Council VP Brian Skinner took these photos of the Onondaga Lake Ecosystem Restoration tour during the ReLeaf 2015 conference. The bus took ReLeafers on a field trip that included an initial stop at the Onondaga Lake Visitor’s Center near the NYS Fairgrounds for an overview of Honeywell’s remediation and restoration efforts at Onondaga Lake.
About 2.2 million cubic yards of material was removed from Onondaga Lake and pumped to a consolidation area at former industrial property off of Airport Road for drying and 
safe isolation long term. About 2.5 billion gallons of water was treated. Approximately 450 acres of the lake will be capped to provide a new habitat layer, prevent erosion, and isolate remaining contaminants. More than 1.1 million plants, trees, and shrubs are being planted and more than 50 acres of wetlands enhanced.
From there the bus took a short drive to the Geddes Brook/Nine Mile Creek restoration area. Restoration at the approximately 17-acre Geddes Brook wetlands complex and portions of Nine Mile Creek include many interesting design features for wetland and stream restoration. About 50,000 plantings were made in the area, 11,000 of which are trees. To date, more than 100 species of fish, mammals, and birds have been observed in the restored wetland areas.
The American Society of Civil Engineers, Syracuse Section recently recognized the Geddes Brook and Nine Mile Creek project with the 2015 Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Award.
The tour was led by Craig Milburn, Managing Partner at Brown & Sanford Consultants and Mark Arrigo, Parsons Habitat Expert.