280 Restoration Way, Syracuse, NY 13209
Join the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps on Saturday, March 22 from 10AM – 12PM at the Honeywell Onondaga Lake Visitors Center, 280 Restoration Way, Syracuse, NY 13209, for a unique program featuring five local photographers who will share the joy of photography and images of Onondaga Lake’s wildlife and their habitats. The photographers spent countless hours in all weather conditions along the newly restored shoreline and wetlands to capture the images that will be featured during the program. Hear the amazing stories behind the images, and learn tips and tricks for taking that perfect photo of nature and wildlife. Additionally, framed and matted photographs of Onondaga Lake’s birds and other wildlife will be available for purchase to support the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps’ conservation projects and education programs.
Program Schedule:
10:00 a.m., meet Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps’ 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.
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.
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.
11:15 a.m., meet Joe Fratianni and Ed Guarente. This entertaining duo will lead a discussion about their experiences at the lake, choices of equipment, how to frame a setting, work with lighting and surroundings. Joe and 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.
The program fee is $10/person. Space is limited and registration is required. Register at https://act.audubon.org/a/onondaga-lake-conservation-corps-photography-program-march-22-2025-10am-12pm. Call 315.365.3588 or email [email protected] with questions.
The Corps is an expanding organization of community volunteers who are contributing to restoration projects that are creating, improving, and monitoring wildlife habitat in the Onondaga Lake watershed and sustaining its value as an Audubon Important Bird Area.
The Corps was founded in 2012 by Honeywell in partnership with Montezuma Audubon Center and Onondaga Audubon and is now an Audubon New York program. Additional Corps supporters include Parsons, Anchor QEA, National Grid, and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.
Onondaga Lake is an Audubon Important Bird Area that provides habitat, food and water sources that many bird species depend upon for survival during the cold winter months. Some of the most abundant bird species that rely on Onondaga Lake are the Bald Eagle, Common Merganser, American Black Duck, Greater Scaup, Lesser Scaup, Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, Mallard, Redhead, and Ring-necked Duck.
To learn more about the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps or participate in future activities, please contact [email protected], visit http://ny.audubon.org/OLCC, www.instagram.com/onondagalakecc, www.youtube.com/onondagalakecc, or call 315-365-3588.
