Ben Walldroff

The private company is based in Clayton, NY. It is a nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to preserving the natural beauty, diverse wildlife habitats, water quality, and outdoor recreation opportunities of the Thousand Islands region spanning the U.S.-Canada border. The organization protects over 15,000 acres through land acquisitions, conservation easements, and management of 10 public signature preserves featuring more than 21 miles of trails open year-round. Notable preserves include the S. Gerald Ingerson Preserve, Otter Creek Preserve, and Crooked Creek Preserve, supporting diverse ecosystems such as wetlands, woodlands, grasslands, and critical wildlife habitats. Thousand Islands Land Trust emphasizes long-term stewardship, habitat restoration, and community engagement through volunteer programs, educational initiatives, and public events. The organization also manages the TILT Discovery Center and the Zenda Community Garden, fostering connections between people and nature. Sustainable hunting is permitted on select preserves under regulated programs to maintain ecosystem health. The organization advances its mission through stewardship, education, and community involvement to ensure the region’s ecological and recreational resources endure for current and future generations. Thousand Islands Land Trust, Inc. was founded in 1985.