Potters Beach Preserve

Potters Beach Preserve One of the only naturally occurring sandy beaches in the Thousand Islands, Potters Beach Preserve has been a favorite summertime spot for generations.

The Thousand Islands Land Trust (TILT) purchased Potters Beach and the adjacent Potters Forest in 1995, in part with a grant from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. At 230 acres, Potters Forest is the largest contiguous track of forest on the island. The mature hardwoods are important to neo-tropical migratory songbirds, including the Cerulean Warbler, which

is a NY State threatened species. The acquisition of the 16 acre Potters Beach, obtained partially from a direct descendant of the beach’s original owner, was an important conservation milestone for TILT: The conservation of Potters Beach successfully prevented future private developments on this pristine stretch of shoreline, and ensured that it remains a beautiful beach for all to enjoy. Countless generations have enjoyed Potters Beach: The shallow, warm water has helped teach kids to swim and the beach area has hosted picnics and shore dinners while the sun sets over the River. Because of fond memories like these, volunteers from Grindstone Island and the larger community help to look after this popular beach. Every September, TILT and the Rivergate Wheelers ATV Club invite volunteers to help with cleaning up Potters Beach after the busy summer season. Participants spend a couple hours cleaning up any trash and debris along the beach and in the adjacent woods, and tackling any storm damage that may have occurred. The Rivergate Wheelers then grill up hot dogs and burgers for the hungry volunteers. It’s the perfect way to show your support for conserving natural beauty along the River! The Thousand Islands Land Trust (TILT) conserves over 8,200 acres in the 1000 Islands, much of which is open space available for public use. Open space is essential to water flow and air quality, to the scenic character of an area, and to the quality of life for the wildlife, and people that inhabit the Thousand Islands region.

🐝A glimpse of Potters pollinators! This bee was busy on wildflowers last fall. Spring is just around the corner, and soo...
03/02/2026

🐝A glimpse of Potters pollinators! This bee was busy on wildflowers last fall. Spring is just around the corner, and soon Potters Beach Preserve will be buzzing again.

🐝Fun fact: Nearly 1 out of every 3 bites of food we eat depends on pollinators like bees, butterflies, and even beetles. We can’t wait to welcome them back to Potters this year!

🌳Discover the wonders of Grindstone Island at the new TILT Discovery Center! 🌳From wetlands and vernal pools to forests ...
02/23/2026

🌳Discover the wonders of Grindstone Island at the new TILT Discovery Center!

🌳From wetlands and vernal pools to forests and grasslands, there’s so much to explore! Learn about how the unique habitats make this island special.

🌳Bring the whole family for hands-on fun and uncover the hidden life of the island!

📍TILT Office - 135 John Street, Clayton NY

🌊You heard it here first—The Grindstone Island Mule Tour is back in 2026!🌊There are so many gems on the island to explor...
02/13/2026

🌊You heard it here first—The Grindstone Island Mule Tour is back in 2026!

🌊There are so many gems on the island to explore, including one of our favorites, Potters Beach Preserve!

🌊Become a TILT Member today to join us on an iconic tour of this historically and ecologically rich island. Email [email protected] with inquiries or call the TILT Office at 315-686-5345.

🍄‍🟫The forest at Potters Beach may look quiet in winter, but beneath the surface, important work continues!🍄‍🟫Fungi like...
01/15/2026

🍄‍🟫The forest at Potters Beach may look quiet in winter, but beneath the surface, important work continues!

🍄‍🟫Fungi like these are nature’s recyclers, sustaining the ecosystem even in the coldest months.

❄️Missing Potters Beach? You’re not alone—but there are other wonderful Preserves to get outside and explore!❄️The Foste...
01/09/2026

❄️Missing Potters Beach? You’re not alone—but there are other wonderful Preserves to get outside and explore!

❄️The Foster-Blake Preserve & Trail lets you enjoy serene River views and a quiet moment of rest on a bench along the way. A peaceful place to slow down and connect with nature.

🍂A master of disguise! This stick bug, spotted at Potters Beach Preserve, blends in so perfectly with branches and leave...
10/22/2025

🍂A master of disguise! This stick bug, spotted at Potters Beach Preserve, blends in so perfectly with branches and leaves that it can “disappear” right before your eyes.

🍁These small but mighty insects help keep ecosystems balanced by feeding on leaves, serving as food for birds and other wildlife, and returning nutrients to the soil when they shed or decompose.

🍂By protecting habitats like Potter’s Beach, we’re giving vital creatures like this one a safe place to thrive—and keeping nature’s web of life healthy. 🌱

💐New England Asters like these found at Potters Beach Preserve aren’t just beautiful—they’re an essential food source fo...
10/08/2025

💐New England Asters like these found at Potters Beach Preserve aren’t just beautiful—they’re an essential food source for those preparing for winter, including migratory monarchs and native bees.

🐝 Protecting places like Potters Beach Preserve helps ensure native plants like these continue to support the wildlife that depends on them.

Yesterday at Potters Beach Preserve, TILT staff and volunteers worked together to care for the shoreline and practice ha...
10/03/2025

Yesterday at Potters Beach Preserve, TILT staff and volunteers worked together to care for the shoreline and practice hands-on conservation. 🌳

By removing litter and debris, we’re helping local wildlife survive the winter and keeping the St. Lawrence River healthy—because healthy land = a healthy river! ❄️🦌

A big thank you to everyone who joined us in making a difference! 👏🏻

10/03/2025
🌅Golden hour at Potters Beach Preserve🌊Sun, sand, and sparkling water—a reminder why protecting our natural spaces matte...
10/01/2025

🌅Golden hour at Potters Beach Preserve

🌊Sun, sand, and sparkling water—a reminder why protecting our natural spaces matters.

Healthy land means a healthy river. 🌊By conserving places like Rusho Farms Preserve, TILT protects critical grasslands t...
09/17/2025

Healthy land means a healthy river. 🌊

By conserving places like Rusho Farms Preserve, TILT protects critical grasslands that support wildlife and keep our ecosystems in balance.

From inland fields to the shores of Potters Beach, every acre protected ensures a cleaner, healthier St. Lawrence River for all. 🍃🐥

09/12/2025

📣 Now Hiring: Land Protection Specialist! 🌎

Join TILT as a Land Protection Specialist and help conserve the places you love. This is your chance to combine meaningful work with the stunning natural beauty of the St. Lawrence River.

What You’ll Be Doing:
🌱 Assisting in land protection and easement acquisitions
🌱 Supporting outreach and relationship-building with landowners
🌱 Guiding stewardship and restoration projects alongside our conservation team
🌱 Advancing our Strategic Conservation Plan across the region

💡 Ready to protect land and leave a legacy? Learn more and apply here: https://www.tilandtrust.org/careers/

Application Deadline: October 10th, 2025

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Grindstone, NY
13624

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The Thousand Islands Land Trust (TILT) purchased Potters Beach and the adjacent Potters Forest in 1995, in part with a grant from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. At 230 acres, Potters Forest is the largest contiguous track of forest on the island. The mature hardwoods are important to neo-tropical migratory songbirds, including the Cerulean Warbler, which is a NY State threatened species. The acquisition of the 16 acre Potters Beach, obtained partially from a direct descendant of the beach’s original owner, was an important conservation milestone for TILT: The conservation of Potters Beach successfully prevented future private developments on this pristine stretch of shoreline, and ensured that it remains a beautiful beach for all to enjoy. Countless generations have enjoyed Potters Beach: The shallow, warm water has helped teach kids to swim and the beach area has hosted picnics and shore dinners while the sun sets over the River.

Every September, The Thousand Islands Land Trust (TILT) hosts a Volunteer Clean Up event at Potters Beach after the busy summer season. It’s the perfect way to show your support for conserving natural beauty along the River! If interested, please call the TILT office at 315-686-5345, email TILT at [email protected], or message us here on Facebook! The Thousand Islands Land Trust (TILT) conserves over 8,200 acres in the 1000 Islands, much of which is open space available for public use. Open space is essential to water flow and air quality, to the scenic character of an area, and to the quality of life for the wildlife, and people that inhabit the Thousand Islands region.