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.

Important reminder to refuge visitors... To protect wildlife and their habitat and to provide the best opportunities in wildlife observation and photography, it is important not to disturb, injure, or damage plants and animals on the refuge. In fact, it is a prohibited act as stated in 50 CFR 27.51. This disturbance includes flushing birds (remember to stay in your car along the Wildlife Drive, unless you're at a designated viewing area such as the photo blind, the Spillway and Benning Marsh) and other wildlife or using electronic calls (or called “taping”) to lure birds closer for observation or photography. Please remember to take only memories and photographs and leave only footprints.

Nature of Montezuma Lecture at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge - The Dynamics of Tracking Mammals Join us at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 3395 US Route 20 East, Seneca Falls, NY— Saturday, May 12, beginning at 2:00 p.m.—for our Nature of Montezuma Lecture Series.Learn More

2012 Montezuma Muckrace Registration Information is now available.
 Visit our Muckrace page for full details.

Cattails  Cattails Newsletter
 The Spring 2012 issue of Cattails is available now. You can view it here.

Winners of the 2010 - 2011 Amateur Photo Contest!
Sponsored by the Friends of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex
 The winning photos can be seen on our photo contest page.
Rules and entry form for the 2012 contest are available here.

Christmas Bird Count
 Details of the Montezuma CBC can be found on our Christmas Bird Count page or you can contact Jane Graves at jgraves@skidmore.edu. Click here for the results of the 2011 CBC.

MARSH
 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 formed this volunteer group to support the habitat restoration efforts of the US Fish & Wildlife Service, NY State Department of Environmental Conservation, Montezuma Audubon Center and other partners at Montezuma. This group works 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. To sign up for REFUGE call 315/568-5987 for MAC call 315-365-3580. Please sign up at least one day before the work day. All Work Days run from 9 AM – 1 PM unless otherwise stated when you sign up. Lunch will be provided by the Friends of Montezuma.

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!

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.

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

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.