When Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has,” she was thinking about people like you. There are so many ways you can help.
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 throughout the year. It’s your monthly gift that allows us to seize opportunities and respond to unexpected challenges. Monthly gifts range in size from $5 to $1,000. All contributions of any size are greatly appreciated.
Gifts of stock
A gift of stock is a great way to help avoid capital gains taxes, receive an income tax deduction, and support local land conservation. 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.
Give from your IRA
If you are 70.5 years or older and have a traditional IRA, you can make a donation from your IRA account to support conservation. IRA gifts are generally not recognized as taxable income and may count toward meeting your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD). If you must take an RMD this year, giving from your IRA is a strategic way to fulfill it.
Other ways to give
Many people find that they want to include the land trust in their will. Some donate property to create public conservation areas or to resell, once conserved, to boost programs. For other ways to give visit tughilltomorrowlandtrust.org/ways-to-give
As always, please consult your tax advisor/attorney for advice on your specific situation.
“It gives me peace of mind, and a sense of hope, to contribute towards saving land and preserving our region’s sense of place. I know I’m making a difference.”
That happened this fall when someone posted, “Hey, did you see that photo of the moose swimming across Alder Pond on Facebook?” A flurry of excited chatter followed: “Is it the same one spotted in Westernville/Lee?” “No, that was a younger one.”
It’s a joy for everyone to see a moose — always from a safe distance. What’s even more exhilarating is witnessing more animals like them making use of landscapes between Tug Hill and the Adirondacks during their annual fall migrations.
These open spaces create a haven between Tug Hill and the Adirondack Mountains, full of climate-resilient forests, farms, fields, and wetlands. Large mammals like moose, black bears, and martens find everything they need: space, food, and water.
The timing is more critical than ever when we consider that a moose needs a range of 5 to 50 square miles, and martens can journey 2.5 to 25 miles to find new territories. It emphasizes just how vital expansive landscapes are for their survival.
Thanks to the collective efforts of community members, local towns, conservation organizations, and state agencies, we’ve managed to conserve over 3,500 acres in the past decade.
Much of this land is owned by local families, who have protected their lands using voluntary conservation agreements (called conservation easements). They continue to pay local property taxes, manage the land, and can sell or bequeath the land subject to the conservation agreement.
These lands have created the foundation for what will become a critical corridor for wildlife, allowing wildlife to travel freely between Tug Hill and the Adirondack Mountains.
But our work is far from over.
The threat of haphazard development and road expansion continues to loom over these critical habitats, risking fragmentation and loss of connectivity that could reverse these hard-won successes.
Why prioritize landscape-scale conservation?
While it’s crucial to protect specific sites with unique features, we must not lose sight of the bigger picture. The intricate web of habitats, waterways, and migration routes in Tug Hill demands a broader perspective.
Landscape-scale conservation ensures large, interconnected regions remain intact to better serve wildlife, water quality, and working lands.
Facing tomorrow’s challenges
Isolated habitats pose risks. Fragmentation disrupts animal movements and diminishes biodiversity. Add climate change to the mix, which forces many species to migrate, and the stakes get even higher.
It’s not just about the animals, either. These regions act as buffers against natural disasters, absorbing heavy rains and slowing down flooding.
Our goal for the upcoming year is clear: we need to strike a balance between thoughtful development and conservation. Together, with your unwavering support and assistance of the larger community, we can ensure Tug Hill’s beauty and biodiversity endure for future generations.
Did you know?
Moose are excellent swimmers and can hold their breath underwater for 30 seconds. They also are extremely fast, running at speeds of 35-40 mph. Yet they, like other wildlife in the Tug Hill, face challenges.
Moose are increasingly stressed by overheating, disease, and tick infestation—all tied to climate change and the related warming temperatures. This is true across the United States, from New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine; to Minnesota and Michigan; and even Montana.
By conserving habitat, and slowing down climate change, we are all giving moose a chance to thrive.
The soon-to-be 20-mile Traverse Trail will take another leap forward this summer thanks to the help of volunteers, dedicated board and staff, and long-time partners. Last summer, the northern 10 miles of the trail was completed.
Tug Hill Tomorrow and Adirondack Mountain Club volunteers will work to complete the approximately 10 miles of trail starting from the Michigan Mills Road in the Town of West Turin, south through State Forest Preserve parcels, to its southern endpoint in the Town of Osceola. The trail will be open for non-motorized use once completed.
This is a remarkable volunteer effort, once again demonstrating love for Tug Hill. If you’d like to help out contact Lin Gibbs at 315-779-8240, x14, or email [email protected].
Can you feel the anticipation? Plans for making nature areas close to you accessible are underway, and we’re excited to get you out and moving in forests, wet meadows, and grasslands later this year.
David S. Smith Public Conservation Area
Located in the Town of LeRay, this special place will likely become a “go-to” destination given its proximity to Fort Drum families. With mostly farms and commercial properties here, publicly accessible natural areas are few.
But safe public access will be on the way after a site plan detailing natural resources on the property is approved, and funding secured — providing parking, trails, and more for recreation and learning activities.
French Settlement Public Conservation Area
Thanks to Dr. Marvin Reimer’s generous 2020 donation, this beautiful 121-acre property will be a neighborhood favorite. Its bird, beaver, and porcupine habitat has been caringly watched over by volunteer and neighbor, Kris Dimmick, and will soon hold parking, trails, and interpretive signage for the public to enjoy created by Art of Wilderness’s Bob McNamara.
Mohawk Hill Public Conservation Area
Restored to open wetland by Ducks Unlimited, and donated to the land trust in 2022, this Town of West Turin site has sweeping views of grassland and shallow wetland habitats and is home to a variety of wildlife including Bobolink and many types of waterfowl.
Ducks Unlimited will provide maintenance on the property including mowing and other habitat improvements as it gradually transfers these responsibilities to our land trust. A NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory installed last winter documented lightning strikes during lake effect snow events, adding vital information for understanding future storms.
For more information about these public conservation areas, or other trails and places to go, please refer to our website and eNewsletters. If you’d like to help, please contact John Souva by email at [email protected].
Jonathan Northrop grew up on a dairy farm and dreamt of his own. But as surrounding farms were developed, and land prices increased, he worried his dream would be lost. Enter conservation.
Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust worked with Jonathan and his family, and the county farmland protection board, to submit a successful NYS farmland protection grant. Now, 940 acres of farmland will be protected, in the towns of Brownville, Clayton and Orleans.
“Jonathan’s dad, Michael, conserved his family’s home-farm in the towns of Adams and Rodman,” explained John Souva, Land Protection/Education & Outreach Manager. “Like many farmers, Jonathan is now continuing his family legacy by protecting his own farm. We’re so happy to be able to help.” The Northrop Farm is one of 14 ongoing farmland protection projects.
More resources for outdoor exploration are in kids’ hands this year, with families spending more quality time together in the outdoors. So far, seven libraries throughout the region each have two Tug Hill Explorer Backpacks. The backpacks are available for anyone to borrow and return.
One backpack focuses on birds, and the other focuses on animal signs and tracking. Tug Hill Explorer Backpacks contain books, tools, activities, and equipment that will enrich any outdoor experience, with a list of suggested locations open to the public for adventures beyond the backyard.
As Tug Hill Explorer Backpacks are not eligible for interlibrary loan the plan is to work with donors and foundations to secure additional funding to supply the explorer backpacks to more local libraries and expand the offerings to include insects and pond/stream life.
Initial funding has been provided by the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, Stewart’s Holiday Match Fund, and community supporters like you.
We’ve seen the miraculous return of our feathered friends from their winter in the warm south and can now enjoy watching as they nest and raise new families. Birds inspire and uplift us with their energy, colorful plumage, interesting behaviors, various calls and songs, and the important ways they do their part to keep our world healthy.
Birds pollinate and spread seeds of many of the plants that provide us with food, with medicine, with wood and with clean, fresh air. They keep insect and rodent numbers in check, and they are valuable as prey for bigger birds and other animals. All services that humans also depend on.
But did you know we’re seeing fewer and fewer birds — both migrants and year-round residents — every year? In fact, since 1970, according to a comprehensive 2019 study by Science magazine, North American bird populations have dropped by nearly 30 percent — a decline of approximately 3 billion birds — including common as well as less common birds, with the risk that our children will never be able to experience some of the birds we now do.
Without habitat protection, birds don’t have a chance. And having fewer birds around us negatively impacts all of us — our surroundings, our livelihoods, our health. This is why your support for land conservation is so very crucial.
Your commitment keeps large areas of wetland, field and forest available as refuge for these vital creatures, along with the plants and animals they depend on, and that depend on them. Places full of soothing birdsong as we hike on forest trails or have a picnic near on a riverbank.
You make a difference by helping to secure all of the benefits that birds bring to our lives, our world. Thank you!
Critical for wildlife, water, recreation and economy
Some of New York’s most important wildlife habitat resides in large expanses of forest land. Tug Hill’s forests are no exception.
The “Core Forest, the Heart of Tug Hill,” that encompasses over 45,000 acres provides critical migration corridors for black bear, moose, and bobcat, and is the headwater supply for drinking water in the cities of Rome and Oneida.
These lands are part of a larger regional conservation effort spanning from Pennsylvania up to Canada. With extreme weather on the rise, wildlife now face challenges related to drought, heavy rains and flooding, and habitat fragmentation. The conservation of New York’s woodlands is central to the survival of resident and migratory birds, like the Scarlet Tanager, as well providing safe migration route for the shy lynx.
Data has shown that lynx require as much as 30 square miles for food, shelter and raising their young. Yet development unchecked in many forested regions put’s the land—and the wildlife—at risk.
When factoring in how important forests and woodlands are for improving water quality and reducing flooding, as well as the multi-billion dollar recreation and forest economy, it’s clear that conserving these lands couldn’t be more timely.
New funding program advances forest conservation
The Forest Conservation Easements for Land Trusts Program is a new opportunity for private landowners looking to conserve their forested properties. The program is funded by the NYS Environmental Protection Fund and was expanded this year to $1.35 million statewide.
New York State has a long history of land protection yet this program is unique in how it supports local forest owners to conserve their land. Accredited land trusts raise money and apply for matching funds to support projects that address water conservation, wildlife habitat, support local forest-based economies, and slow down the pace and impact of climate change.
Your support is critical as our match for completing the overall project assessment and related documentation.If awarded this year, Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust will assist two families whose properties encompass 500 acres of forestland in the “Core Forest.”
In the southern region of the Tug Hill, there’s a growing sense of purpose and excitement.
You might assume that the woodlands, meadows, and streams that comprise so much of the area are accessible
to people from all walks of life, but that’s not often the case. Public conservation lands with welcoming trails, in many areas, are few and far between.
Research has documented that youth are facing greater stress due to social isolation, falling behind in their studies due to the Pandemic, and lack of time in nature.
Being in nature can improve focus, build self-esteem, improve empathy, and foster greater success at school.
Partnerships between our land trust and State Parks in Verona Beach, and in the Town of Western, as well as community organizations like Midtown Urban Community Center (MUCC) and Young Scholars LLP in Utica, are so important.
It’s a step in providing outdoor experiences within the southern part of our region for those who, so far, have had little chance to experience the wonders of nature on a regular basis.
Sally Smith, Verona Beach State Park Supervisor, explains, “People need nature. We know that. But what we often forget is that nature needs people who care. By creating positive memorable experiences, these young people can grow up sharing their love of the outdoors with their family. The importance of saving these lands for future generations doesn’t come from being ‘educated.’ It comes from the heart.”
“People need nature. We know that. But what we often forget is that nature needs people who care…” — Sally Smith, Verona Beach State Park Supervisor
It wasn’t that long ago when Tug Hill’s woodlands seemed to go on forever, a haven for people and wildlife alike.
Over the years, as has been the case in other rural areas, families have sold their land and family camps, increasing the risk of a slow but steady conversion to residential lots.
When land is sold and developed into smaller parcels Tug Hill’s wildlife becomes more vulnerable to the impacts of roads, traffic, and potential user conflicts. For some, like the shy and elusive bobcat that depends on solitude for survival, it can drive them out.
But there’s another way
Across the state, local families, hunting clubs, and conservation organizations like Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust and The Nature Conservancy are pursuing funding necessary to conserve critical lands.
One such example is a partnership between the Ton-Ka-Wa Rod & Gun Club, our land trust, and The Nature Conservancy. Over the past several years, we have worked with the Ton-Ka-Wa Rod & Gun Club to clarify if they were interested in conserving their 773-acre property in the Town of Ohio in Herkimer County.
The Club’s property is part of a major wildlife migration corridor in upstate New York and provides a natural buffer from future run-off, pollution, and extreme weather events for many of the streams within the Mohawk River Watershed.
Club member Chris Welch explained that their members recognized that “protection of this property not only provides habitat for wildlife moving between Tug Hill and the Adirondacks but also helps conserve the West Canada Creek, a tributary that flows through the property and into the Mohawk River.
“The river is a major recreational destination for the Mohawk Valley region, as well as a drinking water source for an estimated 100,000 Albany County residents. We wanted to do something that benefited the Club and the community.”
Because of the importance of the land and its location, The Nature Conservancy obtained a grant from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Water Quality Incentive Program to conserve the property.
The grant will compensate the Club, based upon a professional conservation appraisal that reflects restricting incompatible development and future division of their property. The land management goals include establishing stream buffers and restoring groundwater recharge areas to protect surface or groundwater drinking water sources.
The land continues to be owned and managed by the Club, remains on the tax rolls, and is not for public use other than what the Club permits.
As with all of the voluntary conservation agreements, technically referred to as a conservation easements, the conservation of the land will last for generations.
“There’s no way we could undertake the habitat projects we want to do, like improving the dams for ponds and enhancing wildlife habitat along streams, without this grant. We appreciate the opportunity to both conserve the land and restore some of the habitat,” explained Club member Heidi Jones.
As our region faces more extreme weather amplified by climate change, we will see increased periods of prolonged summer droughts interrupted by heavy rainfall that can lead to flooding.
Mark Pacilio, Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust’s Executive Director notes that “this type of partnership can play a pivotal role in enhancing water quality and improving stormwater resilience, using nature as a tool for change as well as conserving recreational opportunities and wildlife habitat. This is a win-win.”
Is conservation right for you, or someone you know?
Would you like to protect your land? Do you know someone who might be interested in protecting their farm, woodlands, or wetlands?
Jeannine Eckel
People protect their land for a variety of reasons. For many, it’s a way to ensure their love of the land will remain intact after they leave. For others, it’s a way to honor their parents and grandparents. Sometimes it helps with estate planning or financial management plans.
If you would like to explore if conservation is right for you and your family, contact JJ Schell, Associate Director/Land Protection Director at 315-779-8240 or email him at [email protected].
All conversations are confidential to provide your family the privacy it needs to make a decision that is right for you.
Mohawk Hill Public Conservation Area
New funding program advances forest conservation
