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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Photography Program Saturday, March 22 10AM - 12PM

Bald Eagle Photo: Ed Guarente
Honeywell Onondaga Lake Visitors Center, 280 Restoration Way, Syracuse, NY 13209
Click here to register

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.   

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Annual Benefit - Monday, June 9

Click here for tickets and sponsorships! 

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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