Onondaga County Executive Opens New Deep Water Fishing Pier at Onondaga Lake

Posted on June 7, 2023 in E-Newsletters

Fishing Pier is Latest Example of Community Involvement in Historic Restoration of Onondaga Lake

June 7, 2023 - Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon opened a new fishing pier at Onondaga Lake on May 24, 2023. The fishing pier provides anglers the ability to fish into deeper waters in search of the lake’s trophy fish such as large and smallmouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, and an array of other fish. The new fishing pier is adjacent to Onondaga County’s Loop-the-Lake Recreation Trail.

“Today marks another great step in the historic restoration of Onondaga Lake. This fishing pier is a great example of how meaningful community engagement can create real and tangible projects that benefit the Central New York community,” said Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon. “I want to thank Honeywell and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for their focus on soliciting public input during the remediation of Onondaga Lake and to the Fish & Wildlife Service and the great staff at County Parks for their hard work in making this project a reality.”

The fishing pier extends nearly 100 feet into deeper sections of Onondaga Lake, making fishing accessible to people without a boat.

“The new deep water fishing pier enhances the Onondaga Lake experience for all and we commend this partnership for creating an important access opportunity,” said Acting DEC Region 7 Director Dereth Glance. “Local angler participation propelled the idea for the deep water pier to promote more fishing opportunities. We thank Onondaga County for managing the new pier, which is one project among many that restores public access to the bountiful recreational opportunities provided by the lake.”

Early in the lake restoration planning process, Honeywell, in partnership with DEC, created a Habitat Working Group consisting of local habitat, conservation, and community organizations. Over several years, opinions and perspectives from these groups helped identify how the public wanted to use a restored Onondaga Lake. Expanding fishing access for people without the use of a boat came as a direct result of the community Habitat Working Group recommendations.

“Public input has always been the cornerstone of Honeywell’s engagement with the community. Habitat and lake enthusiasts provided thoughtful and valuable input for how to create expanded fishing access to anglers of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities,” said Shane Blauvelt, Honeywell’s Senior Remediation Manager. “The Central New York community has embraced a restored Onondaga Lake and thousands of people are coming back to the lake and its shoreline for fishing, boating, and Onondaga County’s Loop-the-Lake trail.”

The new deep water fishing pier can be accessed from I-690 in Geddes along the southwest lakeshore. A parking lot is adjacent to the pier.

The fishing pier is one of several projects completed providing greater public access to Onondaga Lake and its shores.

These projects are being done as part of an agreement among Honeywell, Onondaga County, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and DEC to restore and protect wildlife habitat and water quality, and to enhance recreational opportunities.

As part of the Onondaga Lake cleanup, Honeywell has restored about 150 acres of wetlands and about 1.1 million native plants are being planted. More than 290 wildlife species are now calling these areas home, and over 140 unique bird species have been identified in and around Onondaga Lake. Honeywell also is working with federal and state government officials on additional projects to restore and protect wildlife habitats and enhance recreational opportunities, including creating 100 acres of new native grassland habitat and conserving about 1,600 acres within the watershed.

Settling Basins 9-15 Closure Plan: Virtual Public Meeting/Public Comment

Posted on May 11, 2021 in E-Newsletters, Public Engagement

Settling Basins 9-15 Closure Plan
Virtual Public Meeting/Public Comment

A virtual public meeting was held on May 25, 2021. The meeting began at 6:00 p.m. with a 30-minute presentation followed by Q&A.

Comments were accepted at the public meeting and during the public comment period that began on May 12, 2021 and ended on June 11, 2021.

Honeywell hosted a May 25^th public meeting and provided a Fact Sheet to inform the public about ongoing and upcoming closure activities at Settling Basins 9-15 located on approximately 662 acres in Camillus and Geddes, New York. The Settling Basins are near Interstate 690, NYS Route 695, State Fair Boulevard, and the New York State Fairgrounds.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Honeywell entered into a Consent Order for Settling Basins 9-15 (referred to in the Consent Order as Wastebeds) on December 6, 2010 and amended in December 2014.

The Consent Order identifies activities required for the successful closure of the Settling Basins including implementation of a Closure Plan incorporating an effective cover system. Significant progress has been made over the last decade.

Please see the Setting Basins 9-15 Fact Sheet and the Public Meeting Documents below.

Public Meeting Documents:

Consent Order [PDF]
Consent Order Amendment [PDF]
Closure Investigation Report [PDF]
Site Closure Plan [PDF]
Off-Site Surrounding Affected Area Restoration Plan [PDF]
Operation & Maintenance Plan [PDF]
Performance Verification Plan [PDF]
Shrub Willow Sustainable Remedy PDI Report [PDF]
Inland Salt Marsh Interim Measure Report [PDF]
Closure Investigation Data Evaluation Report [PDF]
Alternate Solar Closure Plan [PDF]

Onondaga County Announces Loop-the-Lake Trail Extension

Posted on August 14, 2020 in E-Newsletters, Onondaga Lake, Project Updates, Southwest Lakeshore Enhancements

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon announced an extension of the Loop-the-Lake Recreational Trail on August 12, 2020. The new asphalt trail, which will allow greater access to the Onondaga Lake shoreline, has bench seating and runs over a mile from Honeywell’s Onondaga Lake Visitors Center to the Harbor Brook area, lengthening the Loop-the-Lake network of trails to nearly nine miles.

Bikers Joan Schmitkons (left) and Tom Schmitkons (right) ride along the new trail extension near the Harbor Brook area.

Left: Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon (right) and New York State Assemblyman William B. Magnarelli (left) announcing the new trail extension on the southwestern shore of Onondaga Lake.
Right: The Loop-the-Lake Trail now extends nearly nine miles from Liverpool to Harbor Brook.

“The successful completion of the new trail extension marks another day of progress in the community. After almost 100 years, and as the result of an amazing public-private partnership, the public has access to and can enjoy this part of Onondaga Lake,” said Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon. “I want to thank and commend Honeywell for their collaboration and commitment to the lake, and for helping to reopen this body of water back to the public in ways it hasn’t been for generations.”

The new Loop-the-Lake Trail extension passes through wetlands where Honeywell has planted a variety of native plant species.

The Loop-the-Lake Trail extension (also called the Southwest Shore Recreation Trail Project) is one of several Natural Resource Damage Restoration projects on the Southwest Lakeshore; also included are improved fishing access, an angler parking lot, and the future installation of a deep-water fishing pier. These projects are being done as part of an agreement among Honeywell, Onondaga County, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to restore and protect wildlife habitat and water quality, and to enhance recreational opportunities.

As part of the Onondaga Lake cleanup, Honeywell has already restored about 90 acres of wetlands and about 1.1 million native plants are being planted. More than 270 wildlife species are now calling these areas home, and over 135 unique bird species have been identified in and around Onondaga Lake. Honeywell also is working with federal and state government officials on additional projects to restore and protect wildlife habitats and enhance recreational opportunities, including creating 100 acres of new native grassland habitat and conserving about 1,600 acres within the watershed.

Honeywell Honored at Brownfield Briefing Awards

Posted on November 7, 2019 in Project Updates

Environment Analyst Recognized the Onondaga Lake Cleanup and Restoration in the Best International Project Category

Environment Analyst presented Honeywell with a “highly commended” certificate at the 2019 Brownfield Briefing Awards. The company was recognized for the Onondaga Lake Cleanup and Restoration in the Best International Project Category.

The Brownfield Briefing Awards celebrate excellence across the wide range of disciplines and activities in the brownfield sector. The awards aim to recognize “the outstanding achievements made by individuals and the collective, through the use of innovative techniques, awareness of sustainability, engagement of stakeholders and demonstration of best practice.”

Lord Matthew Taylor of Goss Moor (right) presents Honeywell’s Nicholas Tymko (center) with a “highly commended” certificate in the Best International Project category at the 2019 Brownfield Briefing Awards.

Environment Analyst hosted this year’s Brownfield Briefing Awards ceremony at The Hilton London Bankside on September 19. Fourteen awards and five commendations were presented.

Local Families Celebrate Outdoor Recreation and Conservation During Honeywell Sportsmen’s Days

Posted on October 8, 2019 in E-Newsletters, Public Engagement

Attendees Learn About a Series of New Ecological and Recreational Projects Throughout the Onondaga Lake Watershed

Thousands of Central New York families participated in and learned about a number of outdoor recreational opportunities during the 2019 Honeywell Sportsmen’s Days. The Onondaga County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs hosted the annual event September 28 and 29 at Carpenter’s Brook Fish Hatchery in Elbridge. The event was created as a tribute to National Hunting and Fishing Day and is one of the largest celebrations of its kind in New York State, featuring several hands-on activities, engaging presentations, and information on new local projects.

Community members of all ages enjoyed outdoor activities with local woodsmen and sports enthusiasts, including archery, fly fishing, trout fishing, canoeing, and turkey calling. Professional fishermen answered questions and offered tips, and attendees had the chance to meet conservation officers and forest rangers who made guest appearances throughout the weekend.

Left: Grace Millet, 9, of Liverpool, fishes for trout in the public fishing pond at Carpenter’s Brook Fish Hatchery.
Right: Six-year-old Robert Murray, of Elbridge, tries his hand at archery with instruction by Jim Kilmartin from the Clay Sportsman’s Club.

Central New York residents learned about outdoor recreation, and habitat and wildlife conservation, through presentations and displays by area wildlife artists, professional chefs, Hall of Fame sportsmen, and retriever and pointer dog trainers. Experts led demonstrations and hosted displays on live pheasants, birds of prey, survival skills, and taxidermy.

Left: Six-year-old Dexter Rinaldi, of Warners, paddles a canoe across the pond with his father, Damian. “This is a good family event. There is lots to learn and do,” said Damian Rinaldi, who attended Honeywell Sportsmen’s Days this year for the first time.
Right: New York State Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame President Stephen Wowelko demonstrates fileting and cooking pickerel, one of many cooking demonstrations that took place throughout the weekend.

Left: Ten-year-old Allison Darling, of Auburn, prepares to throw a hatchet while keeping her eye on the target in the hatchet-throwing area.
Right: Walden Schild, 5, of Liverpool, reels in his line while trout fishing. Walden is already an avid fan of fishing.

At its booth, Honeywell shared information about joining the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps, updated attendees on habitat restoration progress achieved as part of the Onondaga Lake cleanup, and shared information about new recreational and ecological projects underway. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) are overseeing the implementation of a series of projects to restore and protect wildlife habitat and water quality, and increase recreational opportunities at Onondaga Lake.

Project highlights include connecting the Erie Canal Trail from Camillus to Onondaga Lake, extending the Loop-the-Lake trail, creating 100 acres of native grassland habitat, providing increased access for fishing and recreation, and preserving wetlands, restoring habitat, and conserving more than 1,400 acres within the Onondaga Lake watershed.

Left: Property along the Seneca River was developed for use as a public boat launch, featuring a concrete boat ramp, floating boat dock, a platform compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines, and a parking area.
Right: Rendering of the future Kenneth P. Lynch Boat Launch at Onondaga Lake for trailered motorboats and car-top boats such as canoes and kayaks. Lynch is a retired DEC Executive Deputy Commissioner and former DEC Region 7 Director. The free, public boat launch will be located off of Exit 7 on I-690 West and is expected to open in 2020.

Bill Lansley (left), Onondaga County Parks Commissioner and President of the Onondaga County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, gives Honeywell’s John McAuliffe a tour of the trout ponds at Carpenter’s Brook Fish Hatchery.

“The Onondaga County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs and other local habitat and conservation groups have shared valuable feedback with Honeywell that has helped shape habitat restoration efforts and recreational access at Onondaga Lake and its tributaries,” said John McAuliffe, Honeywell Remediation Director, Design and Construction. “This event provides a wonderful opportunity for community members to enjoy recreational activities in our own backyard.”

“Honeywell Sportsmen’s Days showcases local conservation efforts and outdoor sports for thousands of Central New York families,” said Bill Lansley, Onondaga County Parks Commissioner and Onondaga County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs President. “Honeywell’s partnership with our member organizations and Onondaga County Parks is critical to the success of this annual event.”

View more photographs of Honeywell Sportsmen’s Days at Carpenter’s Brook.

For more information on the Onondaga Lake cleanup, please visit www.lakecleanup.com.

Next Generation of Citizen Scientists: Students Conduct Field Research Throughout the Onondaga Lake Watershed During Honeywell Summer Science Week

Posted on July 23, 2019 in Onondaga Lake, Public Engagement, Southwest Lakeshore Enhancements

Weeklong Program Inspires Students to Pursue STEM Education and Careers

Nearly 50 local students became citizen scientists this month during Honeywell Summer Science Week, which is organized by the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology (MOST). Throughout the week, students conducted research, monitored the Onondaga Lake watershed, and learned about the positive impact of the lake’s cleanup and what affects water quality.

The summer science experience, created by Honeywell and the MOST in 2006, has brought science to life for more than 850 Central New York students over the past 14 years. The program exposes participants to education and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Experts lead students on a weeklong journey to sites around Onondaga Creek and Onondaga Lake, where they learn about the watershed and associated environmental sciences. A survey of past program participants shows that Honeywell Summer Science Week helps students gain greater confidence, knowledge, and interest in science and STEM careers.

2019 Honeywell Summer Science Week participants at Onondaga Lake

“Honeywell Summer Science Week provides a tremendous opportunity for students entering high school to contribute to our community by doing impactful science in the field with local scientists, engineers, professors, and current college students,” said MOST Chief Program Officer Peter Plumley, Ph.D. “The program is a wonderful hands-on scientific experience that complements the classroom learning experience by putting school studies into action during the summer break.”

“During Honeywell Summer Science Week, local students conducted real, scientific research throughout the Onondaga Lake watershed,” said Honeywell Syracuse Program Director John McAuliffe. “This one-of-a kind experience inspires the next generation of citizen scientists and gets students excited about careers in STEM.”

Left: Nicholas Rodriguez (left), from East Syracuse Minoa Central School District, and Eric Yao, from Fayetteville-Manlius School District, perform an engineering activity to learn about capping in Onondaga Lake.
Right: Participants tour wetlands along Onondaga Lake, studying bird and fish diversity, and microscopic organisms found in and around Onondaga Lake. Fish examined include juvenile largemouth bass, creek chub, and banded killifish.

“The Honeywell Summer Science Week program is an incredible, hands-on, immersive experience for rising high school students in Central New York,” said MOST President Lauren Kochian. “This type of summer program is exactly what makes the MOST so important to our local students’ science education. The MOST is fortunate to have such a wonderful community partner in Honeywell, and we are thrilled to share the wonders of discovery with students each year during Honeywell Summer Science Week.”

On opening day, students visited Honeywell’s Onondaga Lake Visitors Center in Geddes, where Montezuma Audubon Center led a birding expedition to teach students about the importance of birds and their habitats. Experts discussed fish in the lake, and students got an inside look at the Onondaga Lake cleanup, toured wetlands, learned about habitat restoration, identified microscopic organisms, participated in an engineering activity, and learned about watersheds using a hands-on model.

Left: Montezuma Audubon Center Director Chris Lajewski (center left) leads students on a birding expedition near Harbor Brook and the southwest shoreline of Onondaga Lake. Students identified 23 species, including osprey, bald eagle, common tern, caspian tern, common merganser, and hooded merganser.
Right: Students examine a juvenile smallmouth bass captured in a seine net by Parsons scientist Jesse Carr (right). Throughout the week students log observations about wildlife that has returned to the Onondaga Lake watershed.

Honeywell Summer Science Week also included visits to Heiberg Memorial Forest in Tully and Carpenter’s Brook Fish Hatchery in Elbridge, and stops at various points along Onondaga Creek. Activities introduced students to environmental sampling procedures to examine water quality, soil, plants, and wildlife. Program participants toured the SyracuseCoE and the Metropolitan Syracuse Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The program was open to students who recently completed the seventh and eighth grades and ran July 8-12 and July 17.

Honeywell Discovery Day

Honeywell Summer Science Week concluded Wednesday, July 17, with Honeywell Discovery Day at the MOST. Students presented their scientific research to family members and teachers to share what they learned throughout the week. Students received one-year museum passes and certificates of participation.

Left: Steve Miller, from Honeywell, (center) speaks with Alex Fung (left) and Kevin Fratostitanu (right), both from Manlius Pebble Hill School, about their findings on fish populations.
Right: Shane Franklin Jr., from Syracuse City School District, receives a certificate of participation after completing Honeywell Summer Science Week.

Local companies, organizations, and individuals participating in the week included: Montezuma Audubon Center, Parsons, Onondaga County Parks Department, Onondaga County Department of Water Environment Protection, faculty and students from State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF), and students from Syracuse University.

For more information on the Onondaga Lake cleanup, please visit www.lakecleanup.com.

Onondaga Lake Visitors Center Welcomes Community Members to Free Open Houses

Posted on June 4, 2019 in E-Newsletters, Onondaga Lake, Public Engagement

Local Residents Invited to Learn about Lake Cleanup and Habitat Enhancements

Community members are invited to attend free open houses at the Onondaga Lake Visitors Center on Fridays from 12-4:30 p.m. through November. To date, more than 20,000 people have toured the center and learned about the lake cleanup firsthand.

“As life residents of the lake vicinity it’s wonderful to see the transformation of Onondaga Lake,” said Jim and Mary Hettler, of Pennellville, New York. “As naturalists and bird watchers the return of many species to the area is especially encouraging. The Visitors Center is a must-see for anyone interested in the resurgence of Onondaga Lake and the contribution it makes to the Syracuse area.”

The Visitors Center was designed and built by Honeywell to provide public access to the significant work that has taken place. It is located in Geddes along the southwest shoreline of Onondaga Lake.

As part of the Onondaga Lake cleanup, Honeywell has already restored about 90 acres of wetlands and about 1.1 million native plants are being planted. More than 260 wildlife species are now calling these areas home, and 130 unique bird species have been identified in and around Onondaga Lake. Honeywell also is working with federal and state government on additional projects to restore and protect wildlife habitats and enhance recreational opportunities, including creating 100 acres of new native grassland habitat and conserving about 1,600 acres within the watershed.

In 2015, Honeywell received Audubon New York’s Thomas W. Keesee, Jr. Conservation Award for its leadership in the cleanup, “one of the most ambitious environmental reclamation projects in the United States.”

From significant improvements in water quality to the return of native plants and animals, the Onondaga Lake Visitors Center allows community members to see the progress being made to restore the natural beauty and value of Onondaga Lake and its adjacent habitats.

The Onondaga Lake Visitors Center regularly hosts group tours, including school groups. To schedule a group tour, please call 315-552-9751 or submit this form.

TO ACCESS THE VISITORS CENTER: From Points West: Take I-690 East to Exit 7, turn left onto State Fair Boulevard, take the first left passing under I-690, drive straight toward the lake and follow signs to the Onondaga Lake Visitors Center. From Points East: Take I-690 West to Exit 7, turn right at the off ramp and follow signs to the Onondaga Lake Visitors Center.

For more information on the Onondaga Lake cleanup, please visit www.lakecleanup.com.

“Onondaga Lake Birds of Prey” Photography Exhibit to Highlight Images of Wildlife Returning to Onondaga Lake

Posted on March 20, 2019 in E-Newsletters, Habitat & Conservation, Onondaga Lake, Public Engagement, Southwest Lakeshore Enhancements, Western Shoreline

More than 70 Bald Eagles and Thousands of Waterfowl Seen Along Lakeshore

Local wildlife photographers will display colorful images of birds of prey taken in recently restored and enhanced areas along the Onondaga Lake shoreline at the “Onondaga Lake Birds of Prey” photography exhibit March 30-31. The exhibit will showcase the diverse range of species including bald eagles, osprey, turkey vultures, hawks, owls, and falcons that have returned to Onondaga Lake. The Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps is hosting the exhibit in partnership with Honeywell, Audubon New York, and NextEra Energy.

The exhibit runs Saturday, March 30, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, March 31, from 1 to 4 p.m., at Honeywell’s Onondaga Lake Visitors Center, along the southwest lakeshore in Geddes. The suggested donation is $5/person and $15/family.

Left: “A Fish’s Last View” – Osprey by Walter Freeman.
Right: “Wind Walker” – Bald Eagle by Greg Craybas.

“The resurgence of the bald eagle and other birds of prey at Onondaga Lake is a sign that the lake is coming back to life,” said Chris Lajewski, Montezuma Audubon Center director and Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps director. “An astounding 74 bald eagles were found along the shoreline, sitting on the ice and soaring overhead, during a guided bird-watching event on March 2, making it the largest bald eagle winter roost in a New York State urban environment. Other raptors on the New York State threatened species list, like the northern harrier, have returned to the restored grassland and wetland habitats. Central New Yorkers are taking pride in this community asset once again, and we are proud to showcase these amazing images that tell the story of Onondaga Lake’s revival.”

Visitors will meet the photographers who captured the images and will have an opportunity to look for birds in their natural habitat with experts from the Montezuma Audubon Center and Onondaga Audubon. (Picture is from a previous photography exhibit.)

The images will be for sale and designated smaller sizes can be ordered. All proceeds will benefit Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps bird conservation and environmental education.

“The restoration of Onondaga Lake has surpassed all expectations for photographic opportunities of bald eagles and other birds of prey,” said Greg Craybas, nature photographer. “We are now inspired by the arrival of winter to visit the lake in all conditions to photograph this natural treasure. I have been photographing the lake’s wildlife for nine years, and this year is proving to be the best yet.”

Onondaga Lake became a priority Audubon Important Bird Area (IBA) in 1998 and was subsequently adopted by Honeywell, Montezuma Audubon Center, and Onondaga Audubon because of its value to waterfowl and bald eagles during the winter months. The IBA program serves as a catalyst for achieving bird conservation.

The Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps seeks to inspire future stewards of Onondaga Lake and its watershed through a hands-on, experience-based program that offers citizens and organizations the opportunity to participate in activities that help restore and sustain Onondaga Lake and its value as an IBA. Since its formation in 2012, more than 850 community members have participated in Corps events.

The Corps was founded by Honeywell in partnership with Montezuma Audubon Center and Onondaga Audubon and is now an Audubon New York program. Additional Corps supporters include Parsons, OBG, Anchor QEA, Bond Schoeneck & King, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and Wild Ones Habitat Gardening in CNY Chapter.

To learn more about the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps or participate in future activities, please contact montezuma@audubon.org, visit http://ny.audubon.org/OLCC, or call 315-365-3588. Schools, community groups, local organizations, and individuals are welcome. Like the Corps on Facebook or Instagram, or visit YouTube to learn more.

To access Honeywell’s Onondaga Lake Visitors Center: From Points West: Take I-690 East to Exit 7, turn left onto State Fair Boulevard, take the first left passing under I-690, drive straight toward the lake and follow signs to the Onondaga Lake Visitors Center. From Points East: Take I-690 West to Exit 7, turn right at the off-ramp and follow signs to the Onondaga Lake Visitors Center.

Central New York Community Explores Onondaga Lake’s Restored Wetlands

Posted on October 25, 2018 in E-Newsletters, Habitat & Conservation, Lake Habitat, Onondaga Lake, Public Engagement, Southwest Lakeshore Enhancements, Western Shoreline

Izaak Walton League of America’s Young Naturalist Leadership Team and Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps Team Up to Inventory Returning Species

More than 20 community members explored and learned about Onondaga Lake’s recovery on Oct. 20. The Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps partnered with the Central New York Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America’s Young Naturalist Leadership Team (YNLT) to record Onondaga Lake’s most recent improvements. Participants found evidence of thriving ecosystems, including 23 unique bird species. Notable bird species observed include bald eagle, white-throated sparrow, and ruby-crowned kinglet. Other significant finds included coyote tracks; white waterlily, which creates habitat in deep-water areas; and young-of-year largemouth bass, which indicate that fish are spawning in Onondaga Lake.

Left: Botanist Joe McMullen (center) shows Joe and Jan Hansen (left), of Liverpool, and YNLT member Kate Abbott (right) characteristics of plants found in wetlands along the southwest shoreline of Onondaga Lake. Young trees seen in the wetlands included swamp white oak, sycamore, and red maple.
Right: Autumn Keefe, of Syracuse, observes a cattail seed pod during a scavenger hunt to inventory plant species.

Throughout the event, participants worked with the Young Naturalist Leadership Team and habitat experts from Onondaga Audubon, OBG, and Parsons to inventory species found in the recently restored habitat areas at Harbor Brook, and the southwest and western shorelines of Onondaga Lake. The observations will be compiled with other data being collected by wetland ecologists to understand conditions of recently restored areas in the Onondaga Lake watershed. Participants also learned about aspects of maintaining a healthy ecosystem, such as pond ecology, the importance of macroinvertebrates to the environment, and creating seed bags for the wetlands, which are made of topsoil, small stones, and seeds placed in a small biodegradable burlap bag.

Tracy Willey (center), Biology Teacher at Westhill High School, examines and identifies macroinvertebrates with Tom Hughes (left), YNLT volunteer and Natural Resource Steward Biologist with New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and Katie Moranz (right), a wetland ecologist at Parsons. Macroinvertebrates found included mayfly nymphs, scuds, caddisfly larvae, daphnia, and water beetles.
“The experience today monitoring pond water quality along the western shoreline of Onondaga Lake was amazing,” said Willey. “When we scooped out material from the wetland, it didn’t look like there was anything there. But as we sat still and waited, a variety of tiny organisms emerged from the vegetation. I came today out of curiosity to see what’s here and it was a privilege to take part. I can bring this information back to the classroom.”

Left: Sisters Evie (left) and Autumn Keefe, of Syracuse, take turns tossing burlap seed bags containing pickerelweed seeds into the wetlands.
Right: YNLT member Candace Schermerhorn (center) removes fish from a seine net for closer observation with Matt McDonough (left) and Jim Molloy, of Parsons. Species found included banded killifish, emerald shiner, and rock bass.

Onondaga Community College student Kaitlyn Jordan (left), and Alivia Sheffield, YNLT volunteer and Piping Plover Project Coordinator with the New York State Office of Parks and Recreation and Historic Preservation, examine a shed snakeskin found in a wetland area on the western shoreline.
“Understanding and knowing the past of this area, it was incredible the amount of biodiversity we were able to find, from small macroinvertebrates to bald eagles and coyote prints,” said Sheffield. “This ecosystem is starting to thrive once again. Saturday not only showed that, but that the community cares and is willing to put in the effort to keep it that way.”

On the shores of Onondaga Lake and along its tributaries, about 90 acres of wetlands have been restored by Honeywell and about 1.1 million native plants are being planted. Nearly 260 wildlife species have been identified in and around Onondaga Lake, including more than 120 unique bird species.

The Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps is an expanding organization of community volunteers who are contributing to restoration projects that are creating, improving, and monitoring wildlife habitat in the Onondaga Lake watershed and sustaining its value as an Audubon Important Bird Area.

Since the formation of the Corps, over 30 events have brought together nearly 850 volunteers who have become environmental stewards and Corps members. In recognition of their work, the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps was awarded a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 2015 Environmental Champion Award.

The Corps was founded in 2012 by Honeywell in partnership with Montezuma Audubon Center and Onondaga Audubon and is now an Audubon New York program. Additional Corps supporters include Parsons, OBG, Anchor QEA, Bond Schoeneck & King, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and Wild Ones Habitat Gardening in CNY Chapter.

To learn more about the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps or participate in future activities, please contact montezuma@audubon.org, visit http://ny.audubon.org/OLCC, www.facebook.com/onondagalakecc, or www.youtube.com/onondagalakecc, or @onondagalakecc on Instagram, or call 315-365-3588.

View more photographs of the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps.

Volunteers Create a Home for Wildlife in Onondaga Lake’s Newly Restored Wetlands

Posted on October 9, 2018 in E-Newsletters, Habitat & Conservation, Lake Habitat, Public Engagement, Southwest Lakeshore Enhancements, Western Shoreline

Members of the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps Construct and Install Bird Boxes to Create Shelter for Birds to Thrive

Forty-three volunteers gathered along the future home of the Loop the Lake Trail extension Saturday, September 29, to build and install bird boxes, and participate in citizen science monitoring. The volunteers are part of the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps, an expanding organization of community volunteers who are contributing to restoration projects that are creating or improving wildlife habitat in the Onondaga Lake watershed. The volunteers built nearly 30 bluebird nesting boxes, which were provided through a partnership with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and FORCES (Friends of Recreation, Conservation and Environmental Stewardship).

Left: First-time Corps volunteers Ian (left), 6, and mom Rebecca Margiotta, of Baldwinsville, construct a wooden nesting box to attract Eastern bluebirds.
Right: Deborah and David Holihan (left), of Liverpool, install a bird box near Harbor Brook.

The boxes offer bird species a better chance to survive and thrive, reducing declines in population and restoring species to places they once inhabited. When birds nest in the structures, they have the best likelihood of raising their young successfully.

Tom Hughes (right), Natural Resource Steward Biologist with New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, demonstrates how to construct bird boxes.
“We at New York State Parks are committed to conservation efforts within our communities,” said Hughes. “Constructing and installing bluebird nesting boxes is one way we can all work together to create or enhance habitat for New York’s official state bird.”

Left: Kathy Chapin (left), of East Syracuse, installs a nesting box with Onondaga Audubon volunteer Frank Moses (right) along the southwest shoreline of Onondaga Lake.
Right: Three-year-old Eleanor Sunkes, of East Syracuse, decorates a bird box held by Barbara Kamerance, of Central Square, before it is placed in the field.

During the event, Corps members tracked native birds on a birding walk along Onondaga Lake’s western and southwest shorelines, and cleaned out existing nesting boxes to prepare them for the next breeding season.

Ten-year-old Leah Jarrett (right), of Liverpool, inspects the contents of a nesting box previously installed along the western shoreline with her parents Cathy (center) and Rich Jarrett.

Left: Liam Adams (left), 13, and mom Heather Adams, of Cicero, track native birds along the western shoreline of Onondaga Lake.
Right: Steve Mooney (center), Managing Scientist at OBG, examines the restored habitat with participants Steven Knowles (right), of Camillus, and Tim Gordon (left).

As part of the Onondaga Lake cleanup, Honeywell has restored about 90 acres of wetlands, and about 1.1 million native plants are being planted. The restored wetlands have become home to nearly 260 wildlife species, including more than 120 unique bird species that have been identified in and around Onondaga Lake.

The Corps seeks to inspire future stewards of Onondaga Lake and its watershed through a hands-on, experience-based program that offers citizens and organizations the opportunity to participate in activities that help restore and sustain Onondaga Lake and its value as an Important Bird Area.

Since the formation of the Corps, over 30 events have brought together more than 800 volunteers who have become environmental stewards and Corps members. In recognition of their work, the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps was awarded a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 2015 Environmental Champion Award.

To learn more about the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps, visit http://ny.audubon.org/OLCC, www.facebook.com/onondagalakecc, or www.youtube.com/onondagalakecc.

View more photographs of the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps.

For more information on the Onondaga Lake cleanup, please visit www.lakecleanup.com.

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