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 36,000 acres (14,569 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.

Dave Eichorn Talks About Global Warming, Saturday, May 17, 2:00 - 3:30, MNWR Visitor Center
 Participants will be surprised as they look at how the weather thousands of miles away may already be creating extremes in our weather in Central New York. For example, they'll see how the warmth in Alaska and in Greenland is so tightly related to our weather here. If you are new to this subject, this presentation will confirm a lot of your suspicions about how our weather in Upstate New York is changing. Visit our Programs Page for more information.

Public Input on a Draft Habitat Management Plan, Tuesday, May 20, 7:00 - 8:30 pm, MNWR Visitor Center
 The Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge will host an Open House to gather public input on a Draft Habitat Management Plan. A brief presentation will highlight the main components of the Draft Plan, followed by a question and answer period, and personal communication with Refuge staff. Once approved, the fifteen-year Habitat Management Plan will formalize the current management at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge and will incorporate 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 waterfowl, shorebirds, marshbirds, waterbirds and bald eagles. Current management practices and some new management proposals--such as reforestation on portions of the Refuge--will strive to restore what Refuge Managers believe to be original habitat types (before the times of human alteration), as well as to improve habitat for priority species. Copies of the Draft Habitat Management Plan can be viewed at the Refuge's Visitor Center or Main Office. You can also download a copy from this site:
Draft Plan
Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C

Buy 1/Get 2 for the Refuge Tree Sale, Begins April 21st and continues daily during Visitor Center hours
 The Friends of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex Tree Sale starts up just in time for Earth Day! The deadline for ordering is October 1, 2008; tree pick up is 10/18/08. For every tree you buy, we will be able to plant two on the Refuge for reforestation projects targeted at improving cerulean warbler habitat. Visit our Programs Page for more information.

Bird of the Month Series
 The Bird-of-the-Month programs are a series of Sunday afternoon lectures hosted by the Montezuma Audubon Center and the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. Each program highlights a resident or migratory bird or group of birds found in the Montezuma Wetlands Complex. Programs run from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. The series is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex. Free to members of the Friends of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex; $5 for adult non-members; $3 for students and seniors. Your fee will help fund future programs! Visit our Bird of the Month page for a full listing of programs.

5th Annual Wildflowers and Wine Festival, Sunday, June 15, 12:00 - 5:00, MNWR Visitor Center
 Enjoy an afternoon of FAMILY FUN at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge and the Montezuma Winery. There's plenty for all do to. More information can be found here.

Art Show Opening: Wildflowers of Montezuma in Art Form, Sunday, June 15, 12:00 - 4:00, MNWR Visitor Center
 An Opening Reception for the Wildflowers of Montezuma in Art Form show, sponsored by the Ludovico Sculpture Trail of Seneca Falls, will be held at the Refuge as part of the 5th Annual Wildflowers and Wine Festival. Visit our Programs Page for more information.

NewLive Osprey Nest Cam
 Our osprey cam is live and ready to capture another exciting season with the osprey family.

voicesVoices of Montezuma
 Our newest podcast discusses prescribed burns at Montezuma. Enjoy these perspectives on the Complex from the people who know it best.

Winners of the 2007 Photo Contest!
 Congratulations to our winners, Ross Shepardson, Erin Diel and Jennifer Gillette. You can see their photos here.

2008 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..

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.