Mayor Kraham Announces 434 Greenway Tower Viewer and Signage Installation, Eagle-Naming Contest

City of Binghamton Joins Partner Organizations to Encourage Outdoor Recreation

(BINGHAMTON, N.Y.)—Mayor Jared M. Kraham on Wednesday announced the installation of a new tower viewer and signage along the 434 Greenway near MacArthur Park on Binghamton's South Side.

The free-to-use mounted binoculars and associated signage will allow residents and visitors to observe and learn about the scenery and wildlife of the Susquehanna River, including a pair of bald eagles nesting nearby.

To celebrate installation of the new amenity, Mayor Kraham announced a community contest to name the bald eagle pair, inviting Binghamton's residents to submit their ideas.

Residents can contribute to the eagle-naming contest by submitting ideas here.

Mayor Kraham said: "With the installation of the tower viewer near MacArthur Park, we're offering Binghamton residents and visitors a unique glimpse into our region's natural beauty and diverse ecology. Naming these eagles brings a personal connection to wildlife conservation efforts right here in our City, highlighting our commitment to preserving and celebrating our natural environment."

The viewer was funded through a $5,000 grant from the Conrad and Virginia Klee Foundation to The Naturalists' Club of Broome County and installed by the City of Binghamton Parks & Recreation Department.

Amanda McIntyre, Executive Director of the Klee Foundation, said: "The Community Changemaker Micro-Grant Program was designed to provide volunteer-powered organizations, like the Naturalists' Club, with funds to bring to life an idea for improving well-being in their community. The Klee Foundation is excited to see this project come to fruition in partnership with the City of Binghamton."

After facing extinction in the mid-1900s, the bald eagle species has made a remarkable recovery in the U.S. thanks to successful conservation efforts. Bald eagle sightings are now relatively common in Broome County.

Ryan Andrew, Education Coordinator of The Naturalists' Club of Broome County, said: "This viewer offers an incredible opportunity to observe downtown Binghamton's resident Bald Eagle pair, spot other wildlife up close, and further supports our mission to inspire enjoyment, exploration, and the protection of the natural world. We're excited to see the community make use of this resource for years to come."

Educational signage installed near the tower viewer was funded through the Broome County Community Beautification & Environmental Stewardship Grant Program and the Broome County Environmental Management Council and developed with support from Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Jason Garnar, Broome County Executive, said: "The new interpretive signage on the Route 434 Greenway will enhance the experience for everyone who uses the trail. Through the county's Community Beautification & Environmental Stewardship Grant, we're proud to support projects like this that improve public spaces, promote environmental awareness, and strengthen our community."

Beth Roberts, Executive Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County, said: "With educational content and original designs provided by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County, these interpretive signs bring the conservation success story to life while connecting visitors to the diverse ecology of the Susquehanna River. This project aligns with CCE Broome County's mission to deliver engaging programming that deepens the community's understanding of and appreciation for our natural environment."

Local non-profits AVRE and STIC consulted on readability and placement of the signs to ensure enjoyment for the largest number of area residents.

Those interested in learning about the eagle pair and on-going birding activities in Broome County should visit: https://www.facebook.com/naturalistsclub.