Celebrate TILT’s 40th Anniversary with an Adventure at Otter Creek Preserve
In honor of the Thousand Islands Land Trust’s (TILT) 40th anniversary, we’re celebrating by highlighting our Signature Preserves. Next up is the Otter Creek Preserve, a stunning 115-acre natural haven located just outside Alexandria Bay, offering diverse habitats, scenic trails, and rich wildlife experiences for all visitors.
This serene sanctuary has a story that began in 1999 with the Butts family’s donation of the first of two islands in Otter Creek. Both were given to ensure the protection of the natural splendor of the Thousand Islands Region. A decade later in 2011, a local group donated over 80 acres of land, igniting momentum for further conservation efforts. Over the following 5 years, the Land Trust partnered with the Sweet, Monica, and VanWagnen families, with support from a North American Wetlands Conservation Act grant, to shape this vital public resource. In 2015, their vision was fully realized, and the Preserve was established – a cherished recreational area for the community.
Otter Creek Preserve features 1.9 miles of well-maintained trails for walking, hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. A highlight of the Preserve is its cable suspension bridge, offering an immersive experience deep within the woods and overlooking the ecologically sensitive Lynch Creek. A portion of the trail is ADA-accessible, including a wildlife observation tower that provides views of a golden-winged warbler demonstration area.
No matter the season, Otter Creek Preserve offers something special for visitors. In spring, the forest bursts into life with budding trees, while Northern Pike use the creek as a spawning ground, and migratory birds like Scarlet Tanagers and Kingfishers return to the woods and waters. Summer brings lush greenery and cooling shade along the trails, with otters playfully navigating the creek and hikers pausing at the suspension bridge to take in the view. Fall transforms the Preserve into a mosaic of vibrant reds, oranges, and golds, with the crisp air making for perfect hiking weather. Winter blankets the landscape in snow, turning the Preserve into a picturesque wonderland ideal for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, with fresh tracks revealing the presence of deer and fishers.
With support from the Town of Alexandria, funding from the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, and grants from New York State (NYS) Parks and the Land Trust Alliance Conservation Partnership Program, TILT transformed Otter Creek into an accessible and inviting space for all. The preserve, conveniently located within walking distance from Alexandria Bay and its central school district, has become a beloved community asset, with local scouts and volunteers assisting in its maintenance over the years.
Whether you're a seasoned explorer or simply seeking a peaceful retreat in nature, Otter Creek Preserve offers a chance to connect with the land and appreciate the beauty of the Thousand Islands region in every season. Make Otter Creek part of your winter adventures by joining TILT’s Winter Hike Challenge! Stay active, explore the beauty of TILT’s Signature Preserves, and celebrate 40 years of conservation. For more details and other preserves to visit this season, head to tiltandturst.org or follow us on social media. Get outside and experience the wonder of winter—we can’t wait to see you on the trails!
