Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge (Seneca, Cayuga)

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge (Seneca, Cayuga)

Nature Study

Maps:

New York State Atlas & Gazetteer (Delorme Mapping Company) page(s): 59, 60

Other Maps:

How to get there:

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge is located at the north end of Cayuga Lake just north of routes 5&20. From Rochester take the Thruway east to exit 41. At exit 41 head south on route 414 to route 318. Take route 318 east to routes 5&20 and continue heading east on 5&20. The visitor center will be a left hand turn. If you reach route 90 (this is a route called 90 that travels along the east side of Cayuga lake, not the NYS Thruway) you have gone too far.

Description:

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge has a 3.5 mile wildlife drive tour that provides viewing of many marsh plants and waterfowl depending on the time of your visit. Spring migration is late February to April. The best time for ducks is fall migration, mid September to freezing. The Esker Brook trail is the only foot path at Montezuma (hiking is not allowed on Wildlife drive except in the winter). The round trip hike is 1.5 miles long or approximately 3 miles if you want to do all 3 trails. The Orchard trail, Brook trail and Ridge trail all parallel each other and lead to 2 man made ponds and back again. They are fairly level with some gentle climbs. Wild flowers are abundant.

Area Literature:

Available from the Visitors Center

Nature Center at Site:

The Visitor Center is open April 1 to November 30, weekends 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Area Administrator Information:

Refuge Manager, Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, 3395 Route 5 & 20 East, Seneca Falls, NY 13148, (315)568-5987

Limits to Access:

Wildlife drive is closed to cars in winter but open to skiing

Type of Path:

dirt, gravel, and wood chips

Types of Nature Study Activity:

birding, animal observation, wildflower and plant study and geology

Natural Features:

streams, glacial features, and marsh