The Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps is calling on Central New Yorkers to roll up their sleeves for the 6th Annual Earth Day Cleanup on Saturday, April 26.
Volunteers will gather from 10 a.m. to noon to remove debris from the lake’s southwest shoreline and wetlands near Harbor Brook. The event also includes educational sessions with Audubon NY, Onondaga Audubon, and Parsons staff about the lake’s bird populations, wildlife, and the value of healthy ecosystems in the Onondaga Lake watershed.
“Onondaga Lake is a conservation success story,” said Chris Lajewski, program director of the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps. “The Earth Day Cleanup is a great opportunity for the Central New York community to experience the restored habitats and remove debris that has washed up on the shoreline and wetlands during the winter months.”
Volunteers will meet at Honeywell’s Onondaga Lake Visitors Center at 280 Restoration Way before driving a short distance to the cleanup site. Participants are advised to wear long pants, long sleeves, and sturdy footwear. Work gloves are encouraged, and plastic bags will be provided.
Lajewski emphasized the impact of community involvement, noting the effort will directly benefit nesting bald eagles, waterfowl, and other wildlife that rely on the lake’s habitat.
The event will be held rain or shine and is sponsored by National Grid. Space is limited and registration is required. Interested volunteers can register at act.audubon.org, or contact organizers at 315-365-3588 or [email protected] for more information.
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