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About Montezuma

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge was established on September 12, 1938 as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. The refuge provides resting, feeding, and nesting habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds. Montezuma is situated in the middle of one of the most active flight lanes in the Atlantic Flyway.

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge is located at the north end of Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State. The Refuge contains 2,860 hectares (7,068 acres) and is situated in Seneca, Wayne, and Cayuga Counties. The Refuge is 35 miles (56 km) west of Syracuse, 40 miles (64 km) north of Ithaca, and 45 miles (72 km) east of Rochester.

Announcements

Important reminder to refuge visitors...
To protect wildlife and their habitat and to provide the best opportunities in wildlife observation and photography, it is important not to disturb, injure, or damage plants and animals on the refuge. In fact, it is a prohibited act as stated in 50 CFR 27.51. This disturbance includes flushing birds (remember to stay in your car along the Wildlife Drive, unless you're at a designated viewing area such as the photo blind, the Spillway and Benning Marsh) and other wildlife or using electronic calls (or called "taping") to lure birds closer for observation or photography. Please remember to take only memories and photographs and leave only footprints.

Cornell Lab of Ornithology Spring Field Ornithology Course
The annual Spring Field Ornithology course offered by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology is perfect for anyone who enjoys being outdoors. This year's eight-week course takes place March 21 through May 13 and is designed for bird watchers of all skill levels. More information can be found here.

MARSH
Join this volunteer group - the Montezuma Alliance for the Restoration of Species & Habitats - to help refuge and NYSDEC biologists and partners combat invasive species and restore healthy homes for wildlife. The work is hands-on as we cut and pull invasive species and replant with natives that will be more beneficial to wildlife and less harmful to Montezuma habitats overall!
All workdays run from 9 am to 1 pm unless otherwise stated when you sign up. Lunch will be provided by the Friends of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex. Please sign up at least one day before the Work Day. 2012 dates will be announced soon.
To sign up for the Refuge, please call 315-568-5987; for the MAC, please call 315-365-3580.