Jul 07 Tuesday
When you turn on the faucet to brush your teeth or wash your hands, have you ever wondered where that water comes from—and what happens before it reaches your home?
If you live in the City of Ithaca, your drinking water likely begins its journey in Six Mile Creek, which drains a 46-square-mile watershed. From there, the water is treated at the City’s Drinking Water Plant before being delivered to homes, schools, and businesses.
Join CSI for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Six Mile Creek Water Treatment Plant, led by Laboratory Director and Watershed Coordinator Roxanna Johnston. Participants will explore how raw creek water is collected, treated, and distributed as safe drinking water. The tour introduces key water quality concepts and builds a deeper understanding of how we manage and protect this essential resource.
This 2-hour program includes a guided tour of the Six Mile Creek Water Treatment Plant and a short walk to Six Mile Creek. Participants will explore how drinking water is sourced, treated, and distributed through a combination of on-site observation, explanation, and discussion. The experience includes both outdoor and indoor components and is primarily tour-based, with opportunities for questions and engagement throughout.
About CSI: The Community Science Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and NYSDOH-certified water testing laboratory (ELAP #11790) dedicated to inspiring and empowering communities to safeguard water resources through volunteer monitoring, certified laboratory analyses, and education. For more information, visit our website: www.communityscience.org.
Accommodations: We are committed to making this program accessible and inclusive. Please contact us in advance to discuss specific needs or accommodations.
Jul 08 Wednesday
Join us to explore the fascinating fossils you can find in your own backyard! Discover the dinosaurs that once roamed our region and learn what their ancient world looked like. We’ll also introduce you to some of our animal ambassadors, modern-day relatives of those distant dinos!
Registration is appreciated
Jul 09 Thursday
NBT Bank Summer Concert Series - Thursday night concerts in beautiful East Park, Norwich, NY. All Thursday concerts are FREE! Bring a chair or blanket to sit on unless you plan to be on your feet dancing! Vendors! Beer Garden! Merchandise!
For Summer Concert Series lineup and festival information, join the Chenango Blues Association Facebook Page or visit our website - https://chenangobluesfest.org/
Jul 10 Friday
Custard is an anxious dragon whose friends–a dog, a cat, and a little gray mouse–mock his nervous nature in this charming family musical based on the work of the beloved American poet Ogden Nash. When a pirate bursts into their home, the others hide, but Custard bravely confronts the invader, revealing his true strength and showing everyone that real courage can come from the most unexpected places.Performances: Friday, July 10 @ 10 amFriday, July 10 @ NoonSaturday, July 11 @ 10 amSaturday, July 11 @ NoonSunday, July 12 @ Noon
Jul 11 Saturday
Family Fun Day at the West Family YMCA
Looking for a fun and affordable way to spend time with family and friends this summer? Join us for Family Fun Day at the West Family YMCA! This free community event is open to everyone and offers an afternoon packed with activities, laughter, and opportunities to connect with neighbors and friends.
Kids can bounce and play on inflatables, test their aim at the dunk tank, and enjoy a variety of yard games and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking to make new memories, meet other families in the community, or simply enjoy a day of fun together, there's something for all ages to enjoy.
Cash concessions will be available throughout the event.
**Event Details**Saturday, July 111:00-4:00 PMWest Family YMCA
No registration is required. Come join the fun, make lasting memories, and experience the YMCA's commitment to building strong families and a stronger community.
Jul 12 Sunday
Jul 14 Tuesday
Who lives under the rocks in the creeks and streams that run through our parks and backyards—and what can they tell us about water quality and ecosystem health? Join CSI at Buttermilk Falls State Park as we explore and compare aquatic life found under the rocks in Buttermilk Creek. This family-friendly, hands-on program invites participants to wade into the stream in search of benthic macroinvertebrates—small, spineless organisms visible without a microscope that live at the bottom of the creek. We will collect and identify these organisms and learn how they are used to assess water quality and overall ecosystem health. Participants interested in following scientific protocols will also have the opportunity to assist in collecting an official sample after the main program has concluded.
This 1.5-hour program takes place entirely outdoors along Buttermilk Creek within Buttermilk Falls State Park. The experience is highly hands-on and involves wading into shallow stream areas to collect and examine aquatic organisms. Caregivers must be able and willing to enter the creek alongside their child and actively participate in the in-stream portion of the program.
About CSI: CSI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and NYSDOH-certified water testing laboratory (ELAP #11790) dedicated to inspiring and empowering communities to safeguard water resources through volunteer monitoring, certified laboratory analyses, and education. For more information, visit our website: www.communityscience.org.
Jul 16 Thursday
Jul 20 Monday
Join CSI for a guided tour of the Cayuga Heights Wastewater Treatment Plant, led by facility staff. Participants will learn what wastewater is, how it is collected and conveyed to the treatment plant, and how it is processed before being safely released back into Cayuga Lake. The tour introduces key water quality concepts and connects themes explored in other Journey of Water programs, offering insight into the systems that protect and maintain local water resources.
This 2-hour program is a guided walking tour of the Cayuga Heights Wastewater Treatment Plant. Participants will move through multiple areas of the facility alongside plant staff, with stops for explanation, observation, and discussion. The experience includes both indoor and outdoor components and provides an overview of how wastewater is collected, treated, and returned to the environment. The tour involves continuous walking and standing, with limited seating available throughout the program.
