Sixty-seven volunteers gathered on a beautiful fall Saturday near the mouth of Nine Mile Creek behind the Lakeview Amphitheater to plant native wetland species and participate in citizen science monitoring by tracking birds. The volunteers are part of the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps, 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 work along the lake’s shoreline will transform 35 acres into new wetlands and improved habitat for wildlife that will play a significant role in creating a healthy watershed and a sustainable ecosystem. A total of 1,400 native plants were installed along the shoreline adjacent to the mouth of Nine Mile Creek, including harlequin blueflag, cardinalflower, softstem bulrush, and switchgrass.

On the shores of Onondaga Lake and along the lake’s tributaries, Honeywell is improving a total of 87 acres of wetlands and planting about 1.1 million native plants, shrubs, and trees. To date, nearly 600,000 shrubs and trees have been planted. More than 70 acres of wetlands have been restored.

The Corps seeks 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 Important Bird Area.

Partners of the Corps include Audubon New York, Montezuma Audubon Center, Onondaga Audubon Society, Parsons, OBG, Anchor QEA, Bond Schoeneck & King, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Habitat Gardening in Central New York, and Honeywell.

To learn more about the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps or participate in future activities, please contact montezuma@audubon.org or call 315-365-3588. Schools, community groups, local organizations and individuals are welcome. Like the Corps on Facebook or visit YouTube to learn more.