Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge

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

Eco-Chat 2010, an informal discussion forum
Sunday, Jan 16, 1:30 - 3 pm, MNWR Visitor Center
Conservation Refugees (reexamining protected areas): It seems that in protecting natural areas, native peoples have been displaced. This phenomenon will be our starting point to talk about how people of all walks of life fit into conservation, and help us take a look at all of the factors and challenges to conservation. For more information on this new winter series, please visit our Events Page.

Walking, Skiing and Snowshoeing at the Refuge
The Visitor Center (except for winter programs) and Wildlife Drive are closed for the winter and will re-open on April 1, weather permitting. You may, however, walk, ski or snowshoe along the Wildlife Drive while it is closed to vehicles. Also take some time to explore the walking trails in winter! Walkers, snowshoers, and skiers welcome!

Bird Count
The latest bird count is available here (Updated Dec. 12, 2009)

Main Pool Winter Drawdown
We have begun draining the Main Pool to continue work adding open water areas to the Main Pool's cattail marsh.

Montezuma Habitat Management Plan
More information on the Plan is available here.