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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

Waterbirds Return!
Now is a great time to visit the refuge. There are hundreds of waterfowl on the Main Pool and the other wetlands along the Wildlife Drive. Expect to see Gadwall, Northern Pintail, Northern Shovelers, Ruddy Ducks, and more. Also, check the mudflats along the Wildlife Drive for shorebirds as they pause to refuel on their long journey north. The latest bird count is available here.

Join MARSH (Montezuma Alliance for the Restoration of Species and Habitats)
MARSH is part of a larger effort to restore, protect, and enhance wildlife habitat on nearly 50,000 acres in the Montezuma Wetlands Complex. We are forming a VOLUNTEER GROUP to support the habitat restoration efforts of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at Montezuma. This group will work on controlling invasive species in grassland, shrubland, forest, marsh and river. 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!

Work Day: Saturday, May 2, 9 am - 1 pm. Meet at the Refuge Visitor Center.

Work to be done: Cutting buckthorn and other invasive woody plants. Equipment provided. PLEASE BRING WORK GLOVES AND WATER.

REFRESHMENTS PROVIDED by the Friends of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex. Please call 315-568-5987 to sign up.

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