Imogen "Junie" Augsbury had an unconditional love for the Thousand Islands and was a true River Rat. With Junie's passing earlier this year, the River and the Grindstone Island community lost not only a dear friend, but also a unwavering champion for land conservation. Surrounded by her children, Junie died on April 26, 2021 at her residence in Naples, Florida.
Junie first came to Grindstone with her Aunt Jo to visit close friends, Amelia and Logan Howard-Smith and their son, Douglas. Junie and Douglas were married in 1947 and eventually, the family's main house became their summer home. Over his lifetime, Doug, later with Junie's keen assistance, purchased several adjoining farms, and, piece by piece, formed the 750-acre dairy farm they operated until the late 1950s when the cheese factory closed.
After Doug died in 1969, Junie later married Frank Augsbury, who was very involved in the community of Ogdensburg, and who came to love Grindstone as well. Together, they were dedicated and passionate members of the Grindstone community, and were long-standing supporters of TILT's land conservation efforts.
In 1996, Junie donated a 130-acre parcel at the intersection of Baseline Road and Lower Town Landing Road as a grassland bird sanctuary dedicated in memory of her late husband. Named the Douglas Howard-Smith Preserve, its rolling grasslands were an extension of the 220-acre Rusho Farm Meadow Preserve.
Then in 1998, Junie and Frank worked with TILT to place a limited development conservation easement on their remaining 680 acres. The Augsbury Family Conservation Easement protects an expanse of open meadow, mature forest, diverse wetlands and undeveloped waterfront.
Junie loved the River, her home here, and the memories of family and friends that bound her to the islands and the water that flows through them. The Douglas Howard-Smith Preserve and the Augsbury Family Conservation Easement are the lasting tributes to Junie and her family's love of Grindstone, its land, and the families who are lucky enough to share its bounty.
TILT has been so fortunate to have such passionate supporters like Junie. For over 30 years, she graced us with her love, dedication, and generosity. And we are forever grateful. 
