What used to be an almost dead lake is now teeming with fish and bird activity, as well as other plant and animal life. Audubon New York and the Onondaga Lake Conversation Corps will be showcasing the restoration of Onondage Lake this weekend. "Images of a Recovering Onondaga Lake" features pictures of birds and other species taken by local photographers. Executive Director of Audubon New York Erin Crotty says it's no surprise wildlife has come back to the lake.
"Birds and other wildlife are really smart, and they are very particular about the kind of habitat that they like. For the birds, like eagles who are looking for fish source, to the waterfowl which are also looking for a source of food, Onondaga Lake is a prime habitat."
Crotty says the lake has become a very healthy ecosystem for the environment. She's been involved in the lake cleanup for the past couple of decades, and she has always believed that the lake will come back.
"It's a tremendous comeback story. It's a symbol of modern environmental management that when you do put your mind to it and you do clean up a degraded environment, it can come back. It can become an incredible resource and an incredible habitat for our birds, but also improve the quality of life for the community around it.
Crotty says the community is in a place to decide what the appropriate uses of the lake might be, including recreation. The photo exhibit runs this Saturday, April 25th from 9AM to 4PM and Sunday, April 26th from 1 to 4PMat Honeywell's Onondaga Lake Visitors Center off Interstate 690.