The Onondaga Lake cleanup included the creation of a green corridor emerging in the Onondaga Lake watershed that connects habitat from Onondaga Lake to wetlands at Geddes Brook, Nine Mile Creek, the former Linden Chemicals and Plastics site, and the Shrub Willow Farm off Airport Road. The remediation work was based on input from national and local experts including researchers and scientists from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps community volunteers have helped with a portion of the plantings.
Geddes Brook Wetlands
Twenty-one acres of land at Geddes Brook have been transformed into a diverse new habitat for wildlife, including more than 13 acres of wetlands. The project involved the removal of contaminated soil and invasive plants and the planting of approximately 50,000 native shrubs, flowers, and trees, which are critical to protecting and enhancing habitat for wildlife such as fish, birds, frogs, and turtles.
For the Geddes Brook wetlands plant list, click here.
Nine Mile Creek
At Nine Mile Creek, 24 acres have been transformed into improved wetlands, a healthier creek, improved habitats for wildlife, and access for canoeing and kayaking. The project involved the removal of contaminated soil and invasive, non-native plants, realigning the creek, grading wetlands and floodplains, and planting more than 41,000 native trees, shrubs and flowers.
For the Nine Mile Creek wetlands plant list, click here.
Geddes Lakeshore Enhancements
More than 1,100 plants, shrubs, and trees from more than 47 diverse native species were planted in 2011 to improve the southwest lakeshore along I-690 in Geddes. The lakeshore enhancements, which the community helped design, will help create a welcoming “Gateway to Syracuse.”
In April 2017, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced a series of new projects in the Onondaga Lake watershed to restore and protect wildlife habitat and water quality, and increase recreational opportunities at Onondaga Lake.
For the Geddes Lakeshore Enhancements plant list, click here.
