Past Events and Projects

Our events typically repeat annually. If you see something that sounded fun and you missed it this year, mark your calendar to check back for next year’s date and time, connect with us on social media, or contact us.

2025 Past Events

August 23rd @ 10 AM: Ollie’s Point Work Day

Ollie’s Point in Franklin Square is one of Creek Rats’ most prominent shoreline projects. Come learn about the native species we’ve introduced to revegetate and stabilize the shoreline while helping us with gardening and upkeep projects.

July 26th @ 10AM: Public Community Paddle

Whether you’re new to boating on the creek, or just looking to meetup with a fun community of fellow paddlers, these free events are great ways to enjoy Onondaga Creek! To help with safety planning, please RSVP below if you plan to attend.

A limited number of canoes / kayaks and gear will be available to borrow, by request when you RSVP. While extensive boating experience isn’t required, a degree of comfort being in a boat is recommended.

Community Paddle RSVP
  • When: Sat, July 26th @ 10 AM
  • Where: Launch at the Dorwin Ave access point and paddle to the Inner Harbor Boat Launch.

More information on preparing to paddle the creek can be found on our boat safety page.

*Must be 18+ to borrow gear, 14+ if accompanied by a parent/guardian

Ahead of our next community paddle, we’re grateful to the family of Dave Hinman for the generous donation of his kayaks, given in honor of his love for being on the water and his many years of service to others.

david hinman photograph

June 7th @ Noon: Creek Art Float!

Syracuse’s beloved floating art parade on Onondaga Creek is back! Floating Art will hit the water from the Trolley Lot (behind the M.O.S.T) at noon. Grab a bite from Taste of Syracuse and head to your favorite bridge between Walton and Plum Streets. Art should begin floating by shortly after noon, creek speed permitting.

There is also still plenty of time to create a float! Please review the 2025 guidelines and float-making tips while registering.

May 21st @ 1:30 PM: Kirk Park Boat Launch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Come celebrate the completion of the public Kirk Park canoe / kayak launch! This newly constructed launch offers free public parking, a hardscaped pathway into the water, and grab bars for convenience. Learn more about canoe / kayak public access along Onondaga Creek.

*Water access will be closed to the public during the ceremony.

May 17th @ 10 AM: Public Community Paddle

Whether you’re new to boating on the creek, or just looking to meetup with a fun community of fellow paddlers, these free events are great ways to enjoy Onondaga Creek! To help with safety planning, please RSVP below if you plan to attend.

A limited number of canoes / kayaks and gear will be available to borrow, by request when you RSVP. While extensive boating experience isn’t required, a degree of comfort being in a boat is recommended.

More information on preparing to paddle the creek can be found on our boat safety page.

*Must be 18+ to borrow gear, 14+ if accompanied by a parent/guardian

April 12th @ 10 AM: Heath Park Trail Cleanup

Heath Park (map) is home to Coldbrook Creek, which feeds into Onondaga Creek at Meachem Fields. We’ll celebrate Earth day with a fun day of trail maintenance (and snacks!).

decorativeMarch 15th @ Noon: Syracuse’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Make sure to say hello as we join in this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade!

2024 Past Events

Sat, September 21st 2024: Fall Fun Float!

decorative

Please note: The launch point for Saturday’s Fun Float has been changed to the Meachem Fields: Seneca Turnpike access point due to the low creek levels and flow.

Autumn is an especially beautiful time of the year to enjoy fall foliage and wildlife sightings while paddling Onondaga Creek — join us for our public fall fun float! A limited number of canoes / kayaks and gear will be available to borrow, by request. While extensive boating experience isn’t required, a degree of comfort being in a boat is recommended. To help with coordination, RSVP if you plan on joining.

  • When: Saturday, September 21st @ 10 AM (plan to arrive by 9:30 to unpack / pickup gear)
  • Where: Launch at the Meachem Fields: Seneca Turnpike access point and paddle to the Inner Harbor Boat Launch at Van Rensselaer / Bear.

More information on preparing to paddle the creek can be found on our boat safety page.

*Must be 18+ to borrow gear, 14+ if accompanied by a parent/guardian

Sat, August 17th 2024: Annual Cleanup

creek rats pulling muddy safe out of Onondaga Creek

It’s time for this year’s annual in-creek and shoreline cleanup! Join us at Ollie’s Point in Franklin Square as the shoreline crew focuses on invasive plant control, brush removal, trash pickup, and general site maintenance. For those comfortable working in the water, we have a collection of scooters, bikes, and other mystery items to pull out of the creek. Others will work from boats to clear log jams.

Rain or shine. We’ll provide gloves, tools, trash bags, canoes (water team) and snacks! To help us with planning, RSVP to join us for the cleanup.

  • When: Saturday, August 17th @ 10 AM – 1 PM
  • Where: Ollie’s Point, Franklin Square [Maltbie & Spencer Streets – look for people in green shirts]
  • Wear: Good, solid footwear that will stay secure on your feet while walking through the creek water and protect you from metal/glass on the creek bottom. Plus clothes that can get wet and muddy.

*Must be 16+ or accompanied by a parent/guardian for in-creek work.

Saturday July 20th, 2024: Summer Float [Public]

By popular demand, we will be hosting two public paddling events this year, our first one in July! This is a terrific event if you’re new to boating on the creek, or just looking to meetup with a community of fellow paddlers. A limited number of canoes / kayaks and gear will be available to borrow, by request. While extensive boating experience isn’t required, a degree of comfort being in a boat is recommended. To help with coordination, please contact us if you plan on joining — we hope that you do!

More information on preparing to paddle the creek can be found on our boat safety page.

Sat June 8th, 2024: Ollie’s Day [Public]

Since 2019, Creek Rats has been actively maintaining Ollie’s Point in Franklin Square as a convenient creek take-out point. This year more than ever, the site needs some TLC to recover from the neighboring pedestrian bridge project. Tasks will include weeding invasive plants, shrubby willow planting / maintenance, raking, trimming, and weed-whipping. Event details will be announced later this spring.

Sat Apr 13, 2024: Earth Day Shoreline Cleanup [Public]

We’ll be kicking off the 2024 creek season with a community Earth Day cleanup project to pickup trash inside the fences along Onondaga Creek’s shoreline. Come meet fun people and be part of making a difference while restoring Onondaga Creek as a natural community resource!

To help with planning, please “Register” for this event, or email us to tell us you’re coming. While this is a land event, dress to get dirty, and wear sturdy footwear.

2023 Past Events

Sun Oct 15: Fall Fun Float! [Public]

Are you curious to canoe or kayak Onondaga Creek, but unsure how to get started? Then this Fall Fun Float is for you! Join us and paddlers of all experience levels as we wrap another great year on the creek and enjoy a beautiful autumn day in CNY. The water is especially clear and low this time of the year making it the perfect time to try paddling for the first time. No gear? No problem! We have a limited number of canoes and kayaks (with life jackets and paddles) that we can lend. It’s first come first served, so please call ahead to reserve your spot.

Please note: Given the low water and construction projects, launch or take out points may change. Watch our Instagram & Facebook pages for updates!

  • When: Sunday October 15th @ 10AM. Please arrive between 9:30-10 AM to get situated.
  • Launch: Dorwin Ave Creek Access Point
  • Take out: Bear Street Inner Harbor Canoe Launch
  • Approximate duration: 3 hours
  • Parking: Cars can be parked on the side street at Dorwin Ave and in the parking lots at the Bear Street Inner Harbor Canoe Launch
  • Gear: Kayaks and canoes work best to boat Onondaga Creek. Everyone should wear a USCG approved life jacket. Please also dress warmly, and avoid cotton if you can. Nylon, polyester, or fleece are better choices to dry quickly and keep you warm.

Questions? Call Bob 315-396-2944 or Steve 315-345-2727 or connect with us. Before the event, please review our boat safety tips. We hope you’ll join us for our last public event of 2023!

Saturday, Sept 23rd: Paddle & Pedal [Public]

Bring your boats & drop your bikes to paddle/pedal Onondaga Creek! First we’ll paddle from Meachem Fields in the valley north to Plumb Street in Franklin Square. At Plumb Street, we’ll grab our bikes and pedal the Creekwalk trail to the “Mile Marketplace” in Kirk Park, hosted by Syracuse’s Parks & Recreation to celebrate fall with amazing food, music, and unique arts and crafts. Read onward for important event details!

Paddlers

Cyclists

  • When: Bikers meet approx. 12:30 PM, or when paddlers begin arriving
  • Where: Bikers leave from Plumb Street in Franklin Square and head south on the Creekwalk trail to Kirk Park

General Mile Marketplace Attendees

This is a community created event: you will need to bring your own boats, bikes, lifejackets, and helmets, and to make your own ride, boat, and bike arrangements. Here are some tips to help you!

  • TIME – expect the full trip from Meachem to the Mile Marketplace to take approx. 4 hrs.
  • CARS – leave your car at Meachem Fields. If you need a car at Plum Street, you can try arriving at Meachem early and finding other participants to shuttle with.     
  • BOATS & GEAR – you can typically leave boats/paddles/lifejackets near the Plum Street crossover. We suggest a cable/chain & lock if you’re concerned.
  • BIKES & GEAR – you can typically pre-position bikes near the Plum Street crossover or on a car rack. We strongly suggest you use a cable/chain & lock.
  • VALUABLES – keep phones/keys in a waterproof container and with you at all times. Don’t leave them with boats/bikes.
  • PADDLE ONLY – if you only do the boating portion you should park a car at Plum Street or find others doing the same and ask if they want to share a ride.
    BOATING NOTE – landing access is very limited on the creek. If you are paddling, you should be prepared to make the entire trip to Plumb Street.

Questions? Call Bob 315-396-2944 or Steve 315-345-2727 or connect with us. We hope to see you at this exciting event!

Home Headquarters Block Blitz! [Public]

  • When: Friday September 15th @ 10AM
  • Where: TBD

Annual Summer Cleanup [Public]

2023 will be our 23nd annual summer cleanup in and along the creek. Join us and a team of ESF freshmen completing their Saturday of Service and see what this year’s most talked about creek finds will be! Teams will collect trash & clear brush on the shoreline or in the water to restore Onondaga Creek as a community resource. Be part of people powered change! To help with planning, please call Steve (315-345-2727) or Bob (315-396-2944) and rsvp with your preference to work on land or with a canoe.

Rain or shine. We’ll provide gloves, tools, trash bags, and snacks!

When: Saturday, August 26th @ 10AM – noon(ish)
Where: Intersection of West Onondaga and Adam Street
Wear: Good, solid footwear that will stay secure on your feet while walking through the creek water and protect you from metal/glass on the creek bottom. Plus clothes that can get wet and muddy.

Onondaga Earth Corps/United Way Work Day [Public]

  • When: Thursday August 3rd @ 10AM
  • Where: TBD

July Fun Float [Public]

Come join us for a fun day exploring the city from the unique creek perspective! Our July Fun Float is our first public paddle of the 2023 season. As usual, we’ll launch in the valley (at Kelley Memorial Park) and paddle down to Ollie’s Point where we’ll have vehicles coordinated to bring everyone back to the launch. Or you can stage a bike in the harbor and pedal the Creekwalk upstream when you’re finished! The full trip takes between 2-3 hours, depending on creek speed.

This event is geared towards introducing new neighbors to the creek, so if paddling Onondaga Creek is something you’ve always wanted to try, mark your calendar! We have kayaks and canoes (plus paddles/life vests) available if you don’t already have your own gear. Please let us know if you’d like to use our gear so we can confirm we have enough for everyone. We’re also happy to pair you with an experienced canoe buddy if you’re new to boating in general.

Ollie’s Point Spring Maintenance/Gardening [Public]

Join us Sunday June 11 from 10am-noon to rake, weed whack, trim, and otherwise do spring maintenance at our Ollie’s Point take out site.

Spring Creek Scouting & Obstacle Cleanup [Creek Rats Core Team]

Stay tuned for the where/when. Weather allowing, we’re planning a late April scouting trip to look for obstructions and projects that need attention, and clear any obstacles we can in the moment.

Earth Day Shoreline Cleanup [Public]

We’ll be kicking off the 2023 creek season with a community Earth Day cleanup project focused on trash pickup and brush clearing along the shoreline.

  • When: Saturday April 22nd @ 10AM
  • Where: Corner of Midland Ave and Hovey Street
  • Gloves, tools, and trash bags will be provided. Plus snacks!

Come be part of making a difference while restoring Onondaga Creek as a natural community resource. To help with planning, please contact us if you’ll be joining for the Earth Day cleanup.

2022 Past Events

Saturday, Oct 1st: Onondaga Creekwalk’s “The Mile Marketplace”

Join Syracuse Parks & Recreation for a family-friendly day to showcase and celebrate unique offerings thriving in the South Side Creekwalk community. There will be urban farm stands, local chefs, local artisans, local musicians, professionals, and environmental educators. Parks & Rec will also be sharing information about improvement projects underway.

Make sure to drop by the Creek Rats table to say “hi!”

Saturday, Sept 24th: Just for Fun Fall Float

Join us for this float trip down Onondaga Creek, just to have fun and enjoy fall in Syracuse as viewed from the water. This year’s float is scheduled for Sat, Sept 24th, 2PM. We’ll have rides arranged to get everyone back to the launch site after a cider and doughnut fall snack. This trip is perfect for people who are new to paddling as the water is slow and shallow this time of year (plus we’ve had a season of doing creek cleanups to remove obstacles!).

To help with planning, please send us a note if you’re interested in attending. Let us know if you’ll be needing a canoe or kayak, and also if you’d prefer we match you with an experienced paddler.

Saturday Aug 27th: Annual In-creek and Shoreline Cleanup

Come help us clean up Onondaga Creek! Our 21st annual in-creek/shoreline cleanup will take place Saturday, August 27th. Volunteers should arrive by 9:30 AM.

  • Where: Midland Avenue @ Creekwalk
  • When: Saturday Aug 27th, 2022 from 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM (ish)
  • Wear: Good, solid footwear that will stay secure on your feet while walking through the creek water and protect you from metal/glass on the creek bottom. Plus clothes that can get wet and muddy.

Given how low the creek water is right now, most volunteers will walk with us in the creek to collect an assortment of bikes, shopping carts, and other surprises and load them into canoes. A dumpster will be on-site to unload the canoes.

Plan to have fun and get muddy! Light snacks will be provided. Consider a towel and dry socks/shoes for when the work is done, and reach out if you have any questions.

Saturday, July 30th: Merry Ferry & Scouting Paddle

Join us for a Merry Ferry to paddle the creek, cut back some overgrowth, and do a scouting in preparation for our major August cleanup.

Sunday, Jun 12th: Ollie’s Point Revegetation Project Spring Maintenance Day

Work to stabilize the shoreline and control invasive Japanese Knotweed at Ollie’s Point in Franklin Square has been underway since 2019. Join us for our annual spring workday. Tasks include pruning willows, pulling out knotweed, weed whacking, raking, and some willow planting to replace what didn’t survive the winter.

Saturday, April 23rd: Earth Day Cleanup

Join Iroquois Trout Unlimited, Living Waters Church, and Creek Rats as we celebrate Earth Day by cleaning up the creek shoreline in the Hovey/Huron Street area!

Learn more about this yearly cleanup event or more information on enjoying the creek