Last fall, the Thousand Islands Land Trust (TILT) teamed up with Diane Kingsley to design and develop a new trail at Zenda Farms Preserve. Building off the popularity of the existing MacFarlane Walking Trail, the Zenda Trail Spur leads hikers, bikers and bird watchers along a half mile excursion through the open grasslands and around the Zenda Vineyard.
The Zenda Trail Spur offers up-close views of the historic Jamesway Barns and a stunning panoramic of the St. Lawrence River. Along the Trail, users will come upon a relaxing stop next to one of the wetland potholes that are interspersed throughout the rolling meadows. Taking a quick rest on a bench, hikers may encounter a variety of waterfowl and shorebirds that use these wet areas for nesting, rearing young and foraging. During the months of April and May, the spring peepers are sure to greet you along the Trail.
The momentum for the Zenda Trail Spur was fueled by Diane Kingsley’s passion to give back. Recently falling in love with Zenda Farms and all that the Preserve has to offer, Diane generously sponsored the Trail as another way for the Clayton community to connect with nature. “I have been summering on the River all my life. The River and the land have always provided me with ways to connect with my family and loved ones,” explained Diane. “In the past and even today, women predominately carried the torch when it came to preparing for summer at the River. They were willing to relocate the family for a change of pace and the opportunity to parent with adventure. It means a great deal to me to envision mothers walking along the new Zenda Trail Spur teaching their little ones all about the critters that call Zenda home.”
The original mile and a half Macfarlane Walking Trail was named after Zenda’s original donors, Lois Jean and John MacFarlane. Constructed in 2011, the MacFarlane Walking Trail follows the perimeter of Zenda’s eastern meadow and is designed for hiking, jogging and cross-country skiing. The new Zenda Trail Spur offers a shorter, but complimentary excursion through the Preserve. Both trails are designed to be ADA accessible.
In addition to the over two miles of public trails, Zenda Farms Preserve is home to the Zenda Community Garden, which provides fresh, locally grown produce for participating families, and numerous engaging treks and children’s programs that are open to the public.
TILT is currently developing Zenda Farms into a center for community engagement, environmental education, and sustainable agriculture within its ecologically diverse and culturally historic farm setting - including the production of sustainably-produced wine.
