Lake Friendly Living Saturday May 9th, 2026 Owasco Watershed Cleanup for Mother Earth
EVENT DATE AND TIME: Saturday, May 9th, 2026, from 9AM-noon
LOCATION: Watershed roadside ditches independently to start at 9AM, then to Emerson Park Pavilion at 10:30AM to convene as a group and initiate lakeshore cleanup
Please email Phil Gioia at drgioia@verizon.net or text him with name, ditch location desired for cleanup, and phone and email. If unable to email, please text him at 315 209 3407, if unable to text please call him at that number and leave a voicemail with the information. For starting location, please give address, or fire lane, or corner of two roads. If you need a ride or equipment, please let Phil know. He will attempt to group 2 to 4 people together by closest location desired.
DESCRIPTION OF IMPACT ACTIVITY (what should attendees be prepared to do/participate in):
Volunteers will independently start their day from 9-10:30 removing and bagging litter collected from watershed roadside ditches. Practicing safety will be the responsibility of those involved while working near roadways. Please cover arms and legs to avoid tick bites and check afterwards for ticks.
Volunteers will then convene as a group at Emerson Park Pavilion at 10:30 AM to walk the northern shoreline of the lake and continue to remove and bag refuse. Pictures of refuse found and bagged are encouraged for inclusion within a final photo montage of the event. Lunch will be served.
ACTIVITY LEADER OR SPONSORING ORGANIZATION (If applicable):
Owasco Lake Watershed Management Council (OLWMC) and Owasco Watershed Lake Association (OWLA)
WHAT TO BRING / WEAR (Examples: tick protection, work gloves, sturdy boots, shovels, etc.):
Volunteers are responsible for bringing their own trash bags, reflective vests, work gloves and sturdy footwear.
SPONSORING LAKE INFORMATION
Owasco Lake is an intermediate-sized Finger Lake in Cayuga County, NY, known for its recreational opportunities, clear water, and as a drinking water source for over 44,000 residents.