TILT announces permanent conservation of ‘iconic’ Cherry Island

CHAUMONT ‒ Cherry Island, a prominent and ecologically significant island in Chaumont Bay, Lake Ontario,
will be permanently conserved by the Thousand Islands Land Trust, which has partnered with Ontario Bays
Initiative Land Trust.
TILT has announced the property will be known as the Cosgrove Nature Preserve on Cherry Island, in
recognition of the Cosgrove family’s long-standing stewardship and commitment to the conservation of this
cherished natural space. With its ecological importance, rich natural history, and abundant shoreline, TILT says the Cosgrove Nature Preserve on Cherry Island represents one of the most impactful conservation projects in Eastern Lake Ontario in recent years. Cherry Island in Eastern Lake Ontario has been conserved by the Thousand Islands Land Trust in partnership with the Ontario Bays Initiative Land Trust to protect critical shoreline, wildlife habitat, and water quality. 

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By CHRIS BROCK, [email protected]   Feb 2, 2026
The parking lot is plowed and ready for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Downybrook West Grassland expansion underway. Invasive buckthorn was removed  to make way for native grasses and wildflowers.

Picture
Before
Picture
After
Scout bridge on Downybrook West Beaver Trail repaired by Susan and David Tontarski. 
Trails on East and West side are in great shape, take a fall walk and enjoy! 

Downybrook 24353 Perch Lake Rd., Brownville

Photos by OBI Land Steward, Lee Ellsworth


"Land really is the best art."
 - Andy Warhol

Welcome

OBI Land Trust is a non-profit land trust organization dedicated to the voluntary conservation and thoughtful stewardship of undeveloped, private land in Jefferson County, New York.
Our service area encompasses the towns of Brownville, Cape Vincent, Ellisburg, Henderson, Hounsfield, LeRay, Lyme and Pamelia
​and includes many miles of
Lake Ontario shoreline.

PROTECTING LAND ALONG
JEFFERSON COUNTY'S
LAKE ONTARIO
SHORELINE COMMUNITIES

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