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.

Eco-Chat 2010, an informal discussion forum
Saturday, Feb 13, 1:30 - 3 pm, MNWR Visitor Center
 Why Do We Fall in Love with Nature: (and does that mean conservation is in trouble)?: Studies have shown that people fall in love with nature because of positive experiences in nature, and in turn will contribute either money or time to a nature-based cause. As personal experiences in nature are on the decline, especially for our children, does this mean that contributions to nature-based causes are on the decline? We will examine why each of us has fallen in love with nature and how that has affected our lives. Then we'll take a little time to learn about nature journaling. For more information on this winter series, please visit our Programs Page.

The Nature of Montezuma: Know Your Amphibians
Sunday, Feb 21, 2 pm, MNWR Visitor Center
 World expert Dr. Kevin Zippel of Amphibian Ark will present Know Your Amphibians, an introduction to our local amphibians!  The presentation will include: an overview of amphibians from around the world, photos of all 21 of our local amphibians with calls of frogs and toads, plus interesting natural history notes. Everybody gets a copy of a local field guide! For more information on this new series, please visit our Nature of Montezuma page.

Cattails  Cattails Newsletter
 The Winter 2009 issue of Cattails is available now. You can view it here..

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.