The Creek Rats are a New York State incorporated, IRS recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, formally recognized in 2009. We’re dedicated to making a difference in our community through civic engagement and hard work.
Directors
President – Bob Graham
Vice President – Steve Seleway
Treasurer – William Morse
Secretary – Maude Morse
Membership
Membership is open to individuals and organizations who want to support our mission. There are different levels of membership available, and all are renewable yearly.
Member – complete an annual member survey, participate in at least one work event, and participate in at least one recreational boating event (if available) each year.
Core Member – complete an annual member survey, help plan & participate in at least one work event and help plan and run at least one recreational boating event each year.
Supporting Member – complete an annual member survey, follow us on social media, and help share information about our work and recreational boating events.
*Members receive preference for our Gear Share Program at recreational boating events if there is gear available.
Membership meetings are held once a year to review the activities of the current year and make plans for the coming year. They will be held online to accommodate as many members as possible. Planning meetings may be held in person or online throughout the year to organize specific projects and events.
Our work and recreational boating events are open to the public. Everyone who participates in any of our events and activities is required to abide by our code of conduct and safety rules. We reserve the right to exclude or remove from any of our events anyone we feel may be endangering the safety and well-being of others or themself.
Send us a note if you’d like to become a member.
Our Events
Work Events – may consist of clearing trash and overgrown brush and/or invasive plants from the shores of Onondaga Creek and planting replacement species to improve the environmental viability of the area as a naturalized urban green space. Volunteers work in teams on assigned tasks and are supervised by designated Creek Rats Core Members. Work is done through a permit from the City of Syracuse.
Recreational Boating Events – consist of using kayaks and/or canoes to transit the Onondaga Creek waterway between two or more of the various City approved access points or boat launches. We boat in groups supervised by designated Creek Rats Core Members. A number of Creek Rats core members have taken training thru the Coast Guard/ACA class to improve our boating skills and rescue techniques. Participants are required to use appropriate watercraft and USCG recommended PFD’s and safety gear.
Creek Rats 