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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Bluebirds and More Saturday, May 6 @1PM

Eastern Bluebird. Photo: Douglas Racine
 
Saturday, May 6, 2023 @ 1:00 PM
Honeywell's Onondaga Lake Visitors Center, 280 Restoration Way, Syracuse, NY 13209
 
The Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps is proud to welcome John Rogers for a presentation entitled Bluebirds and More on Saturday, May 6th from 1 PM – 2 PM. This inspiring and informative PowerPoint presentation includes the life history of the Eastern Bluebird, other birds that nest in bluebird boxes, nest box management, and more. The focus definitely is on bluebirds, but John also shares his love for the natural world in the hope the audience will take away some broader and deeper messages about nature. The program has variety, feeling, and is inspirational. Sprinkled throughout are just a few wildflowers, butterflies, other birds, quotes by some of the great naturalists of the past, and more. With beautiful photographs, sounds, and a sincere, enthusiastic presentation style, this program is of interest to anyone who appreciates nature.
 
Fee: $5/person. Following the presentation, there will be an optional nest box installation activity along the Onondaga Lake shoreline. Space is limited and registration is required. Call 315-365-3588 or email montezuma@audubon.org with questions. The event is sponsored by Honeywell and Audubon New York.

 John Rogers has maintained a trail of bluebird nest boxes in Central NY for over four decades. He has led bluebird programs and workshops for hundreds of organizations in 12 states and two Canadian provinces. John was a co-founder of the New York State Bluebird Society in 1982 and became a lifetime (volunteer) board member in 2002. He has received numerous awards for his bluebird conservation work, including the Bluebird Conservation Award from the North American Bluebird Society. He is a past board member of that organization. In 2010, he was a recipient of the Hero of Conservation Award from the Syracuse Post Standard. John is an experienced birder and member of Onondaga Audubon in Syracuse, NY.

 
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Annual Benefit

Bald Eagle flying over Onondaga Lake. Photo: Greg Craybas
 
Monday, June 12, 2023  /  11:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Wayne Hills Country Club, 2250 Gannett Rd, Lyons, NY 14489
 
Step into the sunshine and join us for 18 holes of golf in support of conservation at the Montezuma Wetlands Complex, Onondaga Lake, and other Important Bird Areas in the Finger Lakes Region. Our spring benefit is on, and this fun annual outing just won't be the same without you.

Enjoy a day of golf with lunch, a cocktail reception, bucket raffles, and awards dinner. Not into golf? Join us for dinner instead. Tickets for the dinner reception-only are available too.

You're also invited to help us further protect birds and their habitats within this precious region by participating in our event sponsorship levels. Click here to learn more about the sponsorship levels or to print the registration form and register by mail.

We'll also have a virtual silent auction from June 1 @ 9 a.m. - June 13 @ 5 p.m. You don't need to register for the Annual Benefit to participate.

Make a difference and join us for an amazing day of golf and conservation! Click here to reserve your spot at the Annual Benefit.

Schedule of Events

  • 10:30 a.m. - Golf Check-in
  • 11:30 a.m. - Tee Off
  • 4 p.m. - Cocktail Reception (cash bar), Bucket Raffles, Wine Pull, Nest Box Pull
  • 5 p.m. - Dinner and Awards Reception

All proceeds will benefit Montezuma Audubon Center's conservation projects and environmental education programs.

If you can't join us on June 12 and you want to support our work, click here to make a donation.

For more information or questions, please contact Chris Lajewski at (315) 365-3588 or christopher.lajewski@audubon.org.

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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.

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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