About Us

OUR MISSION
The mission of the Cayuga Lake Floating Classroom Project is to engage community members from around Cayuga Lake, and throughout the Finger Lakes Region, in the future of our water resources through experiential education, engagement and communication.

The Floating Classroom was established in 2003 under the auspices fo the Cayuga Watershed Intermunicipal Organization, to provide a platform for learning, open to all stakeholders. We extend our thanks to the member communities of the Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization for their sustained support!

The Floating Classroom is governed by a volunteer Steering Committee of committed individuals who, together with our crew, have made the program what it is.

Our Crew

Captain Dennis Montgomery Capt. Montgomery is the owner of the MV Haendel and propietor of Tiohero Tours, LLC. His vision is to inspire residents and visitors, alike, by providing tours that blend human history with the natural beauty of the Finger Lakes.	Bill Foster Program Director Bill grew up in Ithaca and earned a BS in Environmental Engineering, Cornell '87. After 16 years pursuing in water resource management with the US EPA and several not-for-profits, he is now focused on community-driven environmental education.	Captain David Openshaw Capt. Openshaw has guided trips on the MV Haendel since 2006, offering extensive knowledge about Cayuga Lake and navigation science. He is also a lieutenant and EMT with the Cayuga Heights Fire Department.

Captain Stephanie Gray Captain Stephanie Gray has been a licensed Master Captain since 1998, bringing extensive experience on marine research vessels via Oregon State University, Woodshole, Scrippts, and the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. Stephanie now resides year-round in Ithaca, captaining the Haendel for Ithaca Boat Tours & the Floating Classroom, and maintaining her alternate business StephanieGrayMassage.	Lory Scott, Intern Program Mgr. Lory joined us in 2012, with a strong background in marine biology and education. She holds an MS in Biology and previously served as aquarium curator for the Virgina Living Museum.	Caroline Hoover, Instructor Caroline joined the Floating Classroom in 2006, after a career in public education, specializing in science education. She is enjoying her present incarnation as outdoor educator, eye-opener, musicial and yoga instructor.

Mark Clookey, Instructor Mark joined to Floating Classroom in 2012, which a background in Outdoor Recreation and Resource Management from Paul Smiths.	Tony Ingraham, Instructor Tony brings 24 years of experience as former education manager for the Finger Lakes region of New York State Parks. He is the author of the award-winning book, "A Walk through Watkins Glen--Water's Sculpture in Stone", and co-author of "Ithaca--the City, Gorges, and Colleges". Find out more about both books at http://owlgorge.com/	Adrianna Hirtler, Instructor Adrianna joined the Floating Classroom in 2011, bring with her a strong background in natural history, and incredible interpretive skills honed during guiding back-country trips in the Western National Parks.

Sarah Heath, Intern 2011, 2012 Returning for a second year on the Haendel in 2012, Sarah has also taken on responsibilities working in Cornell's aquatic plant research program!	Alex Clark, Intern 2011, 2012 Alex returns for a second year on the Floating Classroom and manages IT systems on the MV Haendel!	Anna Kucher, Intern 2011, 2012 Anna will join us for a second year in 2012, bringing experience beyond her years to our plankton microscopy program.
Our Alumni
Jordan Stark, Intern 2009-2011 Jordan completed her Floating Classroom career as Senior Intern during 2011, when she gained fame for discovering Hydrilla vericillata in the Cayuga Inlet. She is studying Environmental Sciences at Skidmore, class or 2015.	Amber Plantz, Alumni Crew-2011 Amber departed during the winter of 2012 for warmer shores, and is now Environmental Educator for the Haw River State Park outside Greensboro, NC. Go Amber!