A longtime resident of Wellesley Island, Donald “Dege” Price had a love of antique boats and the deep-rooted and unique culture of boating here in the Thousand Islands. He loved the River most and valued its importance.

Dege was very passionate about permanent conservation efforts across the Thousand Islands and in Colorado where he placed his horse and cattle ranch under conservation easement.

Here in the Thousand Islands, he donated a 65-acre conservation easement on Country Mile Road in 1990 and then in 1995 donated in-fee the 98-acre Barnett Marsh. Both of these donations helped form the foundation for what is known today as the Wellesley Island Preserve.

He was also very generous when it came to opening up the historic Boldt Back Farm for TILT’s Annual Summer Gathering fundraiser. Not once or twice, but three times he hosted the Summer Gathering (2006, 2017 & 2022). The memories created in this historical and special place with the community will be forever cherished.

As a supporter of the Land Trust for 34 years, his smile and devotion to the Thousand Islands will be missed. He was known to leave an impression on almost everyone who knew him. And he most certainly has left an indelible mark on the future of conservation in the Thousand Islands