What is the Montezuma Wetlands Complex?
 The Montezuma Wetlands Complex (MWC) Project is an effort by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and Ducks Unlimited, Inc. to protect, restore and enhance wildlife habitat. It encompasses approximately 50,000 acres (20,242 hectares) in Seneca, Cayuga and Wayne counties in upstate New York and includes the federal Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, the state Northern Montezuma Wildlife Management Area, and lands owned by conservation groups, farmers, and other private landowners. Public lands and some private land are managed to provide habitat for wildlife and recreation and education for people.

3rd Annual Montezuma Book Club
 Montezuma will hold its third annual Montezuma Book Club in January, February, and March 2009. The books were selected from an extensive list of environmental literature and will inform, inspire, and entertain you. Hosted by Volunteers Pat Sanderson and Susan Connor, The Montezuma Book Club meets in the Visitor Center, Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. Full details can be found here.

Bird of the Month Series: Winter Raptors
Sunday, January 25, 2:00-3:30 PM
Montezuma Audubon Center
 Join NYSDEC Senior Wildlife Biologist, Jim Eckler as he kicks-off the 2009 Bird-of-the-Month Lecture Series with a presentation on birds of prey that visit the Montezuma Wetlands Complex primarily in winter. Jim's program will include information on recent monitoring efforts by the NYSDEC on short-eared owls.
Fee: $5/adult, $3/student, Free/FOTMWC member.

Final Habitat Management Plan The fifteen-year Habitat Management Plan formalizes the current management at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge and incorporates many of the habitat goals, objectives and strategies described in the Montezuma Wetlands Complex Management Plan developed by Ducks Unlimited, Inc., the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The plan uses sound science and allows for adaptive management in order to continue providing critical habitat for wildlife species of conservation concern. Current management practices and some new management proposals--such as reforestation on portions of the Refuge--strive to restore what Refuge Managers believe to be original habitat types (before the times of human alteration) or to improve habitat for priority species. You can download a copy of the Plan from this site:
Draft Plan
Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C
Appendix D

voicesVoices of Montezuma
 Listen to our interview with Andrea VanBeusichem about hunting at Montezuma.. Enjoy these perspectives on the Complex from the people who know it best.

Juergen Kuehn Photos of Montezuma
 In October, German photographer Juergen Kuehn visited Montezuma and took some wonderful photos of our magnificent complex. You can enjoy them here.

Winners of the 2008 Photo Contest!
 Visit the 2008 Photo Winners page to see their great images!

2009 Amateur Photo Contest
 Grab your camera and take a picture that captures the essence of the Complex. All age and amateur ability levels welcome! Click here for the rules and an entry form.

Montezuma Photography eClub
 Montezuma Photography is a nature and wildlife photography e-club for members of the Friends of Montezuma and attendees of Montezuma photo workshops. Emphasis will be on species, habitats and landscapes found on the Montezuma Wetlands Complex in the northern Finger Lakes Region of New York. Members can post photos, share photo techniques and successes, ask questions, and set up informal field trips. Find out more here.

2008 Muckrace Report
 Information about the 2009 event and a full report on the 2008 event.

Frequently Asked Questions
 The most popular questions asked at the Visitor Center.

eBird Rare Bird Sightings
 Here's a great way to check up on the most recent rare bird sightings in New York State.

Montezuma NWR Needs Volunteers.
 The Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge needs volunteers. Volunteers are needed most to staff the Visitor Center information desk (some knowledge of birds and wildlife helpful, but not necessary) and The Lodge Gift Shop. Training will be provided. Other needs include landscaping around the Visitor Center and Headquarters Office, “roaming naturalists” to make contact with visitors out on the Refuge grounds (knowledge of birds, wildlife and plants required), program planners, and light office duties. If you would like to volunteer, please call 315/568-5987, ext. 228 or email Andrea VanBeusichem.