Outdoors

Habitat for Humanity to construct “Veteran’s Build” home in East Syracuse

This year, Syracuse Habitat for Humanity is beginning its third Veteran’s Build home in Onondaga County. The build will begin this summer on the 400 block of East Yates Street in East Syracuse. The home is a 1,400 square foot ranch-style home built on concrete slab. It is specially adapted and is wheelchair accessible for those with disabilities visiting or living in the home. On May 17, an introduction ceremony was held on site to announce the family moving in and talk more about the project.

Caz Lions Club to lead eighth annual ‘Ride for Sight’

Annual motorcycle tour to benefit sight, hearing projects

The Cazenovia Lions Club is calling all motorcycle riders to take the afternoon off and join other bikers on Saturday, June 8, for the 8th Annual “Ride for Sight.”

L.L. Bean in talks with village for “outdoor discovery school” in Cazenovia

L.L. Bean, one of the largest outdoor apparel and equipment companies in the world, is currently looking at three potential locations in Central New York to host one of its Outdoor Discovery Schools — and Cazenovia Lake is on the list. The potential school is coming to CNY as part of L.L. Bean's Fayetteville store conversation from outlet to retail.

Town board looks to begin rentals of lake weed prevention mats

Cazenovia lakeside residents soon may be able to rent from the town specialty mats designed to contain and kill lake weeds — both invasive and native — on their property in Cazenovia Lake. The board unanimously approved at its May 13 meeting a resolution to establish a benthic mat rental program for the town, as well as a resolution setting the rules and regulations for the program.

North Syracuse to host annual Family Festival this weekend

Looking for a fun family-friendly activity this weekend? Look no further than the North Syracuse Family Festival, which will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. May 25, in Lonergan Park. The eighth annual festival is a North Syracuse mainstay, offering a variety of activities for all ages. The event also features a variety of free events, including demonstrations from the police and fire departments, live music, caricature drawings, a kids’ playland, face painting, balloon animals, child ID program, children’s art corner, a Civil War demonstration, small horse rides (new this year) and the ever-popular Teddy Bear Parade for kids ages 2 through 6.

Farm Fest returns this Sunday

Final plans are underway for the second annual Farm Fest scheduled from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. this Sunday, May 19.

Fayetteville springs ahead with two construction projects

The village of Fayetteville is wasting no time now that the nice weather has finally arrived. Construction began for Phase 2 of Canal Landing Park with the installation of a bridge on May 10. The bridge was installed behind Brooklea Drive and connects Canal Landing Park to the Erie Canal path, which begins in Fayetteville behind the baseball fields next to the town of Manlius’ municipal building and heads East towards Rome.

‘Hillcrest’ to host CPF fundraiser

On Saturday, May 18, Linda and Brian Osborne will host a fundraiser to benefit the Cazenovia Preservation Foundation at the beautiful Jephson “Hillcrest” Estate. A Champagne Preview for patrons starts at 5 p.m., with the main event including hors d'oeuvres, wine and Empire Brewing Co. beer beginning at 6 p.m. Guests can enjoy self-guided tours of the historic main house.

Beaver Lake Nature Center – May activities

Beaver Lake Nature Center is an Onondaga County Park located at 8477 East Mud Lake Road, four miles west of Baldwinsville off Route 370.

There’s no such thing as ‘You can’t.’

Jowonio preschool and Syracuse University team up to create a tree house for children of all abilities

In 2007, Jack Denny was a student at Jowonio, an internationally-recognized preschool known for its integrated curriculum for children of all abilities, including those with special needs. Denny, who has autism, walked up to the school’s nature path one day and announced that he wanted a tree house that would be accessible to all of his friends, including those in wheelchairs. And that was the beginning of the Play Perch project. On May 10, after six years of preparations and nine months of hard work by Syracuse University architecture students, the school officially opened the Denny Family Play Perch for its students.

Parishes in Park Saturday, and Masons mark 150

More than most civic groups, the Masons really respect and honor history. This weekend, the local lodge will celebrate some annals of its own. And as usual, the Masons will do it in style. The Liverpool-Syracuse Lodge No. 501 of Free & Accepted Masons will mark its 150th anniversary at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 11, by erecting a four-foot-tall obelisk monument in front of its building at 608 Oswego St., across from Johnson Park in the village. New York State Grand Master James Sullivan is expected to attend.

Protecting the lake

Finger Lakes Land Trust announces ‘greenbelt’ initiative to conserve southern half of Skaneateles Lake

The Finger Lakes Land Trust recently announced its intent to create and conserve a “greenbelt” around the southern end of Skaneateles Lake. The project will begin with a pending land acquisition and conservation easement covering about 230 acres in the town of Spafford.

State cuts lead to restricted travel on canal

The New York State Canal System officially opens today. However, due to state budget cuts, boaters will experience restricted hours at most locks along the 500-plus mile waterway.

State Department of Environmental Conservation Now Accepting Bids for Firewood in Chenango and Madison Counties

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is accepting bids from homeowners to cut firewood on state forests in Chenango and Madison counties. Due to the increased demand for firewood, sales will only be offered through a sealed bid auction and not by lottery. Unlike past years, there is no need to sign up in advance to participate in the bid process.

Beaver Lake Nature Center - May activities