Type in your search and hit Enter on desktop or hit Go on mobile device
Shape the Future
The Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps is 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 Corps was founded in 2012 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 Audubon Important Bird Area.
Onondaga Lake is an important wintering area for Bald Eagles and waterfowl, providing habitat, food, and water sources that many bird species depend upon for survival during the cold winter months.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sunday, March 2, 2025 @ 10AM and 12PM
Onondaga Creekwalk @ Destiny USA, Harborside Dr & Hiawatha Blvd, Syracuse, NY
Join the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps for a guided, half-mile walk along the Onondaga Creekwalk to explore newly restored habitats that attract thousands of waterfowl, dozens of Bald Eagles, and other wildlife during the winter months.
Participants will learn from National Audubon Society, Montezuma Audubon Center, and Onondaga Audubon staff and volunteers about wildlife and the importance of wetlands in supporting the Onondaga Lake watershed. We'll meet at the parking lot underneath Hiawatha Blvd. near Harborside Dr. at Destiny USA. A map of the meeting location will be emailed to participants a few days prior to the program.
Onondaga Lake is an Audubon Important Bird Area that provides habitat, food and water sources that many bird species depend upon for survival during the cold winter months. Some of the most abundant bird species that rely on Onondaga Lake are the Bald Eagle, Common Merganser, American Black Duck, Greater Scaup, Lesser Scaup, Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, Mallard, Redhead, and Ring-Necked Duck.
Participants should wear shoes or boots for cold and snowy conditions. The walk will be on a flat, paved trail. Binoculars, spotting scopes and field guides will be provided.
Fee: $10/adult, $7.50/child
Space is limited and registration is required. Click the links below to register.
10AM: https://act.audubon.org/a/onondaga-lake-conservation-corps-bald-eagle-excursion-march-2-2025-10am
12PM: https://act.audubon.org/a/onondaga-lake-conservation-corps-bald-eagle-excursion-march-2-2025-12pm
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Join the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps as we spotlight five local photographers who will share the joy of photography, wildlife, and their habitats. See amazing photos from Onondaga Lake and hear the story behind the images. Learn tips and tricks for taking that perfect photo of nature and wildlife at Onondaga Lake.
At 10:00 a.m., meet OLCC's original photographer, John DeNicola. John's passion for raising awareness about Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps comes to life in his amazing photos. He captures nature in its most intimate form and will share details about his artistry.
At 10:30 a.m., get in the groove with Frank Valls. Frank's easygoing approach will guide you to take stunning pictures with everyday equipment. You'll see images of the lake's restoration project and the conservation work the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps has accomplished from views both onshore and offshore.
At 10:50 a.m., join Andrew Hudnut - a newcomer to the area and a conservation professional. Andrew will share his experience of discovering Onondaga Lake for the first time through his photography and hands-on restoration work with the Soil and Water Conservation District. He has seen the role of conservation in shaping the lake's future, and how photography helps capture both the beauty and restoration of this evolving ecosystem.
At 11:15 a.m., meet Joe Fratianni and Ed Guarente. This entertaining duo will lead a discussion about their choices of equipment, how to frame a setting, work with lighting and surroundings. Joe & Ed prove there is more than one way to approach photography! You'll see some fantastic
images they've captured and learn the story behind them. Got a question about cameras and
equipment? These two will be happy to help.
Framed and matted photos will be available for purchase with cash or check.
Fee: $10/person. Space is limited and registration is required. Call 315.365.3588 or email montezuma@audubon.org with questions.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps is a hands-on, experienced-based organization of community volunteers participating in stewardship and educational activities that help restore and sustain the Onondaga Lake watershed, ecosystem, and natural resources.
Plan your trip to the Visitor's Center along the shoreline of Onondaga Lake to see firsthand the significant work that's taken place.
Worksheets based on cleanup activities reinforce NYS standards and Next Generation Science Standards for middle school students.
Join us for programs, family activities, and habitat restoration projects in your area!
Help us to continue to protect and conserve the natural resources of Onondaga Lake.
About the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps
The Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps was founded in 2012 by Honeywell in partnership with Montezuma Audubon Center and Onondaga Audubon and is now an Audubon New York program. Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps supporters include Parsons, Ramboll, Anchor QEA, RES, Converge Properties, Central NY Community Foundation, Jim and Juli Boeheim Foundation and John Ben Snow Foundation.
Schools, community groups, local organizations, and individuals are welcome. To learn more or participate in future activities, please contact montezuma@audubon.org or call 315-365-3588.
Pledge to conserve Onondaga Lake for future generations.
Please consider making a donation to the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps to help us inspire the future stewards of our planet to protect the birds, other wildlife, and habitats we all share.
