Photos & Videos: Southwest Lakeshore Enhancements

Artist’s rendering of future Southwest Lakeshore enhancements

July 2019 - Juvenile Barn Swallows perch on a nesting box installed in wetlands by the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps. The Barn Swallows will soon start their migration south for the winter.

October 2018 - Botanist Joe McMullen (center) guides participants in an Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps citizen science event through wetland areas identifying plant species. The taller tree is a red maple. A smaller American sycamore is bottom right.

October 2018 - A seed bag tossed by Joe Hansen, of Liverpool, splashes into wetlands along the southwest shoreline.

September 2018 - Bird 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.

September 2018 - New bluebird nesting boxes are installed near Harbor Brook along the southwest shoreline of Onondaga Lake. The Eastern Bluebird population has been increasing again according to Audubon, helped by the installation of bird boxes.

September 2018 - Implementation of the Onondaga Lake Habitat Restoration Plan was completed in 2017.

September 2018 - The native pickerelweed (purple blooms) is an emergent species that provides aquatic habitat for various species of fish, such as Chain Pickerel, as the plant name suggests.

August 2018 - The striking red blooms of the native cardinal flower attract hummingbirds, which feed on the plant’s nectar.

August 2018 - Fourteen acres of wetlands and four acres of shoreline habitat were completed at the Southwest Lakeshore in 2017 as part of the Onondaga Lake Habitat Restoration Plan.

August 2018 - The Habitat Restoration Plan, released in 2010, described a comprehensive approach to Onondaga Lake’s revitalization.

July 2018 - Approximately 167,000 native plants, including several thousand trees and shrubs, were planted in wetlands and shoreline habitat along the southwest shoreline.

May 2018 - The native northern blue flag iris grows in wet shoreline soils. Its colorful flowers attract pollinators. According to the U.S. Forest Service, loss of habitat threatens many of the country’s native irises.

May 2018 - A Snowy Egret is spotted in recently created wetlands along the southwest shoreline of the lake. Snowy Egrets hunt in shallow wetland waters, waiting to spear prey with their long black bills.

October 2017 - A monarch butterfly drinks nectar from fall blooming nodding bur marigold planted near Harbor Brook earlier this year.

August 2017 - A Northern Leopard Frog in recently restored habitat at Harbor Brook.

August 2017 - Tracks in mud show a raccoon (center) and a Great Blue Heron (left) each passed through recently.

June 2017 - Volunteers install approximately 700 herbaceous plants and 240 native trees and shrubs along the southwest shoreline of Onondaga Lake on a Saturday morning.

June 2017 - Cobble berms (background) were built in 2016 to reduce wave action along the shoreline, and establish calmer water areas suitable for wetland plants and associated wildlife.

June 2017 - Between the shoreline and a berm, an area in the water is fenced off to protect young wetland plants to be installed over the next few weeks.

June 2017 - A variety of native plants including boneset and speckled alder are planted to create a rich diverse habitat along the Southwest Lakeshore.

February 2017 - The southwest shoreline of Onondaga Lake before additional plantings this year. Biodegradable erosion control fabric, secured with wooden stakes, protects a native seed mix planted last fall.

November 2016 - Berms have been constructed extending into the lake along the southwestern shoreline, in advance of habitat plantings next year.

October 2016 - A long stick backhoe places topsoil along the southwestern shoreline.

September 2016 - The rock berms will decrease wave action along the shoreline, reducing erosion.

September 2016 - Near the mouth of Harbor Brook, workers reach shallow areas over heavy equipment mats used to create temporary access roads. A Great Egret can be seen at the shore’s edge.

August 2016 - Topsoil is placed in shallow water areas, creating a habitat layer for underwater vegetation.

August 2016 - Native species are helping restore habitat at Harbor Brook that was once dominated by invasive species.

August 2016 - The work upstream near Harbor Brook has improved habitat in the Onondaga Lake watershed.

July 2016 - Berms will create sheltered areas for small fish near the shoreline.

June 2016 - Construction of a berm along the southwestern shoreline begins.

July 2015 - A nursery is set up (lower left) for future native plantings to enhance the Southwest Lakeshore.

February 2014 - A rubber-tracked dump truck suitable for moving over uneven terrain delivers clean soil to the edge of the lake.

June 2013 - Native species will help re-establish habitat at Harbor Brook that was once dominated by invasive species.

June 2013 - Volunteer efforts at Harbor Brook will contribute to the transformation of 2.5 acres of wetlands into a healthy new habitat.

June 2013 - Temporary fencing is installed to protect young plants from deer and other animals.

June 2013 - By re-establishing wetlands and improving habitat, the Harbor Brook project will help create a healthy Onondaga Lake watershed.

October 2011 - A meeting is held with F.O.C.U.S. Greater Syracuse to discuss the future of the Southwest Lakeshore.

July 2011 - A community meeting is held to discuss the future of the Southwest Lakeshore.

June 2011 - Trees are planted at the Southwest Lakeshore.