What began as seven concerned citizens wanting to preserve the wetlands located on the southwest corner of Owasco Lake has since become a recognized organization with more than 40 members.

The Owasco Flats Nature Reserve Inc. has spent many years cleaning and preserving the 86 acre property jointly owned by Cayuga County and the city of Auburn for all people to enjoy.

The group has since purchased another 17 acres neighboring the property known by locals as Mosquito Point.

In addition to the maintaining and preserving of the property, members of the organization hold special programs designed to educate people about the importance of nature.

"Today we will learn about the history of the Owasco Flats," said Owasco Flats Nature Reserve Inc. program coordinator Jack Phillips during a canoe tour on the Owasco Inlet Saturday afternoon. "We will learn about the different wildlife, waterfowl, and birds that inhabit the area."

The guided canoe tour is an annual program held by the organization. They hold another canoe tour in July.

"The canoe tour is an annual Father's Day weekend program," said the organization's chairperson, Sandie Doran. "It just seemed like a good weekend to hold it."

The guided canoe tour was led by Cayuga County Environmental Engineer Bruce Natale and his 9-year-old daughter, Victoria Natale.

"We will be looking for and talking about trees and birds," Bruce said. "And whatever else we see."

"Turtles, too," Victoria added.

Natale said that the Owasco Flats is a unique region for several reasons. There are many unique trees and wildlife in the area.

"There are six different species of Woodpecker that nest in the flats," he said. "A person will typically see maybe only three of these species anywhere else."

Phillips said that two-thirds of the Owasco Flats is wetland and that more than 60 tons of trash were taken out of the property when the group began its restoration.

"It was just being destroyed," he said. "But now, thanks to many caring people it is here for all to enjoy."

The Owasco Flats have recently become handicapped accessible with the help of the BOCES building class.

And for Chuck and Nancy Williams, who live on the lake, the organization is invaluable.

"We have joined many helpful groups," Nancy said. "We like this one because we live on the lake. It is nice to do your part in preserving."

Nancy also said that bird watching is the typical hobby of the family and canoeing in relatively new to them.