FACT:Turtles are the most imperiled major group of animals on earth. If you save a female turtle, she may be able to lay eggs for another 100 years.
When we decided to start a book club this year, we never anticipated how many people would be interested in taking part. Over 35 people reached out shortly after our announcement for more details, and we’re so grateful they did!
Since February 2025, readers have gathered together every other month, in person and online, to share their thoughts on a variety of both older and newer fiction and non-fiction books about owls, forests, Tug Hill cultural history, turtles, fish, and more.
Building community connections, learning new things and sharing personal stories while discussing the past eight books on our list so far has been joyful and personally impactful. So far, readers have been inspired to get outside more often, add native plants to a garden, help a turtle make a safe road crossing, explore the family property’s historic land use, consider land conservation options, and donate funds to local wildlife rehabilitation organizations.
“The book Of Time and Turtles inspired me to donate to North Country Wildcare. Their work is truly an around-the-clock effort, and funding is always needed not just to support wildlife rehabbers, but also to sustain organizations that protect wildlife habitats. – Chris Stelzer
You’re invited to join in 2026!
Readers can jump in or opt out at any time during the year according to their interests and available time to read. A Facebook group is active for reflections and conversations between meetings.
I’ve enjoyed the books, especially the July books. Of Time and Turtles by Sy Montgomery is a wonderful collection of stories. Some of the stories have brought tears to my eyes. I also made an effort to locate Elderberry tea, which is delicious.” – Malinda Zehr
As a community-supported conservation organization, none of this work would be possible without you, our donors, partners, landowners, and volunteers. Your support helps us protect the working farms, forests, wetlands, and wildlands across Tug Hill, ensuring that these special places can be enjoyed for generations to come.
Become a Monthly Donor
Make a monthly gift that keeps conservation going all year long. Become one of our sustaining donors whose generosity makes an ongoing difference every single month. It’s your monthly gift that allows us to seize opportunities and respond to unexpected challenges. All contributions of any size are greatly appreciated.
Gifts of Stock
A gift of stock is a great way to support local land conservation, while also avoiding capital gains taxes and receiving an income tax deduction. If you itemize your deductions, you may be able to take a charitable deduction for the entire donation amount. Your support will make a big difference and help conserve the region’s farms, clean waters, and woodlands while creating new trails and community programs.
Join the Legacy Challenge
Leave a lasting impact on Tug Hill’s future. By including the Land Trust in your will, you help protect our forests, waters, and wildlife for generations to come.
Thanks to the generous support of Bob and Carol Keller, new legacy commitments unlock a $1,000 gift to the Land Trust (up to $10,000), and past supporters are honored with a $2,500 gift. Participating is simple, confidential, and a meaningful way to create your personal legacy.
We are deeply grateful to the generous individuals who have already chosen to include the Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust in their legacy plans. Their vision and commitment help ensure the lands, waters, and communities of Tug Hill will thrive for generations.
Carol Beck
Harold Boyce*
John & Marcia Gosier
Steve & Madeline Hunter
Bob Keller
Carol Keller
Chris Kelly
Virginia Kelly
Dave & Uli Larrabee
Steve Litwhiler
Russ & Rebecca Myer *Deceased
This past spring, recently retired educator and board member Laurie Frykholm was ready to use her newfound free time to get outdoors more often.
Early on, she decided to visit THTLT’s Keller Mohawk Hill Public Conservation Area, just south of Constableville, to see what it had to offer. The open landscape calmed her, the potential for wildlife piqued her curiosity, and her photography goals emerged. She was hooked. Weekly visits ensued.
“I’ve always enjoyed being outside exploring. Being up at Keller Mohawk Hill brings back childhood memories of nature walks with my parents and my great-grandpa.”
Laurie’s delight in and curiosity about each new animal sighting and every new flower bloom from March 2025 onward was infectious. Snowy spring mornings gave way to sunny, hot, humid days, and then cooler fall temperatures. Laurie noted each successive discovery as the seasons progressed.
Laurie’s observations and photographs became a Friday Field Trip feature on the land trust’s social media pages. In the process of getting to know Keller Mohawk Hill more, her sharing that journey has helped us feel closer to this truly special restored grassland and wetland habitat, and provided invaluable information to assist the land trust’s habitat management activities.
“I am enjoying my role as a citizen scientist photographing and recording weekly changes at Keller Mohawk Hill, which helps track local biodiversity for conservation efforts. When I find something that I am not familiar with I photograph it and then research it. I have learned so much over the past few months, especially about the birds that call Keller Mohawk Hill home and the birds that stop by during seasonal migration.”
Your visits to our properties, offering nature experiences close to home, are invited and encouraged.
We’d love to hear about your adventures and observations!
Tug Hill is important not only as breeding habitat, but as a migratory stopover for the Wilson’s Snipe, flying between northern Canada and northern South America each spring and fall.
They love the mud flats found at Keller Mohawk Hill, and are known for their fast flight with speeds up to 60 mph!
Art Evans and Leslie Reed-Evans have spent years enjoying the quiet beauty of their camp tucked along the Black River. Though they live in Massachusetts, Tug Hill has always held a special place in their hearts.
Their 12.5-acre property in the Town of Leyden may be small compared to others in the region, but its conservation value is anything but.
Art and Leslie and NY entomologists have been hard at work documenting a rare population of synchronous fireflies, a species known for its mesmerizing display of coordinated light. On warm summer nights, these unusual fireflies blink in unison along the riverbank and forest edge, lighting up the woods in a natural rhythm that is as fleeting as it is unforgettable.
Unlike typical fireflies that flash randomly, synchronous fireflies pulse their light in perfect coordination, entire groups lighting up and going dark in a stunning, wave-like pattern.
This synchronized flashing is part of a mating ritual, with males trying to outshine each other to catch the attention of females. The result is a breathtaking natural phenomenon that feels almost otherworldly. These fireflies are found in only a handful of places in New York State and are considered highly localized.
Their presence is often limited to small pockets of undisturbed habitat with very specific conditions: rich native vegetation, natural darkness free of light pollution, moist soils, and intact hydrology.
“As lifelong conservation advocates, Art and I knew this land was worth protecting. Land trusts like Tug Hill Tomorrow ensure these special places are preserved for wildlife and for generations to experience their beauty and wonder.” – Leslie Reed-Evans
Art and Leslie’s property meets all of these requirements, offering them a rare and valuable haven. Their light show only lasts a few short weeks, usually from late June to early July, and only on warm, humid nights with no rain or wind. Miss it, and you’ll have to wait another year.
Beyond the fireflies, their land holds prime agricultural soils of statewide importance, offers wildlife habitat, and contributes to the larger network of conserved lands in northern Lewis County. Recognizing the ecological value of their land, Art and Leslie chose to donate a conservation agreement to Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust.
It’s a decision that reflects their values, both as exemplary land stewards and as people who believe in leaving the world a little better, and wilder, than they found it. Their gift ensures that the land, and the rare species it supports, will continue to offer beauty, inspiration, and discovery for generations to come.
From newly opened trails to the protection of important wildlife habitat, each of THTLT’s nature preserves offers a unique opportunity to explore, unwind, and connect with the land. Over the past year, exciting strides have been made at several sites. Here’s a look at what’s new and what’s still to come.
David S. Smith Public Conservation Area
Experience the Wonders of Field and Forest Near Fort Drum
This gem is now easier to find thanks to a newly installed roadside sign. The trail begins on a mowed path that winds through grasslands and into shaded woodlands, offering a peaceful place for walking, wildlife watching, or simply soaking in nature.
This summer, the trail has been used for both recreation and outdoor education. Plans are in the works to establish a parking area that will make it easier for schoolchildren, families, and the Fort Drum community to experience this land, creating space for discovery, connection, and the healing power of nature close to home.
Stone House Preserve
Woods and Wetland Forays Abound near Camden
A brand-new parking area and welcoming entry sign now greet you as you arrive at Stone House Preserve. With over 4.7 miles of trails now open, this Preserve boasts the largest trail network of all our properties. These paths guide hikers through mature forests, alongside quiet wetlands and sparkling streams, offering countless opportunities to encounter wildlife and explore the landscape.
More trails are planned, with the hope of opening additional areas that allow visitors to explore Tug Hill’s unique
forests, observe the wildlife that calls them home, and learn more about this remarkable landscape.
David E. Ramsey Independence River Public Conservation Area
Birdsong and Rushing Water Bring Peace at the Independence River
Forever tied to the place he loved, David E. Ramsey’s memory lives on in these woods.
This property holds a rich natural and cultural story. Previously protected through a conservation easement, it was generously donated by Bob and Carol Keller to Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust and is now named in honor of their longtime friend David E. Ramsey, who cherished the river and these woods.
Set in the Town of Greig along the scenic Independence River, this forested preserve features a tranquil trail that leads visitors from the southern boundary up to the river’s edge. As you walk along the rocks beside the water, keep an eye out for remnants of a bygone era, iron drill holes that once guided log booms downstream, echoing a time when timber moved rivers.
A new entry sign now marks the property, and future enhancements, including additional trails and a kiosk, will open even more opportunities for visitors to wander these woods, find moments of peace, and connect with the natural beauty that has inspired so many.
Dimon & Rhoda Benson Public Conservation Area
New Outdoor Opportunity on Slate in Oswego County
Thanks to the generosity of William and Mabry Benson, this newly gifted preserve marks the first in Oswego County.
Located in the Town of Boylston, the property lies along the banks of Little Sandy Creek, where rocky cliffs rise above
rushing water offering a scenic escape.
Plans are underway to establish a trail network in 2026, along with a parking area, kiosk, and roadside sign, offering the Oswego County community a preserve to explore, wander, and a place to reconnect with nature right in their own backyard.
French Settlement Road Public Conservation Area
Field, Forest and Stream Habitats to Discover Near Lorraine
Despite this year’s heavy snowfall and a stormy spring, our volunteers have helped to keep this special place open for hiking all summer long with regular trail mowing maintenance. Wooden platforms are now installed in key areas, allowing visitors to easily cross wet spots on the trail.
Next year, additional trail loops will be marked and opened, giving visitors even more chances to explore, catch a glimpse of beavers, foxes, songbirds, and other wildlife in their natural habitat, and take in the surrounding beauty.
Keller Mohawk Hill Public Conservation Area
Plans to Expand Wildlife Viewing of Grassland and Water Habitats in West Turin
Exciting plans are taking shape to construct a new two-level wildlife viewing platform.
The platform is in the early design stages, with one level designed to be wheelchair accessible, ensuring everyone can enjoy the remarkable views of grasslands, wetlands, and the birds that call them home. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2026.
Your support can bring this project to life, every gift will be doubled thanks to a $10,000 match from Dani Baker of Cross Island Farms. Contact Associate Director Heidi Sourwine at hsourwine@tughilltomorrowlandtrust.org to learn more.
Joseph A. Blake Wildlife Sanctuary
An Incredible Gift of Land and Stewardship
In 2012, Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust was honored to receive the North Country Bird Club’s gift of this well-managed forest property, located in the Town of Rutland, east of Watertown.
This year we will add recognition of the many dedicated bird club volunteers who cared so capably for this special place, and who worked hard to make it an enriching place for both people and wild creatures for so many years.
Built with Heart — Thank You, Bob McNamara
These exciting updates would not be possible without longtime volunteer, Bob McNamara, lending his time, talent, and craftsmanship.
From designing, building, and installing every entry sign to planning future kiosks and interpretive signage, Bob’s work helps to shape the experience for every visitor.
When the David S. Smith Public Conservation Area was protected in 2022, one of the driving forces behind the effort was the opportunity to maintain and improve important habitat for two endangered species: the Indiana bat and the northern long-eared bat, which rely on healthy, mature woodlands for roosting.
But protecting the land was only the first step. Now, with new partnerships and funding in place, restoration work is planned to expand and improve critical habitat.
A Focus on Invasive Species
Along the woodland edge, a thick tangle of invasive buckthorn has crowded out native vegetation and diminished the ecological value of the surrounding brushland. In partnership with the St. Lawrence-Eastern Lake Ontario (SLELO) Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM), an ambitious habitat restoration project to remove buckthorn and honeysuckle from the site is set to begin.
This work, being carried out by F&W Forestry, uses targeted methods that minimize disturbance to desirable native trees. The goal is to open up space for natural regeneration, allowing young native trees to grow without competition from invasives. Follow-up work is planned for 2026 to ensure long-term success.
Once the invasive canopy is gone, native plants, including trees ideal for bat roosting, can begin to thrive again. It’s the kind of patient, careful work that restores balance to the land and builds habitat from the ground up.
A New Forest Takes Root
Looking ahead to 2027, the second phase of restoration is planned to begin with the transformation of an open meadow into new forest.
With a strategic plan of up to 5,000 trees to be planted, including oaks, pines, maples, and hickories, this project would expand habitat for bats and many other woodland species. Trees like shagbark and pignut hickory, in particular, provide the loose bark structure that endangered bats seek for summer roosting.
Key plantings and other efforts may further be implemented along the creek on the property to bolster the riparian buffer, depending on funding available.
By increasing the amount of forest on the landscape, this project also supports broader efforts to improve climate resilience in New York. Larger, connected forests help clean our air and water, store carbon, and buffer the effects of a changing climate.
A Vision for the Future
Restoration takes time, and it relies on strong partnerships and support from people who care deeply about the land. At the David S. Smith Public Conservation Area, the work underway today is part of a larger vision, one that includes healthy forests, thriving wildlife, and lasting connections to nature close to home.
A remarkable family’s wish to ensure that their lands will provide community benefits for future generations is now secure.
In the town of Vienna, situated on the northeastern edge of Oneida Lake, Roger and Elaine Norton embarked on a lifelong journey to protect and nurture their beloved homestead. With a deep appreciation for nature, the couple cherished their time spent camping and hiking.
Their remarkable 380-acre property, rich in woodlands and wetlands, became the heart of their efforts to safeguard the diverse plant and animal life that thrives in this beautiful landscape.
Elaine played an active role in The Nature Conservancy and was passionate about sharing her love for natural history with her biology students at Camden Central School, where she was a teacher.
Together, she and Roger created nature trails that meandered through their woodlands and wetlands, providing a space for family, friends, and neighbors to explore and appreciate the beauty of nature.
Sharing an appreciation of nature
Their vision was to preserve this woodland as a forever wild area, fostering wildlife habitat while offering opportunities for the community to learn about natural history and the importance of land conservation.
The Norton daughters, who grew up on the property and inherited it from their parents, also learned to appreciate nature and have tended to the property since their parents’ passing. Ruth Norton is the main caretaker.
Several years ago, to honor their parents’ wishes for the eternal preservation of their land, the sisters reached out to the Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust to explore potential avenues for achieving this goal. After several visits to the property and meaningful discussions with Ruth and her sisters, a collaborative plan emerged.
The Land Trust agreed to accept the donation of the majority of the property from the Norton family, agreed to steward the land in perpetuity, and also establish it as a public conservation area. The area would be named the Stone House Preserve, paying tribute to the 19th-century stone structure where Ruth continues to reside.
George Bibbins, a Land Trust Board Member at the time, remarked, “When I saw how diverse and well-maintained this property was, I was convinced that this property was an outstanding project for the Land Trust. This was matched by the Norton sisters’ eagerness to work with us to get this project done.”
“We are delighted to work with Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust to honor both our family’s multi-generational involvement in nature conservation and our parent’s desire to preserve their woodland intact and forever wild,” remarked Ruth, who along with Martha, Mary, Patricia, and Catherine, have had a lifelong love of their property.
The donation by the Norton family encompasses 380 acres of land featuring charming old stone walls and historic foundations throughout the property, as well as the picturesque Brockway Brook, a beautiful waterway that adds to its natural beauty.
Thanks to the generosity of the Norton family, the preserve currently boasts six miles of scenic trails and is sure to lure visitors to hike, bird watch, and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.
Stone House Preserve’s field, forest and wetland habitats support a large variety of plants and animals throughout the year, like the Blackburnian Warbler in spring and summer as well as Red Foxes and Painted Turtles
all year round. A small forest cabin on the property will allow for guest and resident caretaker and internaccommodations in the future.
Exciting plans for the future
We have exciting plans for trail enhancements and for educational programs designed to engage and inspire nature enthusiasts, fostering a deeper connection with the natural world.
To enhance the visitor experience even further, we are planning to establish a designated parking area, an informative kiosk, and clear road signage at the preserve. These improvements will not only increase accessibility but also provide essential information for visitors. Much of this work is also made possible through a generous grant from The Nature Conservancy, for which we are immensely grateful.
You are invited to help steward the land with us
As the Land Trust embarks on this exciting new chapter, we encourage you to get involved in any way you can. There are numerous volunteer opportunities available, from trail maintenance to educational outreach, all aimed at enhancing and preserving this beautiful space.
The Stone House Preserve is more than just a recent addition; it represents hope and teamwork in our conservation efforts. We encourage you to visit, explore, and be a part of the future of this beautiful landscape. By establishing this preserve, we will protect the beauty and health of this land for future generations.
The Land Trust is honored to receive this donation of land from the Norton family. This September, we invite you to visit Stone House Preserve by attending our annual Community Picnic, which we are holding at the site. Come enjoy informational walks on the trails, guest speakers, and more. We’ll have more details in the months to come.
A special thank you to the Norton family for being a vital part of this journey!
Are you looking to make a difference and have fun with friends and family? Volunteering is a great way to do that and there are a lot of ways you can jump right in.
Photographs. We are always looking for photographs for social media, our publications, and sharing with others. Let us know if you’d like to share photos of people on trails, wildlife, farms, water, and urban conservation efforts.
Trails. You can volunteer to help create new trails, or maintain existing ones, for as little as a few hours a year or on a monthly basis. No experience is needed. For example, you can help us continue building our Traverse Trail in the heart of the Tug Hill Core Forest.
Events. Serve as a Tug Hill ambassador by setting up, manning and/or taking down our booth at one or more special events throughout the year. Volunteer ambassadors chat with interested event attendees, help them complete fun informal activities and hand out conservation, natural history and organizational information. Past events have included Fort Drum’s Outdoor Adventure Day, the Salmon River Fish Hatchery’s fall annual open house, Earth Day at Zoo New York, and many more.
If you’d like to volunteer, there’s a place for you.
You can spend a couple of hours, or all day, depending on your interest and availability. From helping out in our office, providing support at events, or assisting with trails and outreach, there are many ways to get involved. Often, there is an opportunity to include friends and family as well.
Contact Lin Gibbs via email at lgibbs@tughilltomorrowlandtrust.org or call our office at 315-779-8240 to explore what feels right for you. You can watch our Facebook and Instagram pages for announcements too.
“I feel like I make a difference when I volunteer with the land trust. Whether it’s helping at an event or cleaning up a trail, I meet great people, have fun, and feel I’ve made an impact.”
Since March of 2020, THTLT and the St. Lawrence — Eastern Lake Ontario Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (SLELO PRISM) have teamed up every fall/winter season to teach volunteers how to identify Eastern Hemlock trees, then survey the trees for the presence of the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA).
HWA is a non-native invasive insect that kills Eastern Hemlock trees, and is most noticeable in colder weather.
As a result of this teamwork, nearly 100 passionate Tug Hill recreationists are now empowered as citizen scientists with skills to survey these important trees and report the presence or absence of HWA while out snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or hiking anywhere in the region.
On Tug Hill, about 1 out of every 4 trees in our forests is an Eastern Hemlock. The Eastern Hemlock, Tsuga canadensis, is considered a foundational species, as it provides critical food and shelter for a wide variety of birds and mammals in winter.
Hemlocks also regulate stream flow, provide shade to keep trout streams cool, minimize runoff and soil erosion along steep slopes and stream sides, and help keep water clean.
These tiny insects form white frothy balls around themselves in winter. They drink tree sap and can kill a Hemlock tree within 5 years.
.
HWA Spread Concerning
HWA has been spreading northeast along Lake Ontario to trees in Selkirk Shores and Mexico Point State Parks and was recently found near Verona Beach.
HWA are thought to travel on the feet or fur of animals or by tree-to-tree contact during high wind events, as they can’t fly. They were first detected in southern New York State in 1985. Chemical and biological treatments are potential ways to treat HWA when detected early.
“Partnerships with organizations like Tug Hill Tomorrow are invaluable for engaging community members to expand early detection efforts for HWA and other invasive species in the region and beyond.”
At Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust (THTLT), our commitment to environmental stewardship goes beyond simply conserving land; it includes a thorough evaluation of water quality as a crucial factor in our conservation efforts.
When considering new projects, we meticulously assess the potential impacts on water resources, ensuring that our investments contribute to the preservation of clean, healthy water for both the environment and local communities.
Water quality is fundamentally linked to the health of our ecosystems.
We ask critical questions:
Does the proposed conservation project safeguard clean water?
Are there sensitive species, such as native and introduced trout, that depend on high water quality?
Is this land a vital source of drinking water for nearby residents?
Does the proposed conservation project safeguard clean water?
These considerations guide our decision-making process and help us identify projects that will have a meaningful impact.
Ton Ka Wa — An example of land and water stewardship
One of our most recent agreements protects the 768-acre Conservation Easement at Ton Ka Wa Rod and Gun Club in Herkimer County, which has garnered significant attention from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Black River Watershed.
Funded by over $500,000 from the State’s Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) Program, this project aims to protect the Hinkley Reservoir, a critical drinking water source for more than 125,000 residents.
The property features approximately 2,500 feet of pristine shoreline along the West Canada Creek, which feeds the reservoir, as well as about 6,500 feet of shoreline on Conklin Brook.
The significance of these water resources played a vital role in the priority ranking of this project.
Chris Welch, President of the Ton Ka Wa Rod and Gun Club said, “The ability to safeguard the water quality in both Conklin Brook and the West Canada Creek was an important factor in our decision to place a conservation easement on the land; especially since most of our members are avid fishermen.”
In addition to Ton Ka Wa, we are excited about our new Forest Conservation Easement and Land Trust (FCELT) grant property owned by Peter Doerner in the Town of Boylston. This property is an area that is home to unique natural communities that contribute to the maintenance of excellent water quality in the Redfield area.
The ongoing project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025 or early 2026, further showcasing our commitment to water quality conservation.
Water quality also impacts the health of fish populations, such as trout, which are sensitive to
environmental changes. To lessen changes that could affect these populations over time, conserving land resources such as forests and stream vegetation that provide clean and plentiful water is essential not only for wildlife but also human health and our region’s fishing economy.
At THTLT, we recognize that water quality is a defining element of our conservation mission. By prioritizing projects that protect and enhance water resources, we strive to ensure a sustainable future for both our ecosystems and local communities.
As we move forward, we invite you to join us in our efforts to promote clean water and preserve the natural beauty of Tug Hill.
FACT: Turtles are the most imperiled major group of animals on earth. If you save a female turtle, she may be able to lay eggs for another 100 years.
You’re invited to join in 2026! 
Wildlife Spotlight
Unlike typical fireflies that flash randomly, synchronous fireflies pulse their light in perfect coordination, entire groups lighting up and going dark in a stunning, wave-like pattern.
David S. Smith Public Conservation Area
Joseph A. Blake Wildlife Sanctuary
Built with Heart — Thank You, Bob McNamara
When the David S. Smith Public Conservation Area was protected in 2022, one of the driving forces behind the effort was the opportunity to maintain and improve important habitat for two endangered species: the Indiana bat and the northern long-eared bat, which rely on healthy, mature woodlands for roosting.
