Friends of the Chemung River Watershed

River Guardians: 2023 Call to Action
2023-01-01
Calling all River Guardians! Please contact us so we can make sure you have everything you need for a successful cleanup in 2023! Contact director@chemungriverfriends.org. There’s a reason why Chemung River has some of the cleanest water in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed! It’s because of volunteers like you that our children and grandchildren will enjoy a safe, clean water trail.
Friends of the Chemung River Watershed
111 N. Main Street, Ste. 15
Elmira, NY 14905
607-846-2242
director@chemungriverfriends.org

FCRW Paddles - Season Closing Paddle & Outdoor Rec Flea Market/Kayak Swap (after the paddle)
2022-09-17 09:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Grove Street Boat Launch, 36 Grove Street, Elmira, NY, 14905, United States
September 17th from 9am-3pm – Bottcher’s Landing to Grove (9-mile Float Paddle). Range of paddle times will be from 10am-2pm, and end at Grove Street Boat Launch with a Food Truck & Outdoor Recreation Flea Market/Kayak Swap.
The Outdoor Recreation Flea Market/Kayak Swap will begin at 2pm and end at 5pm at the Grove Street Boat Launch in Elmira, and we will also have Los Panchos Food Truck and Cold Rush Italian Ice for food vendors. This will be the season closing event for the FCRW Paddle program.
We will have the following outdoor recreation gear vendors selling inventory at this event:

Endless Mountain Outfitters
Elmira Community Cycle
Swarthout’s Bait and Tackle Shop
Hesselson’s (Information Table Only)

Additionally, we will be accepting donations for FCRW paddles at this event. For everyone who donates to FCRW at this event, you will receive a free hula-hoop from our demonstrating artist – Filomena Jack with Hoop Happy! Filomena Jack is a teaching artist, muralist, personal development coach, and dog mom. She owns more hula hoops than most other folks, and will happily share them with you. More at FilomenaJackStudio.com
We welcome the community to come to this event to sell/swap their outdoor recreation gear!
Click HERE for Tickets to Kayak. (No tickets required to attend the Outdoor Rec Flea Market/Kayak Swap.)
WHAT TO PACK:

Proper water shoes (not flip flops)
Snacks
Water
Sunscreen
Bug Spray

Kayak Rentals and BYOBoat Shuttles are available. More information is provided once you go through registration and purchase your tickets. All participants will be shuttled between parking site and launch sites. All abilities are welcome, life jackets and equipment will be provided, as these are guided tours! For more information, please contact us.
(FCRW Paddle program is a partnership between Friends of the Chemung River Watershed and Endless Mountain Outfitters.)

Chemung County Landfill FREE Open House
2022-09-15 12:00 - 15:00 | Chemung County Landfill, 1488 County Road 60, Elmira, NY, 14901, United States
Have you ever been curious about what happens to your trash after you throw it away? Do you ever wonder how all that garbage is managed so your community isn’t knee deep in trash? Are you interested in looking behind the scenes at local waste management operations, and see what a “Dirty Job” really looks like?
Join FCRW and our business sponsors Casella, operators of the Chemung County Landfill, for a FREE tour of the facility to learn what appropriate waste management is all about. This event will include a general guided facility tour, information on ground water management (which is important to our rivers and streams), gas monitoring and management, and their work towards conservation on their land buffers (specifically their active beehives).
Tour attendees will also enjoy a catered lunch and great prizes. For any questions, please call Casella at (607) 529-3204, or you can contact the Friends of the Chemung River Watershed. As an environmental stewardship nonprofit, we partner with Casella due to their successful track record of responsibly managing waste in our county. They keep our river clean while handling a necessary community service, and let’s face it… a “Dirty Job”!
There is no registration required, just show up and hop on our tour bus to enjoy the event. We hope to see you there!

Science Cafe Speaker Series - Downtown Grind
2022-09-13 17:30 - 18:30 | Downtown Grind, 109 North Main Street, Elmira, NY, 14901, United States
An informal speaker series where participants can listen to experts on topics of science, engage in conversations, and enjoy a beverage.
FCRW is partnering with Corning Community College, Elmira College, and local businesses to provide an informal speaker series with regional science experts. Tickets are $10, plus the costs of your beverages and food (attendees will receive a FREE small coffee or tea drink of your choice). Get your tickets for September 13th HERE. The topics will vary, but will focus on science and the environment. Participants will have the opportunity to hear from speakers, ask questions, engage in respectful discussions, all while enjoying a beverage and snacks offered by the venue.
Locations will rotate throughout the Chemung River Watershed, and speakers will rotate throughout the series run. The goal of this program is to provide a venue for lively and respectful discussions around science topics of today, and help to educate our community on how we can support the advancement of science and environmental conservation.
The September 13th program will be at the Downtown Grind café on Main Street in Elmira. The featured speaker will be Trevor Browning, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at Elmira College. The topic for this event will be “From your lawn to the Chemung River to the Chesapeake Bay: What goes on the ground ends up in the rivers and ocean.”

River Connections Family Program with the Corning Museum of Glass
2022-09-11 13:30 - 15:00 | Corning Museum of Glass, 1 Museum Way, Corning, NY, 14830, United States
FCRW is partnering with the Corning Museum of Glass (CMOG), artist Shannah Warwick, and Flood Mitigation Specialist Janet Thigpen for a free family program at CMOG. This program will explore the connections between the arts and the Chemung River! Visit the exhibition “Reused Restored Rethought: Glass After the 1972 Chemung River Flood” at CMOG, learn about the river today from our organization, and interact with a demonstration of how land use and weather conditions affect river flooding with a local flood mitigation specialist. Artist Shannah Warwick will also introduce her fiber arts project “Fascinations by the River” and demonstrate her technique, and you can take an art kit home to make a special project!
This program is FREE and open-to-the-public, and will happen in the CMOG Auditorium (located on site in the Museum). Reservations are recommended. Please contact edu@cmog.org or 607-438-5429 to reserve your spot!

FCRW Paddles - Moonlight Paddle
2022-09-09 21:00 - 23:00 | Grove Street Boat Launch, 36 Grove Street, Elmira, NY, 14905, United States
Sept. 9th from 9pm-11pm – FCRW & EMO will be hosting a moonlight paddle under the (almost) FULL MOON at the Grove Street Boat Launch. Participants will be paddling AROUND the Grove Street Launch (this is not a distance paddle), for safety reasons and due to low water levels. We will have guides and safety people on the water to provide a safe experience and help you get in and out of your boat. There will also be glow sticks on the boats, tiki torches, and headlamps. Plus the full moon will be VERY BRIGHT. Snacks will be provided, as well as fun activities to enjoy the moonlight on the water.
Click HERE for Tickets.
WHAT TO PACK:

Proper water shoes (not flip flops)
Extra Snacks (if wanted)
Water
Bug Spray

Kayak Rentals and BYOBoat Shuttles are available. All abilities are welcome, life jackets and equipment will be provided. More information is provided once you go through registration and purchase your tickets. For more information, please contact us.
(FCRW Paddle program is a partnership between Friends of the Chemung River Watershed and Endless Mountain Outfitters.)

CANCELED!! FCRW Paddles - Diversion Brewing Paddle Part II
2022-09-03 09:00 - 15:30 | White Wagon Boat Launch, 153 White Wagon Road, Waverly, NY, 14892, United States
*Canceled due to low river levels.*
Sept. 3rd from 9am-3:30pm – Toll Bridge to White Wagon (10-mile Float Paddle). Range of paddle times will be from 10am-2:30pm, and end at Diversion Brewery in Chemung.
**The Flying Cow food truck will be at Diversion from 3:00-8:00pm, and music will be by Andy G Fagan from 4:30-7:30pm**
Click HERE for Tickets.
WHAT TO PACK:

Proper water shoes (not flip flops)
Snacks
Water
Sunscreen
Bug Spray

Kayak Rentals and BYOBoat Shuttles are available. More information is provided once you go through registration and purchase your tickets. All participants will be shuttled between parking site and launch sites. All abilities are welcome, life jackets and equipment will be provided, as these are guided tours! For more information, please contact us.
(FCRW Paddle program is a partnership between Friends of the Chemung River Watershed and Endless Mountain Outfitters.)

CANCELED!! FCRW Paddles - Iron Flamingo Barrel House Paddle
2022-08-20 09:00 - 12:30 | Conhocton Street River Access, 10 Conhocton Street, Corning, NY, 14830, United States
**Due to Low River Levels…we are again having to cancel this program. Pray for Rain!**
August 20th from 9am-12:30pm – Kinsella to Conhocton Street Boat Launch (Meet on the river side of the levee at the corner of Conhocton and Beach Street in Corning by the World Kitchen Plant) (4-mile Float Paddle). Range of paddle times will be from 10am-11:30am/12:00pm (time sensitive to water levels), and end at Iron Flamingo Barrel House in Corning.
WHAT TO PACK:

Proper water shoes (not flip flops)
Snacks
Water
Sunscreen
Bug Spray

Kayak Rentals and BYOBoat Shuttles are available. More information is provided once you go through registration and purchase your tickets. All participants will be shuttled between parking site and launch sites. All abilities are welcome, life jackets and equipment will be provided, as these are guided tours! For more information, please contact us.
(FCRW Paddle program is a partnership between Friends of the Chemung River Watershed and Endless Mountain Outfitters.)

NEW DATE (and free drink)!! Science Cafe Speaker Series - Finger Lakes House
2022-08-16 17:30 - 18:30 | Finger Lakes House, 389-391 West Water Street, Elmira, 14901
An informal speaker series where participants can listen to experts on topics of science, engage in conversations, and enjoy a beverage.
FCRW is partnering with Community College, Elmira College, and local businesses to provide an informal speaker series with regional science experts. Tickets are $10, plus the costs of your beverages and food (attendees will receive a FREE 12oz beer or soda). – Get your tickets for August 16th HERE. The topics will vary, but will focus on science and the environment. Participants will have the opportunity to hear from speakers, ask questions, engage in respectful discussions, all while enjoying a beverage and snacks offered by the venue.
Locations will rotate throughout the Chemung River Watershed, and speakers will rotate throughout the series run. The goal of this program is to provide a venue for lively and respectful discussions around science topics of today, and help to educate our community on how we can support the advancement of science and environmental conservation.
The August 16th program will be at the Finger Lakes House on Water Street in Elmira. The featured speaker will be Jim Pfiffer, Founder and FCRW Historian. The topic for this event will be “How removing wolves from Yellowstone Park and then reintroducing them, changed the course of the river.”

Riverside Watercolor Painting Workshop at Bottcher's Landing
2022-08-11 17:30 - 19:30 | Bottcher’s Landing Boat Lauch, 51 Old River Road, Corning, NY, 14830, United States
Riverside Watercolor Painting Workshop will be a plein air painting workshop featuring local artist and instructor – Bridget Bossart van Otterloo.
This outdoor painting program will be held at the Bottcher’s Landing Boat Launch in the Town of Big Flats. The workshop will take place in the shaded area under the pavilion, or participants can bring their own camping chairs and move around the property. This class is limited to the first 10 people who sign up, and is HALF PRICED this year ($25M/$35NM) due to the generosity of an anonymous donor.
Get Tickets HERE.
Participants will be supplied with a variety of high-quality brushes, 140lb. cold-press watercolor paper, Wisner & Newton watercolor paints, palates, drawing boards, and filtered water from the river. Students will also receive instruction from a locally renowned artist and instructor – Bridget Bossart van Otterloo, and the artist will demonstrate different watercolor painting techniques for landscape painting.
This program will have a Member and Non-member rate. To become a member, please make a donation here. DON’T FORGET TO BRING YOUR OWN WATER BOTTLE to reduce plastic waste. We will provide tables, snacks, refreshments, and all of the necessary art supplies.

CANCELED!! FCRW Paddles - Los Panchos Paddle
2022-08-06 09:00 - 14:00 | Grove Street Boat Launch, 36 Grove Street, Elmira, NY, 14905, United States
*Canceled due to low water levels*
August 6th from 9am-2pm – Bottcher’s Landing to Grove (9-mile Fitness Paddle). Range of paddle times will be from 10am-1pm, and end at Los Panchos Restaurant in Elmira.
Click HERE for Tickets.
WHAT TO PACK:

Proper water shoes (not flip flops)
Snacks
Water
Sunscreen
Bug Spray

Kayak Rentals and BYOBoat Shuttles are available. More information is provided once you go through registration and purchase your tickets. All participants will be shuttled between parking site and launch sites. All abilities are welcome, life jackets and equipment will be provided, as these are guided tours! For more information, please contact us.
(FCRW Paddle program is a partnership between Friends of the Chemung River Watershed and Endless Mountain Outfitters.)

CANCELED - FCRW Paddles - Aniello's Pizzeria Paddle
2022-07-30 09:00 - 12:30 | Conhocton Street River Access, 10 Conhocton Street, Corning, NY, 14830, United States
**Due to low water levels in the river, tomorrow’s FCRW Paddles – Aniello’s Pizzeria Paddle event has been canceled. We apologize for any inconveniences this may cause. All participants were notified, and given the option of rescheduling or getting a refund.**
July 30th from 9am-12:30pm – Kinsella to Conhocton Street Boat Launch (Meet on the river side of the levee at the corner of Conhocton and Beach Street in Corning by the World Kitchen Plant) (4-mile Float Paddle). Range of paddle times will be from 10am-11:30am/12:00pm (time sensitive to water levels), and end at Aniello’s Pizzeria in Corning.
WHAT TO PACK:

Proper water shoes (not flip flops)
Snacks
Water
Sunscreen
Bug Spray

Kayak Rentals and BYOBoat Shuttles are available. More information is provided once you go through registration and purchase your tickets. All participants will be shuttled between parking site and launch sites. All abilities are welcome, life jackets and equipment will be provided, as these are guided tours! For more information, please contact us.
(FCRW Paddle program is a partnership between Friends of the Chemung River Watershed and Endless Mountain Outfitters.)

CANCELED!! FCRW Paddles - Tag's in Big Flats Paddle
2022-07-23 09:00 - 13:30 | Senator William T. Smith Boat Launch, 43C8+HW Big Flats, New York, Big Flats, NY, 14814, United States
**Due to a lack of rain and low river levels, we have had to cancel this event. We will offer people a refund, or get them signed up for a subsequent paddle. Our apologies. Let’s hope it rains!**
July 23rd from 9am-1:30pm – Conhocton Street Boat Launch to Senator William T. Smith/Minier’s Field (6-mile Fitness Paddle). Range of paddle times will be from 10am-12:30pm, and end at Tag’s in Big Flats.
WHAT TO PACK:

Proper water shoes (not flip flops)
Snacks
Water
Sunscreen
Bug Spray

Kayak Rentals and BYOBoat Shuttles are available. More information is provided once you go through registration and purchase your tickets. All participants will be shuttled between parking site and launch sites. All abilities are welcome, life jackets and equipment will be provided, as these are guided tours! For more information, please contact us.
(FCRW Paddle program is a partnership between Friends of the Chemung River Watershed and Endless Mountain Outfitters.)

CANCELED - Science Cafe Speaker Series - Iron Flamingo
2022-07-12 17:30 - 18:30 | Iron Flamingo Brewery, 196 Baker Street, Corning, NY, 14830, United States
**Due to a lack of ticket sales, we are canceling this event. Please buy your tickets for the August Science Cafe prior to the event. Thanks!**
An informal speaker series where participants can listen to experts on topics of science, engage in conversations, and enjoy a beverage.
FCRW is partnering with Corning Community College, Elmira College, and local businesses to provide an informal speaker series with regional science experts. Tickets are $10, plus the costs of your beverages and food. The topics will vary, but will focus on science and the environment. Participants will have the opportunity to hear from speakers, ask questions, engage in respectful discussions, all while enjoying a beverage and snacks offered by the venue.
Locations will rotate throughout the Chemung River Watershed, and speakers will rotate throughout the series run. The goal of this program is to provide a venue for lively and respectful discussions around science topics of today, and help to educate our community on how we can support the advancement of science and environmental conservation.
The July 12th program will be at the Iron Flamingo Brewery on the Northside of Corning. The featured speaker will be Jennifer Sellers, Director of Innovative Learning Sites at Corning Community College. The topic for this event will be “Mosquitos, Ticks, and Spongy Moths… and why we are seeing so many more of them.”

Canceled!! FCRW Paddles - Diversion Brewing Paddle
2022-07-09 09:00 - 14:30 | White Wagon Boat Launch, 153 White Wagon Road, Waverly, NY, 14892, United States
*Due to low water levels, we are canceling this program*
July 9th from 9am-2:30pm – Toll Bridge to White Wagon (10-mile Fitness Paddle). Range of paddle times will be from 10am-1:30pm, and end at Diversion Brewery in Chemung.
**Diversion will also be hosting Heidi Ho’s Food Truck with Payton Clark for music.**
Click HERE for Tickets.
WHAT TO PACK:

Proper water shoes (not flip flops)
Snacks
Water
Sunscreen
Bug Spray

Kayak Rentals and BYOBoat Shuttles are available. More information is provided once you go through registration and purchase your tickets. All participants will be shuttled between parking site and launch sites. All abilities are welcome, life jackets and equipment will be provided, as these are guided tours! For more information, please contact us.
(FCRW Paddle program is a partnership between Friends of the Chemung River Watershed and Endless Mountain Outfitters.)

Riverside Watercolor Painting Workshop at White Wagon
2022-07-07 17:30 - 19:30 | White Wagon Boat Launch, 153 White Wagon Road, Waverly, NY, 14892, United States
Riverside Watercolor Painting Workshop will be a plein air painting workshop featuring local artist and instructor – Bridget Bossart van Otterloo.
This outdoor painting program will be held at the White Wagon Boat Launch in the Town of Chemung (Use the Wilawana Exit). The workshop will take place in the shaded area under the pavilion, or participants can bring their own camping chairs and move around the property. This class is limited to the first 10 people who sign up, and is HALF PRICED this year ($25M/$35NM) due to the generosity of an anonymous donor.
Get Tickets HERE.
Participants will be supplied with a variety of high-quality brushes, 140lb. cold-press watercolor paper, Wisner & Newton watercolor paints, palates, drawing boards, and filtered water from the river. Students will also receive instruction from a locally renowned artist and instructor – Bridget Bossart van Otterloo, and the artist will demonstrate different watercolor painting techniques for landscape painting.
This program will have a Member and Non-member rate. To become a member, please make a donation here. DON’T FORGET TO BRING YOUR OWN WATER BOTTLE to reduce plastic waste. We will provide tables, snacks, refreshments, and all of the necessary art supplies.

SOLD OUT!! FCRW Paddles - Finger Lakes House Paddle
2022-06-25 09:00 - 15:00 | Grove Street Boat Launch, 36 Grove Street, Elmira, NY, 14905, United States
June 25th from 9am-3pm – Bottcher’s Landing to Grove (9-mile Float Paddle). Range of paddle times will be from 10am-2pm, and end at Finger Lakes House in Elmira.
Click HERE for Tickets.
WHAT TO PACK:

Proper water shoes (not flip flops)
Snacks
Water
Sunscreen
Bug Spray

Kayak Rentals and BYOBoat Shuttles are available. More information is provided once you go through registration and purchase your tickets. All participants will be shuttled between parking site and launch sites. All abilities are welcome, life jackets and equipment will be provided, as these are guided tours! For more information, please contact us.
(FCRW Paddle program is a partnership between Friends of the Chemung River Watershed and Endless Mountain Outfitters.)

SOLD OUT!! FCRW Paddles - Four Fights Distilling Paddle
2022-06-11 09:00 - 12:30 | River Road Boat Launch, 11411 River Road, Corning, NY, 14830, United States
UPDATE: ENDING TIME, DISTANCE, LOCATION, and SPEED CHANGE!!
June 11th from 9am-12:30pm – Kinsella to Conhocton Street Boat Launch (Meet on the river side of the levee at the corner of Conhocton Street and Beach Street in Corning by the World Kitchen Plant) (4-mile Float Paddle with information on Local History). Range of paddle time will be from 10am-11:30am/12:00pm (time sensitive to water levels), and end at Four Fights Distilling in Corning.
Click HERE for Tickets.
WHAT TO PACK:

Proper water shoes (not flip flops)
Snacks
Water
Sunscreen
Bug Spray

Kayak Rentals and BYOBoat Shuttles are available. More information is provided once you go through registration and purchase your tickets. All participants will be shuttled between parking site and launch sites. All abilities are welcome, life jackets and equipment will be provided, as these are guided tours! For more information, please contact us.
(FCRW Paddle program is a partnership between Friends of the Chemung River Watershed and Endless Mountain Outfitters.)

FCRW Paddles - Agnes Flood Memorial Paddle
2022-06-04 09:00 - 2022-06-05 17:00 | Bottcher’s Landing Boat Lauch, 51 Old River Road, Corning, NY, 14830, United States
The Friends of the Chemung River and Endless Mountain Outfitters are planning a two-day Season Opening Guided Memorial Paddle on June 4th & 5th from Corning to Elmira, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Agnes Flood. Donations collected during this event will go towards improvements to the Conhocton Street Boat Launch in Corning, to improve the river paddling connection between Steuben and Chemung Counties.
You MUST Register/get Tickets for the day(s) you wish to paddle. Click HERE to get Tickets for Day 1, and Click HERE to get Tickets for Day 2.
Day 1, June 4th from 9am-2:30pm: Conhocton Street to Bottcher’s Landing (7-mile Float). Meet at Bottcher’s Landing Boat Launch. Range of paddle time will be from 10am-1:30pm, and we will end with a box lunch and an informal environmental education panel discussion for adults, and fun environmental and art program by Erica Unterman with help from Runway for a Cause for kids at Bottcher’s Landing Boat Launch (Maximum 50 paddlers).
Day 2, June 5th from 9am-3pm: Bottcher’s Landing to Grove Street (9-mile Float). Meet at Grove Street Boat Launch. Range of paddle time will be from 10am-2pm, we will end with a concert from the Cantata Singers, an art performance by Link Movement and ceremony by Erica Unterman, and Los Panchos Food Truck at Grove Street Boat Launch (Maximum 50 paddlers).
WHAT TO PACK:

Proper water shoes (not flip flops)
Snacks
Water
Sunscreen
Bug Spray
Camping Chairs for End of Paddle Programs on Day 1 & 2

Kayak Rentals and BYOBoat Shuttles are available. More information is provided once you go through registration and purchase your tickets. All participants will be shuttled between parking site and launch sites. All abilities are welcome, life jackets and equipment will be provided, as these are guided tours! For more information, please contact us.
We hope you can join us for both days! (FCRW Paddle program is a partnership between Friends of the Chemung River Watershed and Endless Mountain Outfitters.)

FREE Life Jackets at Wisner Market
2022-06-02 10:00 - 14:00 | Wisner Park, 200 North Main Street, Elmira, NY, 14901, United States
Join the Friends of the Chemung River Watershed (FCRW) at Wisner Market on June 2nd from 10am-2pm in front of Park Church in Elmira’s Downtown to receive a FREE Life Jacket in preparation for boating season!
Wearing a life jacket on the water can LITERALLY save your life, and we are donating 200 life jackets to our community with the help of Wisner Market organized by Elmira Downtown Development!
These life jackets were donated by Hesselson’s in Elmira Heights, who “loves the outdoors”, and “knows the importance of having quality tools and equipment to enjoy it.” If you haven’t gotten a chance, you should really “poke in the corners at Hesselson’s!”
So visit us at Wisner Market on June 2nd, and get prepared to be on the water this summer. **First come, First serve. Individuals need to be present to receive a jacket, as they need to be sized. Variety of sizes available. Life jackets not given out at this event will be donated to local fire departments for distribution and emergency services. If you have children that need a life jacket who cannot be there in-person, bring their height/weight/chest measurements with you. Guardians seeking jackets for children who bring their child’s measurements can receive a maximum of 5 jackets for their kids.**

SOLD OUT! - Tuesday Night Series: Introduction to Fly Fishing
2022-05-10 18:00 - 19:30 | Bottcher’s Landing Boat Lauch, 51 Old River Road, Corning, NY, 14830, United States
THIS PROGRAM HAS SOLD OUT! To be put on a wait list, please email us at director@chemungriverfriends.org.
An introductory program designed for adults who may have fished but not with a fly rod. We will cover the basics: equipment and knowledge.
The program will take place from 6:00PM to 7:30PM on Tuesday nights: May 10th, 17th, and 24th. In this class, you will learn all you need to begin fly fishing:

How to cast with a fly rod.
Basic knots and tools you will need to be a fly fisher.
Basic strategies for fly fishing; including how to fish for trout, bass, and other game fish that inhabit our local waters.

Equipment, including fly rods, will be provided for the class, which will take place at the Bottcher’s Landing boat launch located in Big Flats just off the South Corning Road by the bridge over the Chemung River.
The class will be taught by Jim Emmick, FCRW board member and avid Fly Fisherman. The total cost for the three session series will be $50 – Get Your Ticket Here (partial series purchase is not available). This program will be limited to the first five people who sign up.
Participants should wear appropriate clothing for being outside under a pavilion in May; we will not enter the water during this introductory class. Bug Spray will be provided, as well as Snacks and a Water Cooler (please bring your own bottle to avoid waste).
**We will also offer a chance to attend a field trip to a local stream or pond, location to be determined by weather and water conditions. Participants will get a chance to try out their new skills in a fishing situation.**

Fascinations by the River - Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
2022-04-30 13:00 - 15:00 | White Wagon Boat Launch, 153 White Wagon Road, Waverly, NY, 14892, United States
Join us for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for our environmentally friendly and biodegradable art installation by local artist Shannah Warwick titled: “Fascinations by the River” (Rain date May 1)!
During this ceremony, the artist will give a brief talk about her work and her inspirations for the project, as well as her background as a fiber and teaching artist located in the Finger Lakes Region of Upstate New York. We will also provide attendees some ideas on where the other pieces are placed around Chemung County, so you can find them all and share them on social media, using the hashtag “#fascinationsbytheriver”. We want to see what happens to this art as it is consumed by nature, as well as what the public thinks our project. This exhibit will function as an art, social, and environmental experiment. Please remember to treat the art, and our rivers and riverside banks well. We love our mother nature!
We will also have light snacks and beverages to share with our attendees at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, so bring your own cup and plate to enjoy! This event is FREE and open-to-the-public, and it will be standing space only in an outdoor space. We will meet at the Pavilion at the White Wagon Boat Launch in the Town of Chemung before walking to the site on the trail.
For more information on this year-long exhibition, and for clues to find each piece and photograph it, check out our webpage on the project.
This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by The ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes.

Fascinations by the River - Year-Long Event
2022-04-30 - 2022-12-31
This is our environmentally friendly and biodegradable art installation by local artist Shannah Warwick titled: “Fascinations by the River”. These pieces are installed throughout Chemung County (10 in all – example pictured above). We want to see what happens to this art as it is consumed by nature, as well as what the public thinks our project. This exhibit will function as an art, social, and environmental experiment. Please remember to treat the art, and our rivers and riverside banks well. We love our mother nature!
Get out and PLAY while finding as many of the “Fascinations by the River” pieces as you can, and sharing the photos to social media with the hashtag: #fascinationsbytheriver! Thanks to Shannah Warwick, our artist and environmentalist at Blckbts for making this project a reality!
For more information on this year-long exhibition, and for clues to find each piece and photograph it, check out our webpage on the project.
This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by The ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes.

Planting Party & Watershed Clean-up at Eldridge Park
2022-04-28 10:00 - 13:00 | Eldridge Park, 96 Eldridge Park Drive, Elmira, NY, 14903, United States
The City of Elmira, Eldridge Park Carousel Preservation Society, Friends of the Chemung River, and The Upper Susquehanna Coalition are teaming up to celebrate Earth Day at Eldridge Park with a planting party and clean-up event! On Thursday April 28th at 10am, they will be joining forces to spruce up along some of the waterways within the park with native shrubs and trees.
Eldridge Park is part of our Watershed, and drains into the Chemung River. Let’s keep our community and our waterways clean, and celebrate Earth Day together!
If you would like to sign up to help beautify the park and pond, please email: director@eldridgepark.org or call 607-732-1789.

Virtual Earth Week - Chemung River Watershed Clean-up
2022-04-18 00:00 - 2022-04-24 23:45
Volunteer virtually with the Friends of the Chemung River Watershed for our annual Earth Week Cleanup in 2022! Join your community members during the week of April 18-24 to clean up our neighborhoods, parks, streams, and the Chemung River Watershed. Everything is connected, and removing one piece of garbage helps to save our River.
So, grab a bag, and clean up along your neighborhood walk during the week of April 18! Let us see your work by taking a pic, and sharing it on social media, using the hashtag: “#FCRWEarthWeek2022”. The individual who has collected the MOST garbage, and shares a Selfie with it using this hashtag, will receive a special FCRW Earth Day Hero Badge! You can also help by donating using this link, in honor of our work to preserve the Chemung River Watershed.
Thank you for your help, and Happy Earth Day 2022!

CANCELED - Winter Riverside Family Hike - West Elmira (Dog & Kid Friendly)
2022-02-19 13:15 - 14:30 | Grove Street Boat Launch, 36 Grove Street, Elmira, NY, 14905, United States
DUE TO POOR WEATHER, THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED. ALL REGISTRANTS HAVE BEEN REFUNDED.
Join the River Friends for a guided family hike/snowshoe/x-country ski on the riverside trails, and learn more about plants and animals.
Bring your boots, snowshoes, or cross country skis (if we have snow), and little kids are welcome with a guardian! Dogs are also welcome, but must be kept on a leash. Kids do not have to be leashed, but we will leave that up to you! 🙂
We will enjoy a short guided family adventure on the riverside trails behind West Elmira (meet at the Grove Street Boat Launch in Elmira at 1:15pm to start hiking at 1:30pm), while we look for and learn about all the different types of animals and plants who call the watershed their home in winter. This program will be educational, fun, and participants will be provided with a small snack.
This program will have a Member and Non-member rate for adults – KIDS AND DOGS ARE FREE with a guardian, and all adult attendees MUST pre-register. To become a member, please visit our website – www.chemungriverfriends.org. REGISTRATION IS CLOSED DUE TO CANCELATION.
DON’T FORGET TO BRING A WATER BOTTLE AND DRESS APPROPRIATELY! We will be hiking at a minimum, or snowshoeing, or cross country skiing, and it will most likely be COLD – at the least snow boots are recommended, and dress warmly with skin covered. (Skis and snowshoes and snow boots are not provided, and you must bring your own.).

River Access Point & Boat Launch Volunteer Clean-up #4
2021-11-03 15:00 - 17:15 | Conhocton Street River Access, 10 Conhocton Street, Corning, NY, 14830, United States
This is FREE and Open-to-the-Public Volunteer Clean-up Event. There is no registration required, just show up.
This is the fourth in this series of events. We will be meeting at the Conhocton Street River Access Point in the City of Corning (10 Conhocton Street, Corning, NY 14830) at 3:00PM, and cleaning-up as much as we can, before moving onto the Kinsella Park River Access Point in the Town of Painted Post (5 mile drive), and we will finish by cleaning-up at Mulholland Bridge River Access Point in the Town of Erwin (4 mile drive).
Work Gloves and Garbage Bags will be provided. You will need to provide your own transportation. Please join us as we clean-up our Boat Launch Site and River Access Points in preparation for Winter!
Additionally, we want to remind everyone that during the event, the Department of Health recommends that anyone NOT in the same household, should wear a mask covering when they are unable to maintain 6 foot distance. You are welcome to bring a mask with you to this event, but it is outdoors and not a requirement. If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home and contact your local health department. We look forward to a safe and fun event!

River Access Point & Boat Launch Volunteer Clean-up #3
2021-11-02 15:00 - 17:15 | Senator William T. Smith Boat Launch, 43C8+HW Big Flats, New York, Big Flats, NY, 14814, United States
This is FREE and Open-to-the-Public Volunteer Clean-up Event. There is no registration required, just show up.
This is the third in this series of events. We will be meeting at the Senator William T. Smith Boat Launch behind Henry Minier’s Athletic Field in the Town of Big Flats (2551-2609 NY-352, Big Flats, NY 14814) at 3:00PM, and cleaning-up as much as we can, before moving onto the Bottcher’s Landing Boat Launch in the Town of Big Flats (2 mile drive), and we will finish by cleaning-up at River Road Boat Launch in the Town of Corning (3 mile drive).
Work Gloves and Garbage Bags will be provided. You will need to provide your own transportation. Please join us as we clean-up our Boat Launch Site and River Access Points in preparation for Winter!
Additionally, we want to remind everyone that during the event, the Department of Health recommends that anyone NOT in the same household, should wear a mask covering when they are unable to maintain 6 foot distance. You are welcome to bring a mask with you to this event, but it is outdoors and not a requirement. If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home and contact your local health department. We look forward to a safe and fun event!

Meaningful Movies Returns!
2021-10-27 19:00 - 20:30 | Park Church, 208 West Gray Street, Elmira, NY, 14901, United States
In partnership with Park Church in Elmira and the People for a Health Environment, the Friends of the Chemung River Watershed is proud to support the return of the FREE documentary film series: “Meaningful Movies”!
This month’s film is “The Story of Plastic”, a 2019 documentary film directed by Deia Schlosberg (Run time 95 minutes).
“The Story of Plastic is a searing exposé, uncovering the ugly truth behind plastic pollution and the false solution of plastic recycling. Different from every other plastic documentary you’ve seen, THE STORY OF PLASTIC presents a cohesive timeline of how we got to our current global plastic pollution crisis and how the oil and gas industry has successfully manipulated the narrative around it. From the extraction of fossil fuels and plastic disposal to the global resistance fighting back, THE STORY OF PLASTIC is a life changing film depicting one of the world’s most pressing environmental issues.” – (Quoted from TheStoryofStuff).
“The Story of Plastic shows us a hidden crisis of global scale in our oceans. It destroys the myth that plastic always gets recycled. It exposes the machinations of the fossil carbon industry that have made us all highly dependent on plastic. And it gives us hope that alternatives are possible.” – Christopher Bystroff, Professor, Biological Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Chair of the Green Sanctuary Committee, Albany Unitarian Universalist Society.
Please join us on Wednesday, October 27th at 7:00PM at Park Church for this FREE event! No registration required, but MASKS ARE REQUIRED to attend. Please arrive a bit before our 7:00PM showtime.

River Access Point & Boat Launch Volunteer Clean-up #2
2021-10-25 16:00 - 18:15 | Dunn Field Boat Launch, 546 Luce Street, Elmira, NY, 14904, United States
This is FREE and Open-to-the-Public Volunteer Clean-up Event. There is no registration required, just show up.
This is the second in this series of events. We will be meeting at the Dunn Field Launch Site in the City of Elmira (546 Luce St, Elmira, NY 14904) at 4:00PM, and cleaning-up as much as we can, before moving onto the Grove Street Boat Launch in the City of Elmira (3 mile drive), and we will finish by cleaning-up at Fitch’s Bridge Launch in the Town of Elmira (3 mile drive).
Work Gloves and Garbage Bags will be provided. You will need to provide your own transportation. Please join us as we clean-up our Boat Launch Site and River Access Points in preparation for Winter!
Additionally, we want to remind everyone that during the event, the Department of Health recommends that anyone NOT in the same household, should wear a mask covering when they are unable to maintain 6 foot distance. You are welcome to bring a mask with you to this event, but it is outdoors and not a requirement. If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home and contact your local health department. We look forward to a safe and fun event!
