OBI Land Trust 2020 Events!
The health and well-being of OBI supporters is our priority.Therefore, scheduled events may be cancelled or dates may be changed due to concerns with the Cororavirus outbreak. Please view our website or call OBI Land Trust at 315-649-6045 for the latest updates.
Birdsong at the Preserve
Cancelled
Enjoy a tour of a private nature preserve on the shores of Lake Ontario. Nesting and Birdsong will be at its peak as we identify birds and their communication. Due to the location, participation is limited, so please reserve your spot by calling or emailing OBI.
An Evening at the Barrens
Cancelled
Meet at White Caps Winery located on Pt. Salubrious, Chaumont for a car pool to the nearby Barrens. It promises to be an exciting and fun evening of exploration of one of the areas most unique and fascinating ecosystems, Chaumont Barrens. Lee Ellsworth, OBI Land Steward, will lead the tour and answer questions along the way.
(7:30 p.m. return to White Caps for a light meal and White Caps Winery wine)
Ecology Tour at Downybrook
Cancelled
Join Lee Ellsworth, OBI Land Steward, as he leads us through the wonders of scenic Downybrook Nature Reserve. Downybrook is home to various habitat areas and recognized as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. Bring your binoculars!
Mindful Nature Walk through Downybrook
Thursday July 16, 2020 at 6:30pm and Sunday September 27, 2020 at 11:00am
Join us in a mindful meditation walk and learn how to incorporate awareness and presence into your nature walks. This experience will be led by Nova Schenk, an experienced registered Yoga Teacher and Reiki Level II Practitioner. Currently, Nova leads classes and series related to mindfulness, mei, and movement at Shanti Shala, a private Yoga Studio in Watertown and with Pivot.
Annual Friendraiser
August (To Be Announced)
Join us for our summer gathering! The annual event helps us fund operations for our all- volunteer land trust and continues the tradition that brings together OBI Land Trust friends, supporters and those looking to learn more about conservation along the shoreline communities of Jefferson County.
Nature Photography
Sunday, September 27, 2020
Join Lee Ellsworth, Nature Photographer and OBI Land Steward, for a walk through Downybrook. Lee will work with a small group to explore photography in nature. Participants should bring their camera and expect an exciting personal experience!
Tripods are suggested but not required. Space for this photograpy event is limited .(Please note: Cameras should have controls for exposure and focusing (not just AUTO) No phone or small “point and shoot cameras. More information regarding camera gear is available by emailing Lee at leeellsworth@icloud.com as event date nears)
Space for this unique event will be limited with priority to Friends of OBI Land Trust.
Not a friend of OBI? It is easy to become one! Just visit www.obilandtrust.com. and make a minimum $25.00 donation to OBI Land Trust.
WINTER BIRDING TRIP
January 11, 2020 - 10AM - Caumont Boat Launch
"My trip to the eastern shores of Lake Ontario in NY. I was 1 hour north of Syracuse. I was also at the mouth of the St Lawrence River. 5 sitings of owls (1 may have repeated in 3 different areas). Have checked snowy owls off my bucket list. Met 2 really wonderful people who were my guides. So appreciative of their time and sharing their passion. Thank you Rosanne and Jim." - Judy Mattson of Manchester, Connecticut
On Saturday January 11, OBI led our winter bird van trip around Point Peninsula. We had 17 people show up on a VERY “iffy” weather day. It was a pretty diverse group geographically. We had local people, and 5 people from out of the area-Skaneateles, Utica and just north of Syracuse.
Some rode in the van, and others caravanned behind.
What starts as a quest for snowy owls usually winds up with pretty good sightings of other birds as well,
This year was no different! We saw 4 different snowy owls (see a couple of photos above taken by John Knittel from West Monroe, NY) What was interesting was that usually you see the owls in high places, mostly utility poles, but Saturday they were “hunkered down” on hay bales and the ground because of the weather, so we had a little different view of them.
We also saw a couple of Eagles and a nice flight of swans just out ahead of us,
along with some other waterfowl as well.
What was missing were any hawks, kestrels and harriers.
On our 2+hr trip around, not a one! Usually there are a number of spottings.
This event kicked off the 2020 OBI season.
Keep in touch with facebook and our website-www’obilandtrust.org for details regarding other events!
Additional Events to Keep an Eye Out For this Year!
Annual Spring Birding Trips at Downybrook
In cooperation with North Country Bird Club. Don't forget your binoculars!!!
Nature Walk at Chaumont Barrens
Annual Ecology Tour at Downybrook
Takes place in mid-June. Lots to learn about the plants, animals and different ecosystems at work at Downybrook!
Nature Photography Workshop
Hosted by OBI Land Steward, Lee Ellsworth!
Downybrook Kids!
A fun day for young and older kids! Run around, explore and experience nature!
**Dates and Times for events will be updated on the website.
Have an idea for an event?
Let us know by emailing info@obilandtrust.org or calling 315-649-6045**
OBI Land Trust 2019 Event Recap
Annual Friendraiser
Lucky Star Ranch, Chaumont, NY August 6, 2019
The annual event helps us fund operations for our all volunteer land trust and continues the tradition that brings together OBI supporters and those looking to learn more. This year’s event attracted the largest group of supporters ever!
Grassland Birds of Cedar Grove Farms Nature Preserve
July 6, 2019 White Caps Winery, Point Salubrious
Sponsored jointly by OBI Land Trust and White Caps Winery, this free program, was scheduled to be led by Land Steward Lee Ellsworth and designed to explore some common vanishing birds, celebrate those to be still found on the farm and the lakeshore lands. This program was cancelled due to flooding at the farm.
Ecology Tour at Downybrook
June 27, 2019 Downybrook Nature Reserve
Lee Ellsworth, OBI Land Trust Land Stewardship, led the group through the wonders of Downybrook Nature Reserve. Downybrook is recognized as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. A warm sunny day helped make this an eventto remember!
An Evening at the Barrens
June 17, 2019
It was a full house for the Informational presentation and visit to the Chaumont Barrens, a unique Alvar Habitat protected by the Nature Conservancy. Nineteen people walked the Barrens while Lee Ellsworth discussed the unique nature of the reserve.
After the walk participants returned to White Caps Winery for Dinner and wine. A beautiful evening was enjoyed by all.
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Wine and Birdsong
June 8, 201910:30
A special tour of a private bird preserve along the sandy beaches of Lake Ontario was enjoyed by a van full of birders. Birdsong was at peak while Lee Ellsworth identified birds, their communication and what they mean. Lee Ellsworth is OBI Land Trust Land Steward and Vice President.
A catered lunch, along with a bottle of wine from White Caps Winery, was provided.
OBI Land Trust in Partnership with White Caps Winery made this an event to remember!
Discover Downybrook Celebration
Downybrook Nature Reserve, June 5, 2019
OBI Land Trust hosted the dedication event and introduced Mary Eldrett to all. A framed photo was presented to Mary as she spoke about the development of the Downybrook Reserve. This “best kept secret” in the Town of Brownville offers Miles of trails for walks, bird and wildlife observation, and relaxation. Participants enjoyed the opportunity to meet the stewards of Downybrook and the person responsible for its creation.
Spring Trek through Downybrook Reserve in Partnership with the
North Country Bird Club
Downybrook Nature Reserve, Brownville, NY, May 14, 2019
OBI and the North County Bird Club Director, Dick Brouse, hosted a Birding trek through Downybrook Nature Reserve. With cool winds and rain, ten birders observed the wonders of spring! We walked the 178-acre wildlife sanctuary in the Town of Brownville, complete with marshlands, white pine forest, ponds, grassland and a unique alvar habitat.
Get Involved with OBI Land Trust
April 25, 2019 Pete’s Trattoria
OBI attracted many friendly faces interested in conservation and helping us fulfill our mission. Pete’s Tratoria and OBI hosted an evening complete with appetizers and pizza while meeting board members. Potential volunteers learned about opportunities to “Get Involved”! During the event, ten enthusiastic people signed up! Plus we recruited a new board member!
Downybrook Reserve Spring Trek in Partnership with the
North Country Bird Club
Downybrook Nature Reserve, Brownville, NY, April 24, 2019
Spring was in the air at Downybrook Nature Reserve! Corky Marlowe, North Country Bird Club President, helped us Identifiy the spring bird activity at Downybrook. A cool, rainy day attracted 14 hearty birders. We saw or heard; American Robin, Song Sparrow, Black-capped Chickadee, Eastern Towhee, Blue Jay, American Crow, Brown Thrasher, Red Winged Blackbird, Rusty Blackbird, Northern Flicker, Canada Goose, Eastern Bluebird, White-breasted Nuthatch.
Lucky Star Ranch, Chaumont, NY August 6, 2019
The annual event helps us fund operations for our all volunteer land trust and continues the tradition that brings together OBI supporters and those looking to learn more. This year’s event attracted the largest group of supporters ever!
Grassland Birds of Cedar Grove Farms Nature Preserve
July 6, 2019 White Caps Winery, Point Salubrious
Sponsored jointly by OBI Land Trust and White Caps Winery, this free program, was scheduled to be led by Land Steward Lee Ellsworth and designed to explore some common vanishing birds, celebrate those to be still found on the farm and the lakeshore lands. This program was cancelled due to flooding at the farm.
Ecology Tour at Downybrook
June 27, 2019 Downybrook Nature Reserve
Lee Ellsworth, OBI Land Trust Land Stewardship, led the group through the wonders of Downybrook Nature Reserve. Downybrook is recognized as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. A warm sunny day helped make this an eventto remember!
An Evening at the Barrens
June 17, 2019
It was a full house for the Informational presentation and visit to the Chaumont Barrens, a unique Alvar Habitat protected by the Nature Conservancy. Nineteen people walked the Barrens while Lee Ellsworth discussed the unique nature of the reserve.
After the walk participants returned to White Caps Winery for Dinner and wine. A beautiful evening was enjoyed by all.
-
Wine and Birdsong
June 8, 201910:30
A special tour of a private bird preserve along the sandy beaches of Lake Ontario was enjoyed by a van full of birders. Birdsong was at peak while Lee Ellsworth identified birds, their communication and what they mean. Lee Ellsworth is OBI Land Trust Land Steward and Vice President.
A catered lunch, along with a bottle of wine from White Caps Winery, was provided.
OBI Land Trust in Partnership with White Caps Winery made this an event to remember!
Discover Downybrook Celebration
Downybrook Nature Reserve, June 5, 2019
OBI Land Trust hosted the dedication event and introduced Mary Eldrett to all. A framed photo was presented to Mary as she spoke about the development of the Downybrook Reserve. This “best kept secret” in the Town of Brownville offers Miles of trails for walks, bird and wildlife observation, and relaxation. Participants enjoyed the opportunity to meet the stewards of Downybrook and the person responsible for its creation.
Spring Trek through Downybrook Reserve in Partnership with the
North Country Bird Club
Downybrook Nature Reserve, Brownville, NY, May 14, 2019
OBI and the North County Bird Club Director, Dick Brouse, hosted a Birding trek through Downybrook Nature Reserve. With cool winds and rain, ten birders observed the wonders of spring! We walked the 178-acre wildlife sanctuary in the Town of Brownville, complete with marshlands, white pine forest, ponds, grassland and a unique alvar habitat.
Get Involved with OBI Land Trust
April 25, 2019 Pete’s Trattoria
OBI attracted many friendly faces interested in conservation and helping us fulfill our mission. Pete’s Tratoria and OBI hosted an evening complete with appetizers and pizza while meeting board members. Potential volunteers learned about opportunities to “Get Involved”! During the event, ten enthusiastic people signed up! Plus we recruited a new board member!
Downybrook Reserve Spring Trek in Partnership with the
North Country Bird Club
Downybrook Nature Reserve, Brownville, NY, April 24, 2019
Spring was in the air at Downybrook Nature Reserve! Corky Marlowe, North Country Bird Club President, helped us Identifiy the spring bird activity at Downybrook. A cool, rainy day attracted 14 hearty birders. We saw or heard; American Robin, Song Sparrow, Black-capped Chickadee, Eastern Towhee, Blue Jay, American Crow, Brown Thrasher, Red Winged Blackbird, Rusty Blackbird, Northern Flicker, Canada Goose, Eastern Bluebird, White-breasted Nuthatch.
Keep checking, we are adding events on a regular basis!
Gallery of Events
Winter Birding on Pt. Peninsula, Saturday, January 12, 2019
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Update: What a great day! We were joined by 11 participants as we toured Pt. Peninsula with field guide and OBI Land Steward Lee Ellsworth. It was a clear, blue sky with temperatures 12-15 degrees Fahrenheit. Most of Chaumont bay frozen. Open water with ice forming at Isthmus. Ice fishing at Long Point State Park and Chaumont Boat Launch.
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Species Spotted:
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Anniversary Celebration
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Oh, What a Night!
OBI Land Trust Celebrates 25 Years of Conservation and Honors Two Loyal Supporters At OBI Land Trust, we think a quarter-century of conservation is a great reason to celebrate. This year’s annual fundraiser – held August 6, 2018 at Crescent Yacht Club - was extra special as our volunteer land trust marked 25 years of service to Jefferson County’s shoreline communities. The celebration was our most successful fundraiser ever and drew dozens of supporters, including Rep. Addie Jenne. She presented Citations from the New York State Assembly to both OBI Land Trust and our guests of honor, Urban and Sally Hirschey. The Hirscheys, formerly of Cape Vincent, are the epitome of the volunteer spirit and we were grateful to honor them in the presence of our other OBI “friends” – our loyal supporters and volunteers who join us each year for our annual summer gathering. Our success depends on all of you! Rep. Jenne said that OBI’s success and 25-year milestone was “a testament to the people in the community and the strength and dedication” that has allowed our volunteer land trust to survive and thrive in Jefferson County, where tourism and agriculture are a way of life. Rep. Jenne praised the Hirscheys as “wonderful people” who are examples of how commitment to your community can truly make a difference at the local level. The Citation to the Hirscheys noted their involvement in OBI and various other local causes. Sally has retired as the longest serving board member on OBI’s board of directors. The couple has been among OBI’s top donors and donated their time and talents to our land trust. The Hirscheys have been named Emeritus members of the OBI Board of Directors. OBI wishes to thank everyone who participated, including SUNY Potsdam Professor Glenn Johnson, who brought along his students to help educate people about the plight of the Blanding’s turtle, a threatened species in New York State. Other reptiles and amphibians were also featured and guests were able to ask questions about conservation close to home. The summer gathering is an annual event that helps fund operations for our Chaumont-based land trust and also is a tradition that brings together OBI supporters and those looking to learn more about our land trust. OBI Land Trust greatly appreciates the Citations presented by Rep. Jenne and we also are grateful for the supporters who make our land trust a success. Thank you to all who joined us for this truly wonderful night and let’s get set for even greater success for OBI Land Trust in the next 25 years! |
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The 2018 New York State Conservation
Partnership Program Grants have been announced!
On April 24, 2018, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced, with the Land Trust Alliance, the awarding of conservation grants given to 51 non-profit land trusts statewide, totaling approximately $2.3 million. This is the 15th year the New York State Conservation Partnership Program (NYSCPP) has been administered by the Land Trust Alliance, in coordination with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. In all, 70 grants were funded through New York's Environmental Protection Fund (EPF).
Ontario Bays Initiative, Inc, is pleased to announce the reception of a $15,000 capacity grant to fund field conservation and stewardship, enabling OBI to build on its multifaceted efforts to educate and connect with community members through outreach, field trips, presentations, and events. We look forward to the work in the coming months made possible through the acquisition of this capacity grant.
Ontario Bays Initiative, Inc, is pleased to announce the reception of a $15,000 capacity grant to fund field conservation and stewardship, enabling OBI to build on its multifaceted efforts to educate and connect with community members through outreach, field trips, presentations, and events. We look forward to the work in the coming months made possible through the acquisition of this capacity grant.
