named programs · 4 · from sources
What they call their work
Jr. Swampers Camp
Summer day camp program for children in grades 1–6 offering environmental education focused on wetlands, wildlife, and conservation.
School Field Trips
Environmental education programs for school and homeschool groups tailored to different age levels, focusing on wetland ecosystems and conservation.
Spring and Fall Migration Festivals
Annual public events celebrating bird migration with artisans, vendors, guided walks, and educational presentations.
Swamp Snappers Camera Club
Monthly community photography club meeting on the second Saturday each month for nature and wildlife photography enthusiasts.
activities · 7 groups
What they do
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Onsite & Outreach Environmental Education Programs 2 activities
- Environmental education programs for children and adultsOffers year-round educational programs for school groups, homeschoolers, and the general public, including animal demonstrations, fossil education, and nature-based learning focused on wetlands, wildlife, and conservation. Programs include hands-on activities such as nature journaling, painting, and clay sculpting.
- Public events and community festivalsOrganizes annual Spring and Fall migration festivals celebrating bird migration, seasonal public events, a 5K trail run, and monthly community gatherings such as the Swamp Snappers Camera Club and guided walks. Events feature local artisans, vendors, live music, and educational activities.
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Summer Day Camp Programs 2 activities
- Family and recreational programmingOperates a catch-and-release fishing area at Simpson Park for family recreation and offers outdoor programs for teens and weekly Art and Nature Club sessions for children aged 8–12, including seasonal winter and summer camps.
- Youth summer and seasonal camp programsOperates multiple sessions of summer camp for children entering grades 1 through 6, including a four-day Jr. Swamper Day Camp and themed outdoor programs for teens. Activities include hiking, crafts, games, archery, and environmental education on a 200-acre nature preserve.
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Nonprofit Internship Programs 1 activity
- Internship and youth leadership programsOffers internship opportunities in environmental science and related fields for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students, as well as a Counselors-in-Training program for teens aged 15 and older to support camp operations and lead educational activities.
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Local History Museum Operations 1 activity
- Museum and exhibit operationsHosts exhibits from the NYS Museum of Natural History and displays of local fauna in a museum building, which also serves as event space for private gatherings such as birthday parties, corporate events, and reunions.
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Nature Preserve Management and Public Access 1 activity
- Nature center and trail system managementMaintains approximately 7 miles of trails and a 900-foot boardwalk through restored wetlands at the Nature Center, providing public access for hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, wildlife viewing, and birding. The trail system includes access to a Great Blue Heron rookery and is part of an elaborate swamp boardwalk system.
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Ecological Habitat Restoration 1 activity
- Wetland restoration and landowner educationConducts wetland restoration projects in partnership with landowners and government agencies to return wetlands to their original state. Provides education to landowners on habitat management and conservation programs within the Oneida Lake and Lake Ontario watersheds.
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Wildlife Rehabilitation and Release 1 activity
- Wildlife protection and community engagementProvides guidance on safely relocating turtles encountered on roads to reduce mortality and encourages community participation in habitat protection through litter cleanups and stewardship initiatives.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$109K
Contributions & grants$56K51%
Program service revenue$15K13%
Investment income$14K13%
Other revenue$25K
expenses
Total expenses$160K
Program expenses41%
Admin / overhead59%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$78K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$1.04M
Cash$333K
Investments$0
Liabilities$0
Net assets$1.04M
Liquid reserves24.9 mo
5 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue -51.1%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
board members · 7
- CHRISTINE O'DELL — TREASURER
- ELEANOR JONES — VICE PRESIDENT
- HEATHER WHALEN — DIRECTOR
- MARILYN PATANE — EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
- MICHAEL J PATANE — PRESIDENT
- RACHEL ELDER — DIRECTOR
- SUZANNE BENTON — SECRETARY
relationships · 14
Who they work with
- Charles N. Gordon Wildlife Rescue Partner — Specializes in raccoons and is listed as a contact, though does not transport wildlife
- Cindy Page-Manlius Partner — Licensed wildlife rehabilitator (excluding fox and opossum), listed as a contact
- Gabe Whiteman Partner — Provides advice on wildlife situations and connects people with rehabilitators
- Guest artists Partner — Local artists invited to teach children about art mediums and lead project creation during Art and Nature Club sessions.
- Janet L. Swanson Wildlife Hospital Partner — Provides care for native injured wildlife, listed as a contact
- Jean Soprano-Penneville Partner — Specializes in owls, eagles, and falcons; listed as a contact for support
- Judy Cusworth Partner — Licensed provider offering support for any animal, listed as a contact
- Matthew Holleran Partner — Individual supporter providing a testimonial about the Conservancy
- NYS Museum of Natural History Partner — Provides exhibits hosted at the Great Swamp Conservancy's museum building.
- New York State Department of Conservation Government — Partner agency providing authoritative guidance on turtle protection in New York State.
- Safe haven wildlife rehab Partner — Listed as a contact for wildlife rehabilitation support
- Sheila Garrett-Munnsville Partner — Licensed wildlife rehabilitator specializing in small mammals, listed as a contact for support
- Swamp Snappers Camera Club Partner — Community photography group hosted by Great Swamp Conservancy.
- Wild Things sanctuary Partner — Currently accepting bats only, listed as a contact
strategies · 5
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Animal Ambassador Model for Wildlife Educationmethodology: animal-based environmental educationBy using non-releasable captive animals as educational ambassadors, the organization teaches about wildlife and conservation because live animal interactions create emotional connections that enhance learning and inspire protective behaviors.
- Community-Engaged Conservation Governancemethodology: community-engaged governanceBy involving members in governance and hosting community events that blend recreation with creative expression, the organization strengthens local ownership of conservation because participatory models increase public investment and long-term engagement.
- Experiential Environmental Educationmethodology: experiential-educationBy engaging participants in hands-on outdoor learning and multi-generational programming, the organization fosters deeper environmental connection and conservation awareness because direct experience in nature increases retention and behavioral change.
- Integrated Conservation and Education Modelmethodology: integrated-conservation-educationBy combining environmental education, outdoor recreation, and habitat preservation, the organization advances conservation because integrated programming strengthens public stewardship and supports biodiversity and natural resource management in key watersheds.
- Landowner-Integrated Habitat Restorationmethodology: landowner-engaged habitat restorationBy partnering with landowners in wetland restoration and providing education, the organization promotes sustainable habitat management because collaborative, on-the-ground engagement ensures ecologically sound practices and long-term stewardship.