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.

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.

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.

NewMontezuma 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.

voicesVoices of Montezuma
 Listen to our interview with Mike Morgan about grassland and the birds who call it home.. Enjoy these perspectives on the Complex from the people who know it best.

2008 Mukrace Information and Registration Form
 Find out about the 2008 event and how to register.

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

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

Draft Habitat Management Plan 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

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.