A prospectus to transform Spencer Lake into a community art and environmental education center and watershed restoration demonstration site.
OVERVIEW
Spencer Lake is a glacially carved, 100-acre spring and creek-fed lake situated in the town of Spencer in Tioga County, New York. Part of the Finger Lakes region, Spencer is approximately 15 miles South of Ithaca, NY, which is home to Cornell University and Ithaca College (Map 1 & 2). In the headwaters of the Catatonk Creek Watershed, the lake property includes five small islands; one of which hosts a residence. Three additional year-round homes exist on the property, with the main house having a history as hotel and lodge. There are 75 acres of forest and fields that abut the lake. The forest winds mostly around the south and east side, and rises nearly 500 feet to the top of a nearby hill (Photo 1). Currently a logging road permits access. (The north-east and western shore consists of twelve parcels of land and homes privately owned with deeded "lake rights".)
Owned by the same family since 1924, the lake property has, until 2000, existed on a commercial level offering camping, canoe and boat rental, swimming and fishing. Since closing, a group of citizens representing varied interests have teamed to form a plan to purchase the property and create an enrichment center that would support environmental and arts programs. These would allow local and national patrons to participate in educational activities while maintaining and improving the natural environment. Ideally, the project will promote economic development and support locally based enterprises.
This prospectus to develop the Spencer Lake Art and Environmental Education Center (SLAEEC) has been researched and developed with help from a grant awarded through the Mildred Faulkner Truman Foundation of Owego, New York. Their mission is to provide "worthwhile grants to organizations which enhance and benefit the residents of Tioga County, New York." It is our intent and hope that the benefit will extend both through and beyond Tioga County, NY.
Photo 1: aerial view of Spencer Lake property
III. CONVERGENCE: Creative, Safe, and Efficient Ways of Utilizing Our Natural Resources
V. AUXILIARY FACILITY USES VI. FUNDING, FEES, MANAGERIAL MATTERS
VI. FUNDING, FEES, MANAGERIAL MATTERS
VII. ATTACHMENTS
THE ARTS
Art, whether acclaimed or controversial, always evokes some form of response.
Initially the essence of self-expression, art was communication. Since there were no words to get one’s message across, we interacted by drawing and gesturing. These were activities necessary to survive and thrive. However, as human beings moved up the evolutionary ladder, the perceived function of these disciplines changed by expanding to allow for recreational use, experimentation, commercialism, and also art for art’s sake. The latter category often consists of individuals who seem to feel the intense need to create, as our ancestors must have, with no other choice to communicate but through visually descriptive means. Words are not enough. They must perform; they must do. These individuals keep something alive in us. They reach a core that speaks to us in ways we sometimes can’t explain. But we feel it. We know it.
The Southern Tier of New York is a burgeoning artist’s mecca. Creators from every discipline are attracted to this scenic region much as the Hudson River Valley beckoned artists in the 19th century. In 1997 a small group of Ithaca area artists opened The Greater Ithaca Art Trail, a self-guided directory currently highlighting the studios of 49 artist’s. The trail wends through Ithaca, Lansing, Trumansburg, Brooktondale, Hector, Newfield and Cortland (see attachment). Based on the Finger Lakes Wine Trail, the idea is to bring artists and patrons together in the more intimate setting of the artist’s studio. This well-marketed venture has brought tourists from far and wide to meet with sculptors, painters, photographers, glassmakers, and jewelers at their point of creation, to see and purchase desired works. The presence of Spencer Lake Art and Environmental Education Center would help to continue and encourage this growing trend of a healthy artistic environment, and augment society as a whole aesthetically, culturally, and financially by giving both the artist and the observer a place to fulfill their fundamental desire to somehow partake of the art experience. As was read in the call-in "Reader’s Column" of the October 27, 2002 issue of the Pennysaver Press out of Owego, NY (12 miles away), "Recently my wife and I attended a poetry reading in Syracuse (NY, 75 miles away). I noticed a few familiar faces performing on stage. I managed to speak to one of our local poets ... asked him why his group doesn’t perform in our area. He said there is no local place that could handle a performance like this. What we need is more culture and more places for these guys to perform..."
The Spencer Lake Art and Environmental Center will be offering instruction in both the Visual and Performing arts. Instructors and students alike will be urged to take part in the ongoing exhibits and performances. Areas to be included are sculpture -- clay, wood, metal, also pottery, painting, drawing, photography, videography, and writing. Theater, music and dance will also be available. It is expected that over time, the center will naturally form it’s areas of renown, and will grow accordingly.
Another aspect of the Arts Education program will be the Junior Artist Workshops.
We feel that it is important to keep local resources accessible to the local populations. We look forward to forging a working relationship with area elementary and high school faculties and their students, as well as with senior citizen groups. Additionally Outreach programs to seek the non-group element of the youth and senior sectors will be enacted periodically to reach those who sometimes get lost in the shuffle. These individuals of our society may be in particular need of opportunities to connect with themselves and others in creative and meaningful ways. A Mentoring program is one potential outgrowth of the junior artists workshop series.
Studio space will be made available to artists desiring self-directed study. Retreat packages, periodic and extended use scheduling will be options. We are looking to set up grant awards in the various disciplines so that artists might be afforded the means to pursue project ideas that would otherwise remain unfunded and therefore, unfounded.
More and more, people are becoming aware of the fragile relationship that exists between ourselves and the environment. What once was taken for granted -- an abundantly resourceful and healthy world -- has been recognized as the living entity it is, requiring care and maintenance to continue its viability. Despite this progress in knowledge, work must continue to engage every single human being in partnership to living responsibly with the earth and the resources that permit our existence. From the water we drink, to the ground we walk, to the air we breath and the food we eat, each of us plays a part in our sustainability. There is much that each of us can do to reap maximum benefits from the earth, while insuring that future generations may do the same.
The Spencer Lake Education Center is an ideal location to demonstrably relay to people the wondrous and beneficial facets of this region, and ecosystems in general. The 100 acre spring and creek-fed lake with adjoining wetlands provide an excellent model from which to study Freshwater Ecology. It is home or migration stop-over to otter, mink, beaver, fox, muskrat, raccoon, white-tail deer, osprey, heron, numerous freshwater fish and waterfowl, including snow geese, and bald eagles. This natural classroom will provide a more intimate look and greater understanding not only of nature, but our relation to it. How does our impact on nature in turn, impact us?
Likewise will the approximate 75 acres of forest enable for more exact exploration and understanding of Woodland Ecology. With thoughtful and knowledgeable planning, we can
both utilize and preserve the woods, fields, and their ecosystems to great mutual benefit. By instituting the lake and lands as a work-in-progress model, participants will experience the richness of eyewitness and hands-on learning. For, as Lanny Joyce, manager of Engineering,
Planning and Energy at Cornell University recently stressed at the Fall 2002 Greening of the Ivies conference, "Education plays a key role in insuring a sustainable future. Only once they know can they begin to care" (Ithaca Journal 10-21-02). It is our hope that SLAEEC can be part of the ripple effect in disseminating information to the public, their friends, neighbors and communities. Some of the potential workshops and projects are discussed below.
Dendrology -- The study and identification of trees holds interest for many people. The Spencer Lake Art and Environmental Education Center would like to develop a major trail system through the property that would herald "Native Trees and Shrubs of New York". Starting with native trees and shrubs already on site, we will add other specimens to the landscape on appropriate sites until all natives are represented -- approximately 30 species of trees and 20 species of shrubs. Not only would this trail be used for dendrological purposes, but it would also contribute to environmental education by involving local students in the tree planting process. By planting different tree species there can be discussions of habitat requirements for wildlife, species diversity and other related topics. Additionally, a nursery dedicated to raising native New York trees and shrubbery could produce income for the facility. According to James Ochterski, Extension Resource Educator of Cornell’s Schuyler County Cooperative Extension Agriculture Team, "It is very difficult to find nurseries that stock native trees and shrubs. For years exotics have been planted by property owners in attempts to vary the landscape’s appeal. In some cases, as with Japanese honeysuckle, autumn olive, and glossy buckthorn, the introduction of new species has done so well as to thrive to the point of edging out the native species, such as American highbush cranberry, several species of dogwood shrubs, and native birch trees. Things have come full circle now, and we see an increased interest in regaining the native stock."
One highly prized native, for its commercial value as well as its beauty is the sugar maple. American Indians were first to discover how to collect sap from sugar maples to make syrup. Maple syrup is produced in the northern United States and Canada, and is a highly prized regional specialty. Spencer Lake lies within Maple Syrup Country and there are several maple syrup operations nearby. The method of tapping sugar maples in the spring to collect the sap and then boiling it to form maple syrup is a classic, traditional craft that has important connections to American history as well as providing an extremely high quality regional food. A workshop would highlight this history while providing an opportunity to make, taste and purchase maple syrup and other maple products.
Another commercially viable forest crop is ginseng. For over 5000 years this herb has
been extensively used for its numerous health properties. According to A Consumer’s Guide to Medicine in Food, by Ruth Winter, M.S., "Among ginseng’s active ingredients are amino acids, essential oils, carbohydrates, peptides, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and sterols." Though costly to purchase, this veritable medicine chest can be grown by anyone with patience, and attention to specific growing conditions. Once established, care is minimal. However, when grown from seed roots take six to nine years to reach harvesting maturity. Hence the high price. The September 2002 newsletter of the Empire State Ginseng Growers Association reported that ginseng "prices for dry medium grade wild and wild-simulated roots continue to hover in the $200 - 250 range, down nearly $200 per pound for last season". Prices fluctuate depending upon the year’s yield, but remain relatively high due to length of required growing time. In addition to maintaining its own ginseng crop, SLAEEC will offer introductory ginseng growing workshops.
Avian, Fauna and Flora Studies -- With Cornell University less than 15 miles away, the potential exists for developing a Research Station that would provide research scientists and professors an opportunity to develop field studies and hold field classes. As specific topics or class needs arise, the site can be developed to accommodate those needs. For example, one site could be used to study the ability to reintroduce a rare or endangered species that was formerly native to the region. Such a study could have important ecological ramifications in addition to providing an excellent learning opportunity.
Wildlife Rehabilitation -- Periodically wild animals become injured due to their proximity to civilization. Without continued human intervention, the animal would likely suffer and die. Trained rehabilitators care for the animal until it can be returned to the wild. Occasionally an animal is injured to the point where full rehabilitation is not possible and the animal would likely perish if returned to its natural habitat. These animals can be retained by the facility for study and for educating the public about animals of the wild.
Wildlife Tracking -- Area state forests and wilderness preserves have hosted various tracking clubs from our region. Tracking affords a way to "watch" those evasive creatures of nature that traverse the land. Learn how you can read the story by becoming aware of the clues that are hiding in plain sight. Eavesdrop on the communication that goes on among species by learning the signs they leave. Tracking is more than looking for footprints!
Recreational Hiking and Camping -- Self-conducted jaunts of no agenda are needed from time to time to refuel the world-weary. In winter, cross-county skiing and snowshoeing pick up where the hiking left off. Not only are the lake grounds ideal for such activities, the potential exists to hook up with area State Forest and Finger Lakes Land Trust trails (map 4).
Wilderness Survival Skills -- If you don’t plan on venturing into the wilderness, you may be tempted to skip right over this section. However, whether to simply explore nature’s usefulness or to gain practical knowledge that might come in handy some day, the wilderness survival skills class is informative and fascinating. You will be surprised to learn about, and taste the bounty of the wild edibles that exist all around us. You will practice and learn emergency first aid such as how to handle cuts and fractures, and making and using splints. You will learn which plants have medicinal properties, how to find drinking water, make and use rope, and ways to create shelter and warmth outdoors.
As an Education-in-Action institution, the Spencer Lake Art and Environmental Center plans to be a working example of its mission. Alternative energy sources such as solar and hydro-power will be employed to help meet our energy needs wherever possible. The equipment will range from do-it-yourself to state-of-the-art models, which will dually serve as demonstration sites for environmentally friendly technology at work. Negotiations are underway to secure Van Etten’s own Arthur Weaver to consult with the incorporation of solar technology into existing and new structures at the facility. Weaver, an ex-staff scientist at Cornell University’s Synchatron Laboratory, has traded in that vocation for one more in line with his belief systems. An advocate of sustainable living, Weaver’s "mission now is to communicate
the need for change and to live in harmony with our planet, instead of fighting so much against it. My dream is to have the Van Etten and Spencer area become known as a ‘green power’ community" (Random Harvest News 7-24-02). Weaver’s family home is powered by solar, and he is currently working to help others in the community install their own solar panels. October 2002 saw the Millar family home and farm in Spencer, turning on their newly connected solar panels for the first time. Smaller solar energy systems of the do-it-yourself variety will be discussed in Convergence section of this prospectus.
Another site being researched is a Resource-Recovery Wastewater Treatment Greenhouse. Wastewater treatment that "uses a combination of anaerobic digestion and plant-based treatment that recovers energy (in the form of methane gas and biomass), is capable of producing potable water and costs less to build and operate than a conventional system" (American Scientist, Vol. 82 July-Aug. ‘94). Our site is particularly ideal for such a system for a number of reasons. Primarily, lake area properties have more stringent laws regarding the handling of effluent The Resource-Recovery Wastewater Treatment system has been shown to operate more safely and efficiently than conventional waste treatment systems (diagram below). Secondly, in some cases existing natural wetlands may be utilized for the final stages of purification. Should the marsh areas of Spencer Lake be suitable, money and space will be saved by allowing nature to do its work. Also, as this system utilizes growing beds as part of the water’s treatment process, this is an ideal "sister-project" to the previously mentioned farming of native trees and shrubs of New York.
The system’s founder, Professor William J. Jewell of Cornell University has agreed to consult with the Lake Project with the specifications and design. There also exists the possibility for Professor Jewell to use the construction and implementation of the system at Spencer Lake as a pilot project for his students of Biological and Environment Engineering.
Food and the environment are often separate topics in an individuals categorization of the world. However, they are intrinsically linked, as farming cannot occur without impacting the land and consequently, ourselves. In today’s society, this fact is far from evident to the average person. "The concept that food only comes from a grocery store is something we really need to dispel", states New York Senator Nancy Larraine Hoffman, commenting on the state’s new Agritourism and Education Program. "There is a real urgency to create better consumers, and ultimately policy-makers, who understand the importance of agriculture" (I.J. 8-14-02).
Many segments of the population are already living according to the all-things-related concept, and as consumer awareness grows, even more people are following suit. Community farmer’s markets are ever increasing in popularity as individuals recognize the necessity of their part in determining food health and safety. Also there is growing realization and concern for just treatment of the animals that create or become our food.
The Spencer Lake Art and Environmental Education Center will have programs available to assist individuals in their quest for better food sources, whether in their own growing practices, or simply as consumers, selecting and using responsibly grown food products that are healthy and safe. Courses that combine a back-to-basics philosophy with newer information will explore better ways to raise field crops and animals. Understanding the soil is key to good farming, and thus will be a primary focus. Likewise, as soil is a plant’s growing medium, so an animal’s body is its own growing medium. Natural care and feeding methods are possible and effective when the farmer pays attention to environmental conditions and science. For example, "a 1998 study sponsored by the USDA and Cornell University (showed) a simple change in cattle diets could cut e. coli infection. By feeding hay to cattle for about five days before slaughter, the number of acid-resistant e. coli can be dramatically reduced. ‘Most bacteria are killed by the acid of stomach juice, but e. coli from grain-fed cattle are resistant to strong acids.’ explains James B. Russell, a USDA microbiologist and faculty member of the Cornell Section of Microbiology..." (I.J. 11- 02).
The new "organic" definition and standards set down by the USDA as of October 21, 2002 will be explored to help growers determine which farming methods best suits their family’s or business’s capabilities and needs. In general this new ruling will most likely benefit all consumers. As product companies compete to stay ahead with marketing trends and sales it will be necessary for them to respond to consumer’s demand for more healthful foods.
Already following regimens adhering to principles of healthful and organic are numerous area farms. ZuZu’s Petals Farm of Spencer states in their Fall 2002 News, "We raise all of our animals outside without antibiotics or growth hormones. Our pigs are happy rooting minerals and vitamins in the soil, the chickens and turkeys content to scratch and peck for grass and bugs, and the lambs and cows graze our rolling hillside farm". Pam, matriarch of the family and business, has been instrumental in assembling information that will assist in developing and operating the Food segment of the SLAEEC. She and her husband Jim, along with their four children have grown their own business well, by farming according to their beliefs and making their bounty available to the public. This fall saw further expansion with their implementation of a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) system. In effect the farmer forms a partnership with the customer by offering monthly shares of the farm’s production. Occasionally bartering of labor, goods, or services may be employed to reduce share cost. Such an operation fulfills the criteria set forth in the above-mentioned Agritourism and Education Program, permitting the Millars’ to request grant funding to further involve the public through farm tours or other means of educating consumers about the food process from farm to table. Through its existence as a cultural and educational center SLAEEC hopes to broaden and highlight such farm enterprises by creating a larger market need and helping to promote agritourism.
Long before we were a consumer nation, people gleaned from the land to acquire the materials necessary to complete a task or enjoy an activity. Now prefabricated items are purchased at the store, partially or fully assembled, complete with instructions. Granted, it is wonderfully convenient to jump into the car, run to the store and buy what one needs, but it must be remembered that our choices are not limited to the aisles of stores.
With our choices only limited by our ingenuity and resourcefulness, we are more free to create for ourselves environments that not only fit our needs and wants, but our belief systems and manner of living as well. This is not a call to eschew modern conveniences and ways of living, but to re-recognize the abundance of natural resources that are available for us to actualize existences that are more healthy, more efficient, and in many cases less expensive than those derived through currently available commercial materials and modes. As with food, we have grown complacent, accepting as definitive the products on store shelves. It is quite easy to understand this assumption when one peruses the many choices currently in existence. What more could a person possibly want? What many people do want is simplicity. In efforts to constantly make everything "New and Improved!", the obvious and simple sometimes get overlooked.
A back-to-basics approach will enable individuals to expand their potential markets when considering their options for life’s necessities and comforts. These Do It Yourself classes to be made available at the Spencer Lake Art and Environmental Education Center combine art with the environment to create utilitarian products and functions that compliment nature rather than overtake it. Classes exploring ways to harness the sun’s rays to provide solar energy through simple systems created in the classroom or field will enable you to heat a room, grow vegetables all winter, make your own nutritious dried food snacks, cook meals, and heat water, all without the use of electricity. Another segment of the DIY will focus on Alternatives to Poison, recipes for making your own safe and effective non-toxic home cleaners and pesticides.
The Do It With Others classes include larger projects that will require at least one extra
pair of hands. A root cellar or smaller scaled sub-surface storage unit will enable seasonal fruits and vegetables to stay fresher longer, and assure a supply of local goods well beyond the growing season.
When the Finnish immigrated to this area in the early 1900's, they brought along their habit and love of taking a sauna. The practice caught on with many who were introduced to the pleasing, cleansing activity. Thanks to the Finns, sauna’s many benefits, not the least of which is psychological, have been recognized and utilized in gyms and health spas throughout the country. The workshop building your own sauna will focus on the history, construction and use of saunas, providing hands-on knowledge for an ideal family project, rewarding to all.
Earth homes have proven to be extremely energy efficient and durable. Built according to plan, these structures easily exceed conventional building standards. They are generally aesthetically pleasing, and blend nicely with natural surroundings. Classes will cover the design and planning for building straw bale, cordwood, and rammed earth homes. Consultation with instructors may also be part of the course via the Internet.
For many an outdoorsperson, process is an important aspect of engaging in a favorite outdoor activity. In Geared for Outdoors individuals will have the opportunity to make their own sporting equipment. There will be classes on making canoes and guide-boats, archery and fishing equipment, and snowshoes. In many cases the raw materials will be gathered from the facility’s forest. Participants also have the option to collect their own materials from locations of their choice. Great satisfaction can be gained from transforming ideas and raw material into useable items.
Approaching Pine Tree Island on Spencer Lake
Although closed to the public since 2000, Spencer Lake had been available for public enjoyment since the 1800's. It is SLAEEC’s intent to again make this magnificent resource open to townspeople and travellers alike. Options for creating a Municipal Park on a portion of the lake property are currently being investigated. A beach for swimming, fishing, picnic area, canoe rental, and camp sites are some features being discussed.
Subsequent to honoring its mission of providing and fostering art and environmental education and its application, the Spencer Lake Art and Environmental Education Center sees the potential to exist as a cultural center rich with opportunities for the enjoyment of both facility guests and local patrons.
The present lakehouse would resume its grand history by hosting a restaurant with menus primarily based on locally grown healthful and organic foods. A grocery of these same food products will be available on the property, along with an ordering outlet. The latter would enable bulk purchases of meat, poultry, eggs and, in season, produce. Adjoining the restaurant will be small cyber-cafe that will offer a light fair for more casual dining. An art and fine craft co-op will span the eateries to showcase and sell work done by members.
Within a short walk from the lakehouse will be the retreat and conference center. This may also be suitable for larger catered weddings and other special events. An Architectural and Environmental Design class at Cornell University will be presenting design ideas for the conference center as part of their course grade.
Finally, an historic barn is being considered to house the hall that will host concerts, theater performances, book readings and traditional story-telling. Benefactors of the performance center are slated for contact. To further promote the center and performers, SLAEEC will be negotiating for broadcast possibilities with the Ithaca College Communications School, as well as other local radio and television stations.
Each of the above uses ultimately exists as income for support of the Spencer Lake Art and Environmental Center. Additionally, employment opportunities will become available for all levels of workers, permitting hiring from all sectors of the workforce, thereby benefitting surrounding towns and communities.
The Spencer Lake Arts and Environmental Education Center is a project of great magnitude and unlimited potential. Of primary importance to this venture is the preservation and responsible use of land and lake. To this end we are consulting with the non-profit environ-mental organization Finger Lakes Land Trust regarding their potential sponsorship. Consider-ation is also reserved for the project sponsor or partners who hold a shared vision of the creation and operation of SLAEEC. Dialogue to determine and plan a management course for the center will ensue at such time ownership is considered.
The following individuals and groups have been key to completing this prospectus to create the Spencer Lake Art and Environmental Education Center -- James Curatolo and the Upper Susquehanna Coalition, Joan and Ray Cooke, Mike Jura and the Tioga County Soil and Water Conservation District, Heidi Kunzman, Jackie Mouillesseaux-Grube, Arvo Rautine and the Spencer Town Board, Pam and Jim Millar, Erica Hostetler, Betsy Darlington, REAP, Community Services Corporation of Spencer and Van Etten, Bill Garrison, Christine Lester, Jean Alve and the Spencer Historical Society, Mark Dixon, Al and Ellen Evans, Cassie Lesh, and the residents of Spencer and Van Etten.
Compiled by Karen Frick
Photos by Karen Frick
Video by William Doll, Log In Productions, Spencer, NY
Music by Bill Garrison, Roxanne Sullivan, Tod Sukontarak, Spencer, NY
Voice-over by Nancy McGinnies
Copies of this prospectus can be found at www.u-s-c.org/html/SpencerLakeproposal.htm
Your interest, skills and financial donations are most welcome to the Spencer Lake Project.
Spencer/Van Etten Community Svc Corp, PO Box 26 , Van Etten , NY 14889 .
Thank you for your interest!
Special Thanks to Log In Productions: http://www.logtv.com
Last Updated: 7/29/2004
This site was created by the Upper Susquehanna Coalition