TILT Completes Reseeding Efforts as Part of Tibbetts Point Preserve Restoration
Last week, the Thousand Islands Land Trust (TILT) took a critical step forward in its ongoing restoration efforts at Tibbetts Point Preserve. As part of a phased approach to reclaim and revitalize this ecologically significant landscape, TILT Stewardship Staff completed reseeding aimed to restore native grasslands and improve habitat connectivity.
The reseeding marks the final step in the clearing phase that began last fall, when the Land Trust utilized specialized forestry equipment to remove dense, invasive shrubs, including buckthorn and honeysuckle. This initial clearing paved the way for the next phase of the project—re-establishing native plants and grasses to improve the ecological integrity.
“Our efforts at Tibbetts Point Preserve are about more than just removing invasive species,” said Natalie Gates, Land Protection Specialist. “By reseeding the cleared areas with native grasses, we’re creating a healthier, more resilient landscape that supports biodiversity, enhances water quality, and preserves scenic beauty, aligning perfectly with our organization’s mission.”
Grasslands are vital to the region’s ecosystem, providing essential habitat for pollinators and grassland birds while also improving soil health and water retention. Unfortunately, these landscapes are increasingly under threat due to factors like row crop conversion, solar development, and invasive species encroachment. The Land Trust’s ongoing conservation work at Tibbetts Point Preserve seeks to reverse this trend by restoring roughly 50 acres of degraded land to a thriving native grassland.
The phased restoration approach at Tibbetts Point Preserve is a crucial piece of TILT’s broader conservation vision—one that seeks to protect and enhance the natural landscapes of the Thousand Islands for future generations. Through careful land management and habitat renewal, the Land Trust is working to ensure that native ecosystems can thrive, providing lasting benefits for wildlife, water quality, and the community.
