In 2002, 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 trash, Bob and Steve realized a shared passion to make a difference in their community, and formed Creek Rats to continue the work of helping restore Onondaga Creek to the community.
With the help of many hard working volunteers over many years, the Creek Rats have grown and evolved, though our core mission remains the same.
What we do
We help restore and preserve Onondaga Creek as a valued community resource while fostering community stewardship.
Why we do it
We believe in people working together to thoughtfully manage public resources for the benefit of all, thereby improving the community and encouraging others to be stewards of the community as well.
How we do it
- We remove trash and debris from the Creek waterway and the adjacent shoreline.
- We abate trees/brush which may pose hazards to boating or damage the channel liner.
- We educate people about the Creek and how to safely enjoy it.
Turning ideas into action
The ways we engage with people and promote the idea of Onondaga Creek as a vlaued community resource have evolved over the years. Our current list of major events and activities are:
- Partnering with local groups and the Syracuse Parks Department on the annual Creek Float Art Parade – now in it’s tenth year!
- Collaborating with other community groups on different clean up projects along the Creek, especially our annual Creek Clean Up – now in it’s 25th year!
- Leading public boating trips down the Creek between the Dorwin & Meachem access points and the Bear St boat launch
- Creation and maintenance of the Ollie’s Point memorial green space along the Creekwalk in the Franklin Square area
- Organizing the October “Paddle/Pedal” boating and biking event in conjunction with the Mile Market Festival in Kirk Park
- Tabling at community events and local meetings by invitation
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.
Creek Rats 
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