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Onondaga Creek Watershed Environmental Justice Listening Session Set for June 3
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — June 1, 2026 — SUNY ESF’s Center for Native Peoples and the Environment will join the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the City of Syracuse, the Onondaga Environmental Institute and community partners to host an Onondaga Creek Watershed Environmental Justice Listening Session 5 p.m., Wednesday, June 3, at the Bob Cecile Community Center in Syracuse.
The public event will focus on gathering community input and building on ongoing efforts to strengthen the resilience, health and accessibility of the Onondaga Creek watershed.
The session is part of the DEC’s broader effort to expand awareness of environmental justice programs, strengthen relationships with community members and help guide future outreach and engagement. It also builds on work underway by a network of local organizations focused on improving conditions in the watershed.
“In February, a subset of our community gathered to hear about the history and ongoing efforts around Onondaga Creek, and the room was packed,” said Dr. Madeline Nyblade, assistant professor of environmental studies and faculty co-director for the CNPE. “It was clear how deeply this creek matters to the people here, and how much potential exists for greater coordination and stewardship.”
Nyblade is looking forward to providing a space for people to share their thoughts on Onondaga Creek’s future.
“I'm excited to be part of the broad coalition of governments and organizations that came together to make this happen, a space where we can hear directly from the people who live within the watershed. What we hear from this community will drive our collective responsibility to care for Onondaga Creek.”
The event begins with an informal open house with subject matter experts. Brief remarks and an overview of existing watershed initiatives will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by facilitated discussions led by community partners. Topics will include flood resilience, recreation and creek access, housing and neighborhood amenities, water quality and habitat and shared governance within the watershed. Participants will have opportunities throughout the evening to share feedback and identify environmental priorities.
The session will take place at the Bob Cecile Community Center, 174 West Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse.
Registration for this free event is encouraged but not required. Register here.
About SUNY ESF
The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is dedicated to the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable and resilient future through design, policy, and management of the environment and natural resources. Members of the College community share a passion for protecting the health of the planet and a deep commitment to the rigorous application of science to improve the way humans interact with the world. The College offers academic programs ranging from the associate of applied science to the Doctor of Philosophy. ESF students live, study and do research on the main campus in Syracuse, N.Y., and on 25,000 acres of field stations in a variety of ecosystems across the state.