The Finger Lakes region was formed when massive glaciers melted more than 10,000 years ago. The edges of the lakes formed marshes, part of which eventually became the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. Marshes are a unique ecosystem that support a variety of wildlife species. If you're looking to get out and enjoy nature, Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge in New York is a great place to do it! You'll see all sorts of critters and get to enjoy a uniquely beautiful landscape.
In 1938, President Franklin D. Roosevelt established Montezuma as a Migratory Bird Refuge. The area serves as an important stopping point for migratory birds.
Since marshes are a haven for insects and amphibians, birds have plenty to eat around them.
Montezuma is open seven days a week during all daylight hours. With nearly 10,000 acres, there's plenty to see and explore!
There are eight different trails at the park, ranging from easy jaunts under a mile all the way up to an 11-mile trail around a lake.
There are many viewing areas placed off of the trails so you can get a good glimpse at wildlife. Here, a great blue heron is catching a tasty snack!
You can bike or walk through the trails, and you can actually drive through nearly all of the refuge.
The giant stainless steel eagle statue in the refuge is visible from the nearby highway. It's got a 22-foot wingspan and weighs more than 1,300 pounds!
The statue was installed in 2016 to commemorate the state's 40th anniversary of bald eagle conservation. The refuge has six active bald eagle nests.
The trails are great to explore no matter the time of day, but if you go in the evenings or mornings, you may see more wildlife activity. Make sure to bring bug spray!
For more information about Montezuma, visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service page.
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