EMales

A dream that began around a campfire is becoming a reality thanks to the dedication, grit, and teamwork of our staff and volunteers. The vision? A hiking trail stretching through the heart of Tug Hill, connecting communities and immersing hikers in some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the region.

Today, that vision is halfway complete. Ten miles of the Tug Hill Traverse Trail are now open, starting at the Tug Hill Wildlife Management Area in the Town of Montague, crossing G&W Road, and continuing to Michigan Mills Road in the Town of West Turin. When finished, the trail will span more than 20 miles—winding past quiet wetlands, following rushing streams, and weaving through stands of towering hemlock.

This is no ordinary trail. As the first non-motorized, moderately difficult hiking trail of its kind in the region, the Tug Hill Traverse offers something special: views of the East Branch of Fish Creek, bird-filled wetlands, rugged rock outcrops, and the peaceful solitude of the big woods.

The effort is being led by volunteer trail designer and coordinator Bob McNamara, who is working side by side with seasonal volunteers and with the support of partners including the Black River Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the New York State Tug Hill Commission, and The Nature Conservancy.

“We’ve had incredible help from our volunteers, and every mile completed is a testament to their hard work,” says Heidi Sourwine, Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust Associate Director. “It’s inspiring to see people come together to build something that will connect so many people to the land.”

Work on the remaining 10 miles will continue this season, bringing the trail closer to its full length—and to becoming a lasting resource for hikers, birders, and nature lovers from near and far.

Our next volunteer trail clearing day is Saturday, August 16th, 2025. Email Lin at lgibbs@tughilltomorrowlandtrust.org to get more information or sign up.

Our annual calendar contest is designed for all of the talented photographers who like to capture the beauty and uniqueness of Tug Hill!

From landscapes to wildlife to people representative of the region’s cultural heritage, we encourage you to get creative as you enjoy the place you call home and share your favorite outdoor spots.

Everyone loves the Tug Hill Calendar, and, in addition, to the calendar, these photos could show up on our website, social media pages, and Greenings newsletters. It’s a great way to share your love of the Tug Hill region and inspire others with your talent.

How to submit…

• You may submit up to 10 photos in total for consideration.
• All photos must be taken in the Tug Hill region.
• We need photos in all seasons (Winter, Spring, Summer & Fall).
• When submitting your photos use the following naming format: LastName_FirstName_Location_Description_MonthTaken.
• Email your photos to our Communications & Marketing Director, Emily Males at emales@tughilltomorrowlandtrust.org.

You can also share your photos with us by using the free file transferring site called We Transfer. Simply add your photos, add your email address, and email them to emales@tughilltomorrowlandtrust.org. This site limits you to 2GB per transfer. If your files are over 2GB you may send them in batches or compress them. Here are directions for compressing files on a PC and MAC.

The best way to experience one of the most remote parts of New York State continues to be in the trails, forests, and riverbeds of the Tug Hill region.

As seasonal rains begin to swell the streams and rivers, gorgeous water scenery comes alive in the region, as seen in the many scenic waterfalls throughout the four counties. Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust, in partnership with the 1000 Islands International Tourism Council, Lewis County Chamber of Commerce, Oneida County Tourism, Oswego County Tourism, and The Tug Hill Commission is pleased to share an addition to the Tug Hill Recreation Guide: Waterfalls!

Venture out and explore.

For the year 2022, we have mapped a selection of 22 waterfalls within the Tug Hill region that we encourage you to add to your sightseeing list. This new resource will help you find these water features, ascertain trail difficulty, identify any available parking, and more. To view the Recreation Guide, please see www.visittughill.com, and take note of the new
“Waterfalls” tab!

Salmon River Falls, included on the “22 for 2022” list and pictured above, is arguably the most well-known in the region, measuring around 110 feet. Whether flowing or frozen, Salmon River Falls has a multi-season beauty visible from various viewing platforms along the marked trail. For more detailed information, directions, parking, and links, check out the Visit Tug Hill’s interactive google map and look for the waterfall icons

The importance of having accessible open spaces for recreation, physical and mental health and connecting and learning about nature has become very apparent during these months of dealing with the pandemic.  Creating those spaces has taken a giant step forward thanks to a recent gift that Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust (THTLT) received from Pure Water for Life (PWfL).  The lead gift of $30K will help create a parking area, trails, signage and educational programming at THTLT’s newest public conservation area on French Settlement Road, in the town of Lorraine, in southernmost Jefferson County, NY.

“Only months ago, Dr. Marvin Reimer made a wonderful gift to THTLT of a 121-acre property that will help THTLT tell the story of the Heart of Tug Hill forests and the history of settlement,” said THTLT executive director Linda Garrett.  “But we thought it would be years before we could improve the public access by building a parking area, trails and educational programs for the property – and then came this amazing gift from PWfL!”

The new French Settlement Road public conservation area is a mix of northern hardwood forests, with several large beaver ponds and wetland areas.  There is even evidence of two farmstead sites.  The vision for improving the access includes a parking area large enough for a school bus and several cars, non-motorized trails that meander throughout the property, and in the future an all-access trail.  The property will be protected forever, and as the forest matures, THTLT expects it to approach late successional forest similar to what Tug Hill forests were like before harvested for wood and cleared for farming.

The gift from PWfL will also help create interpretive signage along trails, trail maps, and perhaps even wildlife viewing areas.  Once the parking area has been developed, THTLT will host guided nature walks and other educational programs for the public as well as youth groups and schools.

PWfL was established in 1987 to preserve the natural resources and wildlife of the Tug Hill region.  It began over concerns about the impact of the solid waste management facility proposed for, and since built, in Rodman to serve the counties around Fort Drum at the time of the Fort’s major expansion.  Since, PWfL has focused on protection of Tug Hill natural resources, especially in the Rodman and surrounding towns area.  Feeling it was time to transition its energies, PWfL decided to look for an organization with similar concerns about protecting Tug Hill natural resources to make use of PWfL remaining financial resources.

“I knew about the work of THTLT through my involvement in the Cooperative Tug Hill Council, and thought the mission of THTLT and PWfL were similar”, commented Roger Tibbetts, PWfL President.  “The PWfL board felt this gift would really have a lasting and positive impact on this project.”

Emilio D’Argenio emphasized “It is really exciting and heartening to know that the money is being put to good use.  PWFL raised nearly a half million dollars and it was well spent. Safeguards in the design and operation of the Development Authorities landfill were put in place as well as benefits to the town of Rodman.  This most likely would not have been accomplished without the involvement of PWFL and our supporters. The donations were mostly small amounts and much of it came from folks that could least afford to give.  Everyone realized the importance of protecting the uniqueness and resources of Tug Hill. I am very proud of what we’ve accomplished and especially pleased to be part of this positive development with the Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust.”

Dave Larrabee, PWfL board member and retired NYS Forest Ranger said, “I am passionate about creating and maintaining trails for the public to enjoy, and I recognize the importance of our forests not only to the future of Tug Hill, but to our world.”  Dave Larrabee was honored with THTLT’s Top of the Hill award at THTLT’s 2020 annual meeting in December.

THTLT is already starting work on parking area and trail location for the property.  The plan is to start construction of the parking area as soon as possible.  THTLT will be working closely with PWfL and the local communities as we develop the trails and educational signs and programs.

A product Tug Hill residents look forward to every year! The beautiful full color 12×9 calendar featuring photos taken in Tug Hill is now available for sale.

All of the photos included in this calendar were taken by local photographers who live, work and play in the region. This publication would not be possible without those talented individuals who are featured or, the following business sponsors: Coughlin Printing, Mystic Stamp Company, Christmas and Associates, and Bob and Carol Keller.

The cost for this calendar is $15.00 which goes to local nature conservation work the Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust does.

View the Calendar in Full and Purchase Yours

Trout Unlimited and Trout Power, in partnership with Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust, have found genetically unique brook trout, sometimes called “heritage” trout, in some of the most remote headwaters streams in the heart of the Tug Hill core forest, or the “Heart of Tug Hill.”

The Tug Hill Chapter of Trout Unlimited, using citizen science protocols developed by the New York-based not-for-profit Trout Power, conducted the field study in 2019. Genetic analysis was performed by the State University of New York at Albany.

“The uniqueness of the sampled trout appears to be even more pure or distinct than other unique strains identified in the Adirondacks,” said Paul Miller, a local member of Trout Unlimited and Trout Power, and a board member of Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust. Miller continued, “This is significant, and means we should do all we can to avoid jeopardizing this genetically unique strain of brook trout. Protecting their habitat is the most important and effective means of ensuring their survival.”

The “Heart of Tug Hill” is comprised of about 170,000 acres of remote forest at the center of the Tug Hill region. It includes parts of the towns of Redfield (Oswego County), Worth (Jefferson County), and Montague, Martinsburg, West Turin and Osceola (all four in Lewis County).

“These wild lands give rise to major river systems that provide world-class fishing opportunities and drinking water, including the Salmon River, Deer River, the Sandy Creeks and East and West Branches of Fish Creek,” said Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust Executive Director Linda Garrett.

Garrett also noted that a new study by The Nature Conservancy identifies portions of the Tug Hill core forest as “Last Chance Ecosystems” – relatively unspoiled lands that if conserved will provide habitats important to wildlife species diversity.

Read and download the “Heart of Tug Hill” >>

Fun Activities for the Whole Family

Guest Post by: Jenny Miller

In a world consumed by social media and various forms of technology, more children, teens, and adults are displaying signs of nature-deficit disorder (NDD) — a term that describes the consequences of spending too little time outdoors and much of our lives cooped inside our homes. To get more families outside and prevent NDD from occurring, we’ve put together a list of the following resources and outdoor activities for children and adults alike!

Learn Something New in Your Own Backyard

• Backyard Fun: 10 Exciting Activities to Do with Children
• Springtime Learning: 9 Great Educational Activities to Do Outdoors
• Under the Stars: Try a Night of Stargazing
• Get to Know Your Trees: Backyard Tree Identification Guide

Explore the State Where You Live

• Tug Hill
• Beaver Lake Nature Center
• Cayuga Nature Center
• Find a State Park or Trail Near You

Plan a Camping Trip

• 6 Steps for Planning a Family Camping Trip
• Find a Campground Near You
• Teach Your Kids the Basics of Navigation
• 21 Camping Games for Families

Play a Sport

• Learn How to Teach Your Child to Play Golf
• Play a Fun Basketball Game with Your Kids
• Teach Your Kids the Right Way to Play Soccer
• Play Badminton as a Family

Now that you have some fun outdoor activities to enjoy with your children, it’s time to get your kids outside for a few hours of playtime — or maybe even a full weekend of outdoor fun and excitement. Whether you stargaze in your backyard or spend a weekend camping, you’ll teach your kids to appreciate the great outdoors while protecting them from nature-deficit disorder.

Chances are, the past few months you have probably spent a lot of time at home or in front of a screen due to COVID-19. Now that restrictions are slowly easing up and it is warm out, fresh air and sunshine is exactly what many people want and need. Particularly, hiking.

Hiking has become one of the most popular outdoor activities because you don’t need any equipment, it can essentially be cost-free. People are craving the chance to break away from screens and be outdoors to feel better physically and mentally. However, as more and more people are hiking, it can take a toll on the natural world. Here are things to keep in mind and ways you can minimize the impact on nature:

Take Nothing but Photos

People often take flowers, an interesting rock, or some other type of souvenir when hiking as a way to remember that hike. But can you imagine how much damage it would cause if nearly 40 million people did that when they hike every year? Take photos to remember your hike and nothing else. Leave natural things in nature where they belong.

Always Walk On the Trail

There are thousands of miles of hiking trails and if you’re hiking in a park or nature preserve that has trails, walk on those trails at all times. The trails are designed to keep you safe and to protect the ecosystems that are off the trail. If you try to create your own shortcut or path other people might start walking on your path and soon the entire area would be a mess, leading to trail washout and erosion of topsoil that provides vegetation with nutrients. So, opt not to do that. Stay on the trails.

Keep Your Dog Leashed

Dogs are fantastic hiking companions. But, they should be on a leash at all times. Dogs that are off the leash may get too excited and run off to chase wildlife, dig, bite bark or loose tree branches, and rip bushes. Take dogs on hikes, just respect the trail and others on it and keep them leashed.

Don’t Disturb Wildlife

You might see wildlife like birds, deer, rabbits, chipmunks… but never get too close and don’t try to feed them or follow their tracks. If you want to capture the memory take a distance photo with your phone and then keep on the trail.

It is always a good practice: whatever you bring with you onto trails should leave with you and whatever is there at the trails should stay as is. Leave nothing behind and don’t disturb the trail systems. Leave no trace while having fun, exploring nature and enjoying the outdoors.

This article was created by Personal Injury Law – an organization dedicated to providing the public with information about personal injury and safety information. Nothing in this article should be construed as legal advice, and it is intended for informational use only.

As an opportunity to get outside and experience the many diverse landscapes and wildlife habitat in the region, this challenge is ongoing for one year to encourage you to experience the beauty of Tug Hill in all seasons.

The challenge is for folks to document 10 walk, hike, bike, snowshoe, or paddle trails in the Tug Hill Recreation Guide then, complete our online form. Once completed, we’ll send either our Challenge Patch or Window Cling Decal (participants choice) to congratulate them on achieving this challenge.

Share your experiences with us by taking lots of photos and sharing them on social media with the hashtag #TugHill10.

Most importantly this challenge is designed for folks to have fun outdoors exploring the region so, get outside and just enjoy!