Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge was established on September 12, 1938 as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. The refuge provides resting, feeding, and nesting habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds. Montezuma is situated in the middle of one of the most active flight lanes in the Atlantic Flyway. Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge is located at the north end of Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State. The Refuge contains 2,860 hectares (7,068 acres) and is situated in Seneca, Wayne, and Cayuga Counties. In addition to providing wildlife habitat, the refuge also provides opportunities for people to observe wildlife. The refuge is open during daylight hours seven days a week. Facilities available to refuge visitors include:
Visitor Center - Open (April 1 - November 30) weekends 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and most weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Visitors should call ahead to check weekday staffing).
Main Pool Observation Tower - Just a short walk from the Visitor Center, this tower is equipped with a telescope and provides some of the best viewing of wildlife using the Main Pool.
Wildlife Drive - This 3.5 mile (5.6 km) drive provides many opportunities to observe and photograph wildlife. Generally closed during the winter and early spring months. There are no bicycling facilities at Montezuma.
Benning Marsh - This 5 acre (2 hectare) marsh was created in 1991 for the purpose of providing additional shorebird habitat.
Tschache Pool - This 1100 acre impoundment is surrounded by a dike. There is a parking area and an observation tower equipped with a telescope. In addition to the eagles, this pool provides habitat for muskrat and various species of waterfowl.
May's Point Pool - This pool attracts large numbers of migrating shorebirds. Esker Brook Nature Trails—three interconnected trails provide visitors with a 1.5 mile walk through a variety of habitats.
The Esker Brook area is an excellent spot to observe a variety of wildflowers, migrant songbirds, and other wildlife species.
Fishing Opportunities - Fishing is prohibited in refuge waters. The refuge maintains a boat launch area providing access to the State-owned Barge Canal System. Three public fishing sites provide bank-fishing access to the Canal.
Public hunting for waterfowl and deer is permitted under special regulations on portions of the refuge during the state seasons.
Additional Information - With advance notice, educational programs are available to organized groups throughout the year. Refuge staff provide many guided tours, particularly during the spring and fall migrations. Other programs are held in the refuge's Visitor Center throughout the year.
Contact the refuge: Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge,
3395 Rts. 5 & 20 East, Seneca Falls, NY 13148
ALL PHOTOS PROVIDED BY: Montezuma Wildlife Refuge
telephone: (315)568.5987 website: www.fws.gov/r5mnwr
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