Experience the Beauty of Our Region
About Discover Cayuga Lake
discover cayuga lake
what we do
Since 2003, Discover Cayuga Lake has provided hands-on learning opportunities in the interest of sustaining our Finger Lakes waterways for future generations.
We offer Eco-Cruises on Cayuga Lake (May-October), Floating Classroom experiences for grades 5 and up, Trout in the Classroom school-based programs, and a variety of free or donation based cruises for local residents. We serve communities throughout the Cayuga Lake watershed while our boat, the MV Teal, is based out of the Allan H. Treman State Park Marina in Ithaca, NY.
Discover Cayuga Lake, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and is legally and financially responsible for all our project activities. Please consider getting involved or making a financial contribution to support our work.
It was a beautiful, interesting, informative, calming, peaceful evening. We were tourists in our own town, choosing this experience to enjoy my 30th anniversary,
Mimi Welshonce Ramey
Great Experiences with Discover Cayuga Lake
Our Mission
At Discover Cayuga Lake, our mission is to cultivate informed and equitable relationships between people and the watersheds upon which they depend and we do all this while providing memorable, breathtaking family, friend, and community experiences on the beautiful Cayuga Lake.
discover cayuga lake
WHAT WE OFFER
Public Tours & Private Charters
Our vessel, the M/V Teal, comfortably accommodates 70 passengers. We offer a variety of interpretive lake cruises, private charters and special events highlighting the ecology, culture and natural history of the Finger Lakes.
Educational Programs
Education is what we do! Discover Cayuga Lake is invested in environmental literacy, not only as part of a good education, but as a key to long term social justice and sustainability. Our primary focus is youth education.
Community Programs & Events
Discover Cayuga Lake is committed to creating opportunities for everyone to engage with the lake. We offer free cruises and events that encourage recreation and education to emphasize all that is great about our lakes while also highlighting issues of concern.
DISCOVER CAYUGA LAKE
OUR educational PROGRAMS
Floating Classroom
The Floating Classroom is where science on the water and lake appreciation happens! Our boat, the MV Teal, is the perfect platform for students of all ages to learn about both the natural and human history of the Finger Lakes.
Trout in the Classroom
Discover Cayuga Lake coordinates a network of 20 schools, participating in the “Finger Lakes Trout in the Classroom” Program. From October through May, students throughout Tompkins and surrounding counties are raising trout, with our help, right in their classrooms!
Internships
The WIP offers young adults the chance to explore a broad range of organizations, working side-by-side to protect and enhance life in the Cayuga Lake watershed, and beyond. We collaborate with partner organizations to provide the best possible experience, and a truly holistic perspective, for our interns!
discover cayuga lake
Our Values
Sustainability
Our work is rooted in the principles of 7th Generation living, which requires social, economic and environmental justice, and includes the right of all two-legged, four-legged, winged and finned beings to clean and healthy water now and in the future.
Think Global, Act Local
We understand and emphasize the interconnected nature of all life and the effects of our actions on others downstream and around the world. Our work brings social and economic benefits to our local communities so that our collective, positive efforts can ripple outward.
Collaboration
We believe that resources, ideas and projects are more effective and long lasting when done in partnership with others. To this end, we seek a diversity of perspectives and work to identify common interests. We seek opportunities to partner with sister organizations and strengthen our collective actions.
Direct Experience
Our educational philosophy is based on our conviction that direct interactions with nature are a prerequisite for impactful educational experiences and for caring about the earth’s resources. Access to nature-based activities and hands-on learning are thus central to our programming, providing motivation to learn and the search for creative solutions.
Hope, Optimism, and Play
We acknowledge that there is much suffering in the world, and seek to counter despair and dismay by encouraging hope, choosing optimism and validating the need for all to take time in their lives to play, relax and recharge their energy to engage with the critical issues of our times.
discover cayuga lake
Committed to Sustainability, Diversity, & Inclusion
Policy Statement regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
DCL is committed as an organization to work towards becoming more diverse, equitable, and inclusive in its board, staff, interns, and programming in order to provide the most meaningful and engaging programs for all members of our community.
Sustainable Travel Policy:
Our cruises are based on the principles of Eco-Tourism which we define as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and offers interpretation and educational programming”.
We’d Love to hear from you!
Connect
with Us
For Cruises & Charters:
booking@discovercayugalake.org
For Educational Programs:
education@discovercayugalake.org
HOME DOCK:
1000 Allan H. Treman Marina Rd.
Ithaca, NY 14850
OUR OFFICE:
110 N. Tioga St., Suite 303
Center for History & Culture
Ithaca, NY 14850