is one of the most significant wetlands on the St. Lawrence, providing habitat for countless species. This paddle will include basic kayak instruction, is appropriate for all-levels, and is senior-friendly. A limited number of single and double kayaks are available for a $15 rental fee, in partnership with Riverbay Adventure Inn.

Last summer’s “De-Stress in Nature” treks were a hit, so TILT is bringing the series back, this time featuring different ways to “find your center” out on the land! In June, Linda Potter, of Nautilus Retreats and Coaching, will lead us in experiencing the benefits of writing, inspired by a peaceful walk in the woods. Please bring your own notebook and pen. Please register in advance by emailing treks@tilandtrust.org, by calling the TILT office at 315-686-5345, or by signing up on the TILT website at www.tilandtrust.org.

Fort Haldimand, Carleton Island (meet in Cape Vincent for boat transportation) Once again, TILT supporters are invited to join TILT and Prof. Douglas J. Pippin, from SUNY Oswego, to participate in an actual archaeological dig at historic Ft Haldimand on Carleton Island. Last year, a button from the uniform of a Royal Highland 84th regiment officer (circa 1782) was discovered - the first officer's button ever discovered at the Fort! What will you find? *This trek is reserved for TILT supporters and has limited space.

Join life-long summer resident Mark Behan, and TILT trustee Robin Hoffman, to experience a bike tour of the places on Grindstone Island that TILT protects. The ride will include Potters Beach, the Heineman Family Preserve and the Delaney Bay Marshland, as well as the historic and cultural buildings of Grindstone. The tour will culminate at one of Grindstone’s NY State Parks, so bring a picnic lunch. *This trek is reserved for TILT supporters and has limited space.

Join award-winning photographer, and geologist, Chris Murray as he shares his enthusiasm for documenting the natural beauty of our region, and discuss the techniques and equipment used as he shoots. Participants must have a working knowledge of their cameras. *This trek is reserved for TILT supporters. If you'd like to become a member and join us on the trek, call the office at 315-686-5345 or visit the TILT website to make a contribution: www.tilandtrust.org

Enjoy the scenic vistas of the popular Zenda Farm with TILT and River Yoga instructor Liz Price-Kellogg during a fun, challenging yoga class, surrounded by the beauty of nature! All levels welcomed and a limited number of mats and props are available if needed. *This trek is reserved for TILT supporters. If you'd like to become a member and join us on the trek, call the office at 315-686-5345 or visit the TILT website to make a contribution: www.tilandtrust.org

Join award-winning photographer, and geologist, Chris Murray as he shares his enthusiasm for documenting the natural beauty of our region, and discuss the techniques and equipment used as he shoots. Participants must have a working knowledge of their cameras. *This trek is reserved for TILT supporters. If you'd like to become a member and join us on the trek, call the office at 315-686-5345 or visit the TILT website to make a contribution: www.tilandtrust.org

You’re invited to a memorable evening on the River in celebration of TILT’s 30 years of conservation in the 1000 Islands! Enjoy friends, food, and live music, and support local land conservation and environmental education. Supporters will learn about TILT’s latest conservation initiatives and have the opportunity to bid on unique items and experiences during an exciting live auction - auction items to be announced...Keep checking the TILT website for updates.

Kids, parents and grandparents are invited to look closer at the creepy, crawly and cute bugs that call the 1000 Islands home. A variety of activity stations will be featured, including examining bugs under a microscope with Vici & Steve Diehl; creating tie-dyed bandanas using “bug juice” (with the TI Arts Center); learning more about bees and other beneficial insects; and building bug houses - get ready to get buggy! Snack will be provided. KidsTrek participants must be accompanied by an adult. Please wear clothing and footwear appropriate for outdoor play.

For TILT’s 3rd annual Camp, TILTKids will hike different habitats along the Grindstone Island Nature Trail and learn the importance of each for the various animals, insects, plants and trees that live there. Shorelines, shrub lands, grasslands, wetlands and woodlands - all are important in the web of life! Lunch will be provided by Subway of Clayton. TILTKids Camp participants must be accompanied by an adult. Please wear clothing and footwear appropriate for outdoor play. Space is limited, so sign up early. *TILTKids Camp is reserved for TILTKids supporters and has limited space.

Join TILT and the Indian River Lake Conservancy’s (IRLC) at Hyde Lake for a fascinating, geological exploration of this secluded lake nestled in the woods of Theresa! Retired geologist Kenneth Schwarz will share his knowledge of Hyde Lake’s impressive rocky cliffs and light refreshments will be served. Limited kayak rentals are available for $15, in partnership with Riverbay Adventure Inn. Please register in advance (and let us know if you need a kayak!) by emailing treks@tilandtrust.org, by calling the TILT office at 315-686-5345, or by signing up on the TILT website at www.tilandtrust.org.

Calling all storytellers: TILT has been conserving land for 30 years, and we bet you have a story to tell about the 1000 Islands and what its protection means to you! We’re asking area residents and visitors alike to email your best 1000 Islands story to TILT at info@tilandtrust.org. We’ll pick a few of our favorites to be shared during our annual Guthrie and Louise Birkhead Lecture & Reception at Zenda Farms Preserve. The rest will be collected in a limited edition book, available for purchase later this year.

Join TILT at the Otter Creek Preserve Nature Trail, located within walking distance of downtown Alexandria Bay, for our final “De-Stress in Nature” workshop of the season. A teacher from Kripalu Yoga and Wellness Center will lead participants in a walking meditation, ending with quiet contemplation at the Otter Creek overlook. Please register in advance by emailing treks@tilandtrust.org, by calling the TILT office at 315-686-5345, or by signing up on the TILT website at www.tilandtrust.org.