About the Creek Rats

In 2002, Creek Rats, Inc. co-founders Bob Graham and Steve Seleway meet while volunteering at the first Onondaga Creek cleanup, which was then part of the broader effort to cleanup the entire Onondaga Lake watershed. Over canoes piled high with the results of the first in-creek cleanup, Bob and Steve realized a shared passion to make a difference in their community, and formed Creek Rats, Inc. to continue and expand the work of the initial Onondaga Creek cleanup event.

With the help of numerous volunteers over the years, Creek Rats, Inc. has evolved centered around the mission to foster revitalization of the urban environment through the creation of limited use recreation and green-space areas.  We do this in three main ways:

• by partnering with other local groups on yearly events to promote Onondaga Creek, most famously the annual Creek Float Art Parade entering its tenth year,
• by organizing biannual in-creek and shoreline cleanup events along Onondaga Creek, and
• by kayaking and canoeing the Onondaga Creek ourselves and with anyone who will join us!

To learn more about Onondaga Creek and how you can enjoy it, check out Enjoy Onondaga Creek.

If we haven’t answered your question, or you are interested in our events or other project opportunities, connect with us.

Meet Our Directors 

President – Bob Graham: Originally from Syracuse, Bob has been involved from the very first Onondaga Creek clean up and has worked since with Steve Seleway and others to grow the Creek Rats and continue the Creek clean up and restoration. 

Vice President – Steve Seleway: A longtime Clay resident, Steve has worked with Bob from the beginning to guide the clean up and restoration of Onondaga Creek into a valued community resource that people will enjoy and care for.

Treasurer – Bill Morse: From Geddes, Bill has been with the Creek Rats almost as long, helping to plan the naturalization efforts along the shore in particular, in addition to promoting the Creek as a community resource especially to youth.

Secretary – Maude Morse: Also from Geddes and married to Bill, Maude has helped to lead work on our various shore restoration and enhancement projects to highlight the Creek waterway as an entire natural system in an urban environment.

Press

2022 Sept Meet the ‘Creek Rats’ as they try to turn a stinky Syracuse stream into an attraction (syracuse.com)

In Lasting Gratitude

We’re grateful to the family of Dave Hinman, a long-time Syracuse resident, who passed in 2025. Dave’s family donated his kayaks to us so we could share the joy of the waters with others. Given Dave’s love for being on the water and his many years of service to others it’s a fitting tribute to him. Thank you Dave.