01/30/2020
Images of Onondaga Lake’s Birds, Natural Habitats and People Enjoying the Lake will be Considered
The Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps is accepting photographs until March 1 for the Onondaga Lake Photography Exhibit March 21 and 22 at Honeywell’s Onondaga Lake Visitors Center. The exhibit will feature images of Onondaga Lake’s birds, other wildlife, natural habitats, and people enjoying the lake ecosystem throughout the year. The exhibit is hosted by the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps with support from Audubon New York and Honeywell. Visit https://ny.audubon.org/OLCC for photography exhibit information. Photos should be submitted to montezuma@audubon.org.
“The Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps is proud to open the photography exhibit to the entire Central New York community,” said Chris Lajewski, Director, Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps. “The restored Onondaga Lake ecosystem is now a community asset where birds and people thrive. Over 100 Bald Eagles and thousands of waterfowl were found at the lake last winter and people from all over the region are enjoying new outdoor recreation activities at the lake. We look forward to showcasing thirty amazing images that help us tell the story of nature’s resurgence at Onondaga Lake.”
The exhibit runs Saturday, March 21, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, March 22, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Honeywell’s Onondaga Lake Visitors Center, 280 Restoration Way Syracuse, NY 13209. Visitors will meet the photographers who captured the images and have an opportunity to see birds in their natural habitat with experts from the Montezuma Audubon Center and Onondaga Audubon. The event will be free and open to the public, but a $5/person donation is suggested.
Onondaga Lake became a priority Audubon Important Bird Area (IBA) in 1998 and was subsequently adopted by Honeywell, Montezuma Audubon Center, and Onondaga Audubon because of its value to waterfowl and Bald Eagles during the winter months. The IBA program serves as a catalyst for achieving bird conservation. The Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps is now an Audubon New York program.
As part of the Onondaga Lake cleanup, Honeywell has restored about 90 acres of wetlands and about 1.1 million native plants are being planted. The restored wetlands have become home to more than 250 wildlife species. More than 150 bird species have been identified in and around Onondaga Lake, including several species categorized as threatened or of special interest in New York State. Pied-billed Grebe, Northern Harrier, and Bald Eagle are among the notable bird species that have returned.
The Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps seeks to inspire the 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 IBA. Since its formation in 2012, more than 900 community members have participated in Corps events. Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps supporters include NextEra Energy, Parsons, Ramboll, Anchor QEA, Bond Schoeneck & King, Applied Ecological Services, CHA Consulting, Koester Associates, Westfall Law, Pioneer Companies, and SRC, Inc.
To learn more about the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps or participate in future activities, please contact montezuma@audubon.org, visit http://ny.audubon.org/OLCC, 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.
TO ACCESS THE VISITORS CENTER: From Points West: Take I-690 East to Exit 7, turn left onto State Fair Boulevard, take the first left passing under I-690, drive straight toward the lake and follow signs to the Onondaga Lake Visitors Center. From Points East: Take I-690 West to Exit 7, turn right at the off ramp and follow signs to the Onondaga Lake Visitors Center.
