SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- “It was the dog clue.”

Justin Zollo, 30, says that’s how he became the winner of the 33rd Annual Treasure Hunt, hosted by Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard with Countryside Federal Credit Union.

Zollo discovered the medallion Monday while searching with his stepdaughter Murryea Holman, 10, at James Pass Arboretum in the Tipperary Hill neighborhood of Syracuse.

The family lives nearby, and joked that the arboretum, a popular place for walking dogs, is a “poop-a-torium."

Zollo, a self-employed landscaper and native of the city’s West End, said Clue No. 3, which mentioned “furry friends” gave away the location.

Several other treasure hunters seemed to catch on, too. Neighbors and friends waved as they drove by, noting they’d tried searching the area over the weekend, too. Some challenged Zollo to a rematch next year.

Zollo said he had suspected the arboretum since Saturday’s clue. He looked around Monday morning while walking his dog in the park, without any luck. He returned with his stepdaughter for the second time today. They ran into a neighbor, who wished them good luck.

This time, Zollo thought to trek up a small hill, where the medallion was tied to some branches.

“There it was!” he recalled.

Zollo said his father used to take him treasure hunting in The Post-Standard’s decades-long contest. He continued the tradition with Murryea, a student at Southside Academy Charter School, which is on mid-winter break this week.

As far as plans for the $2,000 prize, Zollo said he hadn’t given it much thought yet.

“Probably save it for a rainy day,” he said. “It’ll be nice to have a little extra cash.”

***

Clue No. 1: The hunt starts today, think about all the places it could be, it’s only the first day, we’re not giving much away…. (HINT: The hunt starts today.)

Clue No. 2: Please remember to only hunt when the sun is up, if it’s too dark you won’t find this park. (HINT: Only hunt during the day; There are no lights in this park.)

Clue No. 3: Locals bring their furry friends to get fresh air and make some friends… (HINT: A great place to walk your dog)

Clue No. 4: It’s not on water but there might be something to do with it and no need to climb or dig… find our treasure and win big! (HINT: It’s not on or near water, but the location is the site of a “Save the Rain” project. And a reminder do not climb or dig.)

Clue No. 5: It’s a preserved place where you can go and relax. When you visit you might learn a few interesting facts… (HINT: This park is preserved by historic preservation and was approved by the City of Syracuse Landmark Preservation Board. You will learn more about the Save the Rain project here.)

Find all the clues here.

Public Affairs Reporter Julie McMahon covers courts, government, education and sometimes fun stuff like treasure hunters. She can be reached anytime: Email | Twitter | 315-412-1992

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