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.

Cattails  Cattails Newsletter
 The Summer 2010 issue of Cattails is available now. You can view it here..

2010 Montezuma Muckrace
 Information about the 2010 Muckrace is now available on our Muckrace page.

Nature of Montezuma: Butterflies
Sunday, June 13, 2:00 pm, Visitor Center
 Carol Southby, president of the Rochester Butterfly Club will show close-up pictures of our local butterflies and their caterpillars. We will explore their life cycles and feeding, see how a Monarch emerges from the chrysalis and learn how you can help butterflies by planting their favorite plants in your garden. For more information, please visit our Nature of Montezuma page.

Cerulean Warbler Coffee is now available!
 The Lodge nature store, run by the Friends of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex, announces the sale of Cerulean Warbler Coffee. Proceeds from the coffee sales will go toward cerulean warbler conservation at Montezuma and in their Columbian wintering grounds. The cerulean warbler is one of the bird species of highest concern in the eastern United States because of a small total population size and significant declines throughout its range. It is under consideration for listing under the Endangered Species Act and is listed on the Audubon Watchlist.

MNWR seeks public input for its Comprehensive Conservation Plan
 The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is starting work on a comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) for the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. The plan will establish management goals and objectives for all refuge programs over the next 15 years. For example, our wildlife, habitat, land protection and visitor services programs will all be evaluated during the planning process. This planning project provides a unique opportunity for the Service to involve individuals and local communities in the long-term management of the refuge. You can play a significant role in the development of the this far-reaching plan! Stay tuned and visit this link often to find out how you can be involved in planning Montezuma's future!

MARSH We are currently looking for volunteers for our MARSH! program: 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!
Equipment is provided, but please bring work gloves. Lunch will be provided by the Friends of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex. To sign up for the Refuge, please call 315-568-5987 by the day before the work day to sign up. To sign up for the MAC, please call 315-365-3580 by the day before the work day to sign up. All work days run from 9am to 1 pm unless otherwise stated when you sign up.

2009 Christmas Bird Count
 The results of the Count are available here as a pdf file..

2010 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.
Visit the 2009 Photo Winners page to see their great images!

2009 Montezuma Muckrace
 The full report and results are on our 2009 Muckrace page.

NewBirds seen recently at Montezuma
 Here's a great way to check up on the most recent bird sightings in the Montezuma Wetlands Complex.

Join the Friends!
 Become a member and help the Wetlands Complex.

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.

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

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.