By Sharon Bruce
Senior Manager, Communications
Published June 18, 2025
This article is from Audubon New York
. Audubon has 31 conservation action centers and more than 500 community and campus chapters across the U.S. serving local communities. Find your local center or chapter here.
SYRACUSE, NY – On Tuesday, June 17, the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of a new native plant and pollinator garden along the West Shore Trail at Onondaga Lake. The garden represents a vibrant new addition to the lake’s ecosystem restoration efforts and provides essential habitat for birds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators whose populations have been in sharp decline.
The new garden features a carefully curated selection of native shrubs, flowers, and grasses, designed to bloom throughout the growing season to support a diversity of pollinators. These include Northern obedient plant, Long-stalked coreopsis, Wild bergamot, Steeplebush, and many more.
Interpretive plant signs provide educational information for trail visitors, and new sustainability elements—including a rain barrel and composting station—highlight the importance of green infrastructure and self-sustaining landscapes.
“Native plants mean more native insects, which is essential food that birds need to feed their young,” said Mike Burger, Executive Director of Audubon Connecticut and New York. “Native plants also need less water and care, as they are adapted to local conditions. Less mowing, fertilizing, and pesticide application means cleaner air and water.”
“The garden is small (for now), but it gives a little insight to the people who visit Onondaga Lake by the thousands,” said James Molloy, Senior Scientist at Parsons. “The insight we’re trying to share is that if you’re passionate about birds, plants, or other wildlife, then you’re passionate about pollinators. Anyone can participate in the movement to conserve them.”
“At National Grid, we love being able to support organizations and local communities to make parks healthier and greener,” said Travis Glazier, External Affairs Regional Manager. The company’s Sustainability Leadership Alliance presented the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps with an eight thousand dollar check at the ceremony to help fund the garden’s expansion.
The ceremony brought together conservation leaders, scientists, park staff, and utility partners who have worked together to reestablish native plant life and promote environmental stewardship in Central New York.
"The introduction of this new asset on the West Shore Trail aligns perfectly with Onondaga County Parks stated Mission Statement, and is a valuable new amenity for all users of Onondaga Lake Park to enjoy for years to come,” said Eric Sopchak, Superintendent of Onondaga Lake Park.
Thanks go to those who donated soil, mulch, compost, plants, and planning and maintenance support, including: Michaela Kenward (Parsons), Craig Millburn (Honeywell), Brian Cole (OCRRA), Molly Jacobson (SUNY ESF), Laurianne Fleming (Plantsmen Nursery), Mark Bremer (National Grid), and the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps Advisory Board.