Thousands Participate in Hands-on Outdoor Recreational Activities While Learning About Habitat Improvements at Geddes Brook Wetlands and Nine Mile Creek
More than 6,000 people learned about habitat and wildlife conservation and participated in outdoor sports including fishing, archery, turkey calling, and skeet shooting during the 2013 Honeywell Sportsmen’s Days at Carpenter’s Brook on September 28 and 29. The event, held annually by the Onondaga County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, is one of the largest celebrations of National Hunting and Fishing Day in New York State.
“Honeywell is working to enhance native habitat for fish and wildlife in the Onondaga Lake watershed,” said Honeywell Syracuse Program Director John McAuliffe. “Input received from the federation during our planning process is already seeing results as wildlife is returning to a restored Geddes Brook and Nine Mile Creek. Reconstructed wetlands along the Onondaga Lakeshore will improve habitats for northern pike, lake sturgeon, and walleye, and for transient cold-water fish.”
Improvements at Geddes Brook and Nine Mile Creek are enhancing habitat and supporting a diverse population of fish, birds, and mammals while increasing opportunities for outdoor recreation. Brook trout and large and smallmouth bass have been observed in the new Geddes Brook channel, and beaver and mink have also returned to the restored wetland areas.
During Honeywell Sportsmen’s Days, local wildlife artists, woodsmen, authors, sportsmen and Boy Scouts presented a number of outdoor activities including: skeet shooting, waterfowl and turkey calling, archery, retriever dog demonstrations, crossbow, fly fishing, fly tying, canoeing, muzzle loading, and trout fishing.
Participants also learned about Honeywell’s Onondaga Lake Habitat Restoration Plan. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is overseeing Honeywell’s projects to restore wetlands in and around Onondaga Lake, improve the lake’s shoreline, and create a new lake bottom.
“Honeywell continues its commitment to Sportsmen’s Days and working with us on habitat restoration around Onondaga Lake,” said Onondaga County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs President Stephen Wowelko. “Improved and additional access on Honeywell property is popular with sportsmen. With Honeywell’s support, more than 6,000 people attended this year’s event, including many young children who are part of a generation that will benefit directly from Honeywell’s Onondaga Lake cleanup, habitat improvements, and restoration activities.”
Other weekend events included a volunteer dinner and guest appearances by conservation officers, forest rangers, and Eddie Eagle.
For more information on the Onondaga Lake cleanup, please visit www.lakecleanup.com.