MONTEZUMA AUDUBON CENTER


The Montezuma Audubon Center is a cooperative effort by Audubon New York, the NYSDEC, the FWS and the FOTMWC.

MAC

The Montezuma Audubon Center (MAC) is about one mile north of Savannah. Click here for a map showing the location of the MAC. The Center is sited immediately adjacent to two reclaimed marshes, open meadows, upland forest, seasonally flooded forest and a natural lake. The location makes possible education programs in a variety of habitats all within a short walk from the center building.

The MAC is Audubon New York's first education facility in central New York, an important part of the network of Audubon Centers, and a new resource for educating residents and tourists about one of New York's greatest wildlife resources.

Macro Photography Workshop, Sunday August 17, 2:00 pm
 Cheri Sassman's work emphasizes the opportunities for observing nature close to home in urban settings, suburban areas and the countryside. The workshop will explore close-up and macro nature photography using the unique advantages of the digital camera. Participants will be invited to try out the workshop principles in the field after the workshop. They should be familiar with the digital camera they bring and should also have the camera manual. Everyone is encouraged to bring a tripod. Light rain will not necessarily keep us indoors -- bring plastic bags and a protective camera bag.
Space is limited so please sign up ahead of time: 315-365-3588.
Fee: Free for FOTMWC Members. $5 for non-members.

Paddling the Northern Montezuma Wildlife Management Area, Saturday August 16, 10:30 - 12:30 and Sunday, September 14, noon - 2:00
 Explore the waters of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex with Audubon New York staff by canoe and /or kayak. This guided paddle through slow moving waters will give participants the opportunity to view birds and other wildlife and learn about the natural and anthropogenic history of the area. Bring binoculars and bug spray. Pre-registration required.
Fee: $20 per person (includes, canoe/kayak, paddles and lifejackets)
$10 per person if you bring your own canoe or kayak.

Bird Banding Demonstration, Saturday, September 6, 9:00 - 10:30 am
 Join Audubon New York naturalist, Andrew Mackie, as he bands early morning migrants. Andrew will discuss why scientists band birds and what they learn about species distribution and abundance through mist netting, identification, and banding of birds. This program is weather dependent, call the Center at 315-365-3588 if the weather is inclement.
Fee: $5/person, $3/child under 12

Bird of the Month Series - Shorebirds, Sunday, September 21, 2:00 - 3:30
 Join Frank Morlock, NYSDEC wildlife technician, as he introduces us to the sandpipers, plovers and other shorebirds which visit the Northern Montezuma Wildlife Management Area. Frank will describe why these coastal birds rest in Central New York and lead us on a short hike to observe these birds in their natural habitat. Bring binoculars or borrow ours!
Fee: Free to Friends members.
$5 for adult non-members. $3 for students

Waterfowl Identification Class, Sunday, September 23, 6:00 - 10:00 pm
 Dave Odell will instruct this official NYS Waterfowl Hunter Identification Course required to hunt waterfowl at the Refuge and certain other areas in NY. Birdwatchers welcome!
Fee: None

Children's Programs

Incredible Insects: Thursday, August 14, 12:30-2:30 pm
 Discover the dragonflies, butterflies and other insects found around the Montezuma Audubon Center. Learn about the mystery of metamorphosis! This fun program, designed for children ages 5-12, will include hands-on activities, nature exploration and crafts. Be prepared to go outside!
Pre-registration required. Fee: $5 per child.

Nature Art Series: The Feel of Nature Saturday, September 6, 10:30-Noon
 Designed for elementary age children, this program will use the element of texture in art to explore nature. Budding artists will hike outside to collect materials to use for prints and rubbings. Be prepared to go outside!
Pre-registration required. Fee: $8 per child includes instructions and materials.

Home School Nature Series: For the Birds!
 This fall’s Home School Nature Series will focus on birds and include lessons on bird identification, adaptations, food chains, seasonal movement, a live bird of prey program and Citizen Science. Designed for home-schooled children ages 6-13, our two hour programs provide fun, hands-on opportunities to learn about and experience the natural world. Students will also receive a nature journal and laminated bird guide at the end of the 6-part series which begins mid-September.
For a registration form, which includes program dates and registration fees, call the Center at (315) 365-3588 or e-mail cstokes-cawley@audubon.org

Lend-a-hand! Volunteering at the Montezuma Audubon Center

Gardening & Landscaping, September 9 & October 7: 9:00-11:30 am. Call the Center for more information.
 Once a month volunteer gardeners meet at the Center to weed our gardens and maintain our trails. Join us for our upcoming gardening days, we supply the coffee and baked goods!

Together Green Volunteer Day Saturday, September 27
 For details call or visit our website after September 1!

Montezuma Audubon Center Summer Hours
Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sunday - Noon - 4 pm

Directions to the Montezuma Audubon Center
2295 Route 89, Savannah, NY 13146
315-365-3580

Directions from Rochester (West):
Take I-490 East to Thruway I-90. Take Waterloo/ Seneca Falls exit 41. Turn Right onto NY-414/Ridge Rd. Turn Left onto NY 318. Turn Left onto NY-89. Stay straight onto Wiley Rd/ CR-374. Stay straight to go onto Hogback Rd./CR-376. Turn left onto NY-31. Turn Right onto Messner Rd/ CR-273. Turn left onto 89 North. MAC will be on the left past the town of Savannah.

Directions from Syracuse (East):
Take 690 West to I-90 West on Thruway. Take exit 40 toward Weedsport. Turn right onto 34 West. Take slight right onto 31 West. Merge onto 31/89. Continue on 89 North into Town of Savannah. Take right onto 89 North. MAC is on the left.

Directions from the South:
From Ithaca follow Route 89 North along Cayuga Lake. 89 North merges with 31 West. Continue into Savannah and take a right at the blinking light. MAC will be on the left 2 miles north of Savannah past Crusoe Creek.