In honor of the Thousand Islands Land Trust’s (TILT) 40th anniversary, we’re celebrating by highlighting our Signature Preserves. First up is the Foster-Blake Woods Preserve, a 9.4-acre gem in Clayton along the stunning St. Lawrence River that offers a serene and invigorating escape for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
Foster-Blake Woods stands as a testament to the vision and generosity of two Clayton residents, Rett Foster and Joseph Blake, who were outstanding stewards of the land and deeply committed to conserving the Thousand Islands region. In 2013, Rett’s wife, Judy Foster, donated the land to TILT to honor both her late husband and their neighbor, ensuring their shared love for this wooded retreat by the water would be protected for generations.
The preserve is open year-round, from dawn to dusk, inviting visitors to experience its ever-changing beauty in every season. Spring brings wildflower blooms and bright green buds to this thriving forest, while summer offers cool shade. In the fall, the preserve comes alive with vibrant colors, as the leaves paint the landscape in brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. After the leaves fall, the bare trees offer a clear view of the distinctive pileated and hairy woodpeckers, whose calls fill the air as they make their presence known in the preserve, making it a gift in every season.
The trail splits into two arms, with one winding along the upper, steep ridge, offering stunning views of the forest and glimpses of the blue river peeking through. The trail is accessible for all ages, featuring a 0.75-mile loop and a short walk down to the shoreline, where visitors can witness the mighty St. Lawrence River up close and feel the refreshing breeze.
In winter, visitors can explore the preserve’s hiking and cross-country skiing trail, winding through its mature northern hardwood forests, rocky bluffs, and pockets of shrubland. The striking sedimentary rock shoreline, shaped by glaciers, offers breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River and nearby islands like Wolfe and Howe. From the bench installed in 2023, visitors can pause to soak in the preserve’s tranquil beauty, spot wildlife, and experience the peacefulness nature has to offer.
More than a scenic retreat— this preserve lies on the western edge of the Frontenac Arch, a critical wildlife corridor connecting the Adirondacks and Canadian Shield. The preserve’s diverse habitats provide refuge for migratory birds like scarlet tanagers and cerulean warblers, as well as small mammals and upland game birds. While walking along the trail in warmer seasons, hikers often watch songbirds flitting from one side to the other, sharing in the joy pf their lively presence.
Make Foster-Blake Woods part of your winter adventures by joining TILT’s Winter Hike Challenge! Stay active, explore the beauty of TILT’s preserves, and celebrate 40 years of conservation. For more details and other preserves to visit this season, check out our website or follow us on social media. Get outside and experience the wonder of winter—we can’t wait to see you on the trails!
