Join the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps

Shape the Future

Be Part of the Future of Onondaga Lake

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.

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Autumn Habitat Enhancement Project

Saturday, November 9, 2024  12 PM – 2 PM

Honeywell Onondaga Lake Visitor Center 280 Restoration Way, Syracuse, NY 13209

Eastern Bluebird. Photo: Jocelyn Anderson/Great Backyard Bird Count

Join the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps for our Autumn Habitat Enhancement Event on Saturday, November 9 from 12 - 2 PM. Participants will pick up debris along the Onondaga Lake shoreline and monitor bird nest boxes while learning from National Audubon Society, Onondaga Audubon and Parsons staff about birds, other wildlife, and the importance of healthy habitats in the Onondaga Lake watershed. Participants should wear shoes or boots, long pants and sleeves, and bring work gloves. Limited work gloves will be available. Plastic bags will be provided. The event will take place rain or shine. This event is sponsored by National Grid, Honeywell and Parsons.

Space is limited and registration is required. Click here to register. 

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 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.

Call 315.365.3588 or email montezuma@audubon.org with questions.   

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Advisory Board
Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps

Advisory Board

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.

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Onondaga Lake Visitors Center
Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps

Onondaga Lake Visitors Center

Plan your trip to the Visitor's Center along the shoreline of Onondaga Lake to see firsthand the significant work that's taken place.

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Onondaga Lake Cleanup Classroom Worksheets
Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps

Onondaga Lake Cleanup Classroom Worksheets

Worksheets based on cleanup activities reinforce NYS standards and Next Generation Science Standards for middle school students.

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Upcoming Corps and Other Audubon New York Events
Events

Upcoming OLCC & Other Audubon NY Events

Join us for programs, family activities, and habitat restoration projects in your area!

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Support the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps
Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps

Support the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps

Help us to continue to protect and conserve the natural resources of Onondaga Lake.

Read more

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.

Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps News

Onondaga Lake Paddling
Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps

Onondaga Lake Paddling

Bringing boating back to Onondaga Lake

Support the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps
Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps

Support the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps

Help us to continue to protect and conserve the natural resources of Onondaga Lake.

Once a Toxic Stew, New York's Onondaga Lake Shows Signs of Life
News

Once a Toxic Stew, New York's Onondaga Lake Shows Signs of Life

Thanks to hundred of volunteers, a vast cleanup of the poisoned watershed is wrapping up—and the birds are beginning to return.

Southwest Lakeshore Enhancements
Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps

Onondaga Lake Southwest Shoreline Enhancements

Rehabilitation projects critical to lake's recovery.

Plant Lists for Onondaga Lake Restoration
Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps

Plant Lists for Onondaga Lake Restoration

Native species bring the watershed back to life.

Former LCP Site & Wetlands
Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps

Former LCP Site & Wetlands

Restoration complete on formerly contaminated site in Onondaga Lake Watershed.

Nine Mile Creek
Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps

Nine Mile Creek

Transformation of creek along Onondaga Lake complete.

Geddes Brook Wetlands
Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps

Geddes Brook Wetlands

Transformation of this 17 acre area of the Onondaga Lake Watershed is complete.

Habitat Restoration Plan
Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps

Habitat Restoration Plan

Strategic recovery of Onondaga Lake