About 2, 600 homes are located in the Skaneateles Lake Watershed, about 1,000 of which are located on the lake
The South end of the lake is characterized by steep hillsides that rise from the lake bed.
High Vista Nature Preserve overlooks the southeast end of Skaneateles Lake.
The hillsides on the northern end of the lake have gently sloping terrain.
Due to the excellent water quality of Skaneateles Lake, it is one of the few unfiltered sources of drinking water in the country.
The City of Syracuse is commited to the protection of Skaneateles Lake water quality and funds and coordinates a number of water quality protection programs.
The Skaneateles Lake Watershed Agricultural Program is designed to assist farmers implement practices to keep pollutants from running off farms into the lake's tributaries.
By April, 2000, Whole Farm Plans were voluntarily adopted by 26 farms.
The lake is characterized by clear waters that support a cold water fishery in the deep, central basin, and a warm water fishery in the shallower areas at both ends of the lake .
A State Boat Launch in Skaneateles and a Skaneateles Town public boat launch provide public access for boats. Several sites also provide access to the lake for a fee.
Bear Swamp Creek arises from the wetlands of Bear Swamp in the Town of Sempronius, at the south end of the watershed.
High above the lakeshore, Bear Swamp Creek evokes a sense of wild beauty as it rises out of the wetlands of Bear Swamp in the Town of Sempronius
At the Southern End of the lake, New Hope Mills is a reminder of the many water powered mills that once existed along the banks of Bear Swamp Creek.
Carpenter's Falls forms where Bear Swamp Creek cascades down 80 feet over a rock ledge. It is one of several breathtaking waterfalls along the creek's journey towards Skaneateles Lake
Participants in 'Streams of the Skaneateles Lake Watershed' learned about the geologic history of streams in the watershed and then hiked to Carpenter's Falls.
Angler's say that in Grout Brook, there is a "rainbow for every rock", and indeed the stream does make excellent habitat for the trout because it runs cold and fast over clean rocks all year long.
Each summer, Cooperative Extension encourages the community to explore the watershed through a variety of educational outreach programs.
CCE Educator Kelly Somerlot demonstrates using a kick net to observe stream insects that live in Grout Brook
You never know what you'll find when you pull up that kick net!
Participants in the 'Watershed Wednesdays' series planted a streamside garden at the Scott Town Park
Young gardeners in action!
To learn more about the Skaneateles Lake Watershed, or to find out about upcoming programs, contact Cooperative Extension at (315) 424-9485 ext. 0
