The Thousand Islands Land Trust Reflections VOL. 20 NO. 2 FALL 2020 PO Box 238 . 135 John Street . Clayton, New York 13624 (315) 686-5345 . www.tilandtrust.org TILT Earns National Recognition Zenda Farms Preserve ne thing that unites us as a public’s trust. creditation Commission awarded nation is land: Americans “Accreditation indicates that renewed accreditation, signifying strongly support saving the TILT conducts its business with its confidence that TILT’s lands Oopen spaces they love. Since 1985, the highest standards possible will be protected forever. The Land TILT has been working to conserve and assures our donors, support- Trust Accreditation program rec- the natural beauty, diverse wildlife ers, and neighbors that the land ognizes land conservation organi- habitat, water quality, and outdoor trust is committed to its long- zations that meet national quality recreation opportunities of the term responsibilities and perme- standards for protecting important Thousand Islands region, for pres- nance of our land conservation natural places and working lands ent and future generations. Today, work,” said Greg McLean, Board forever. TILT is excited to announce that it President. The Land Trust Accredita- has renewed its Land Trust Accred- Through this renewal pro- tion Commission, an independent itation – proving once again that, cess, TILT provided extensive program of the Land Trust Alli- as part of a network of over 400 documentation and was subject ance, conducts a review of each accredited land trusts across the na- to a comprehensive third-party applicant’s policies and programs. tion, it is committed to professional evaluation prior to achieving this For TILT, being an accredited land excellence and to maintaining the distinction. The Land Trust Ac- continued on page 2 trust represents many years of hard ments, including important wetland, work and an ongoing commitment to grassland and woodland habitat. This conserving the natural places we all includes 10 Signature Preserves and love within the Thousand Islands and over 20 miles of multi-use trails that greater St. Lawrence River Valley. are open to the public, year-round. Board of Trustees “This is yet another example During the year, TILT hosts annual Greg McLean, President of how TILT has become a leader in TILTreks, KidsTreks and TILTKids Larry Kingsley, Vice President conservation and a proven example Day Camp programs, which promote Robin Hoffman, Secretary of non-profit excellence. Highlighted living, learning and conserving in the Mike Phelps, Treasurer through the review process was the Thousand Islands. Jane Carver, Member at Large Commission’s recognition of TILT’s TILT was initially awarded Na- Ben Walldroff, Member at Large Todd Atkinson Strategic Conservation Plan. When tional Accreditation by the Land Trust Cindy Bower developed, TILT’s Strategic Conser- Alliance Accreditation Commission Jeff Burt vation Plan was and continues to be in 2009, and was among the second John Cardamone seen as one of the most cutting-edge class of land trusts to receive this dis- John Farrell blueprints for land conservation in tinction. TILT was awarded their first Jane Heffron Dave Lucas the country,” explained Jake Tibbles, renewal of accreditation in 2014, and Art Mack Executive Director. this marks TILT’s second renewal. Molly Macsherry MacWade Since its founding, TILT has “It is exciting to recognize Janice McPhail helped safeguard the regional land- TILT’s continued commitment to Josh Truman scape of the Thousand Islands by national standards by renewing this Carol Munro, Trustee Emerita accepting conservation easements, ac- national mark of distinction,” said quiring property and by establishing Melissa Kalvestrand, Executive accessible areas available for public Director of the Commission. “Donors enjoyment. Currently, TILT protects and partners can trust that the more over 11,000 acres of land, both fee- than 400 accredited land trusts across owned land and conservation ease- the country are united behind strong standards and have demonstrated sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship.” TILT is one of 1,363 land trusts across the United States according to the Land Trust Alli- ance’s most recent National Land Trust Census. A complete list of accredited land trusts and more information about the process and ben- efits can be found Grindstone Island aerial by Alex MacLean. TILT conserves over half of the island through con- at www.landtrustac- servation easements and fee-owned land. creditation.org. Learn more about TILT’s work to conserve the Thousand Islands region at www.tilandtrust.org 2 Sissy Danforth Rivergate Trail Community Connection Project GOAL: $610,000 In partnership with the Village of Clayton, Town of Clayton and the Northern New York Community Foundation $610,000 (NNYCF), the Thousand Islands Land Trust is working to $600,000 complete the connection of the Sissy Danforth Rivergate Trail to the Riverwalk in downtown Clayton. “Thank you to TILT for your dedication and commitment to connect $550,000 our past Trails and Rails to our Riverwalk providing access from the heart of the village, for a wonderful outdoors $500,000 experience.”- Norma Zimmer; Village of Clayton Mayor. Together, we can meet ambitious goals to restore $450,000 a piece of our region’s heritage, the historic railroad trestle bridge. “The Community Foundation is excited $431,250 with to be working with TILT to ensure the future for the $400,000 Matching Rivergate Trail and to help improve the region that we Commitments all care so much about,” explained Max DelSignore, $350,000 NNYCF Assistant Director. The Foudation recently made a $100,000 matching commitment to TILT to establish Total Donations an endowment and ensure the forever stewardship of Raised: $300,000 $318,350 the trail and trestle. $318,350 Total Match Left: $112,900 $250,000 Together we can: $200,000 Connect this trail with the popular Riverwalk in the Village of Clayton, creating a corridor for hiking, biking, $150,000 and cross-country skiing, alongside our region’s most precious wetlands, creeks, grasslands and forests. Restore and enhance a local asset, contribute to our $100,000 vibrant quality of the life, protect our natural resources and provide recreation opportunities that support the vitality of our local economy. Sustain nature and a piece of history by building an endowment and advancing the stewardship work required “Many communities lack up-to-date lodging and to maintain the unique piece of our region. walk-able downtowns. Clayton has a new $24 million hotel and a vibrant, walk-able down- YOUR TRESTLE. town: It is the County’s art, events and rec- YOUR COMMUNITY. reation center. This new trail will link Clayton’s downtown into the rural countryside.” - Mike Geiss YOUR TRAIL. “Completion of this trail was a lifelong dream of Mike’s who passed away in May, 2019, especially as its use for bicycles and wheelchairs. Your support To find out how you can contribute, please would fulfill his legacy.” - Sandy Geiss contact TILT at 315-686-5345. Thank you for supporting this Community-wide Project! 3 Tributes Remembering Bruce & Elaine Brooks March 21 - September 24, 2020 In memory of Renee Adwar Elissa Sampson In memory of Barbara Babowicz Rodney Babowicz In memory of Camilla Bentzen Baum, Charles & Helena Bentzen Chuck Baum In memory of Doug Banister Phillip & Marion Johnson In memory of Dr. Louis Benton Richard & Elizabeth Wright In memory of Bruce Brooks Pamela Barton Tom & Robyn Davison Janice & Dan McPhail Jake Tibbles In memory of Don Brown Bruce and Elaine Brooks are pictured with their daughter - and TILT Trustee - Janice McPhail. Janice Brown photo © Steve Sturtz In memory of Dot Carnegie John Carnegie It is with great sadness that we share word that Bruce and Elaine Brooks In memory of MacDonald Clark passed away earlier this year. For those who did not have the opportunity to get Ted & Kathy Drum to know Bruce and Elaine, they were genuine people and true River Rats. And In memory of Donald Combs their love for Grindstone Island was contagious. Craig & Patty Esford When you think of the Brooks family, you can only think of the deep roots In memory of Dorothy Cosselman Robert & Tori Cosselman that tie Grindstone Island together. The Dano, Cummings and Rusho roots inter- In memory of Sissy & Bill Danforth twine with the Brooks roots to add to the bedrock that is the Island community. John & Candace Marsellus Bruce’s father, Irving Brooks, married Jessie Dano, grounding their 1000 Islands Dave & Caroline Munro life by honeymooning on Grenell Island in 1904. Bruce was a River Rat from In memory of Ken Deedy Barbara Deedy the start, living first in Jessie’s family house on Grindstone and later in “Day- Steve & Vici Diehl brook,” the house he built with his father and brother. He laid the stone himself Veronica & James Dolan for the fireplace that now graces Janice & Dan McPhail’s living room in the Pat Rich Joe & Millie Savarese Brooks family home. Ken Deedy The Brooks were an integral part of the Grindstone Community. They were Environmental Internship regular church goers, and Bruce served on the GIUMC Church Council while John & Kim Farrell Elaine hosted early Men’s and Women’s Coffee in the cottage they built next to In memory of Daybrook. Bruce and Elaine set a high standard for Men's and Women’s Coffee Dr. Anne K. Del Borgo Nancy Del Borgo but the dinners were where they excelled. In memory of Rex Ennis Not only were Bruce and Elaine dedicated and passionate members of the Janet Lamb-Ennis Grindstone Island community, they were long standing supporters of TILT’s land Jake Tibbles conservation efforts. In 2010, they donated a critical piece of Grindstone Island In memory of Joseph & Patricia Ficano waterfront to TILT. This property is now the site of TILT’s Grindstone Island Jeff Ficano Stewardship Facility.