Everything about Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge totally explained
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge is a wildlife preserve operated by the
United States Fish and Wildlife Service, encompassing part of the Montezuma Swamp at the north end of
Cayuga Lake. The refuge lies between the cities of
Rochester and
Syracuse, New York (5 miles (8 km) east of
Seneca Falls, and 10 miles (16 km) west of
Auburn), including parts of
Seneca,
Cayuga, and
Wayne Counties. The Montezuma Marshes have been designated as a
National Natural Landmark; the citation notes that "A small, 100-acre area within the site is one of the best examples of undisturbed swamp woodlands in New York or New England."
The
New York Northern Montezuma Wildlife Management Area borders the national wildlife refuge and protects additional parts of the Montezuma Swamp.
History
The Finger Lakes Region was formed by the melting glaciers of the last glacial period, over ten thousand years ago. The northern and southern ends of the lakes gradually developed into extensive marshes. First the Algonquin Indians and later the Cayugas of the Iroquois Nation were the earliest known inhabitants to reap the rewards of the bountiful life in the marsh. The name "
Montezuma" was first used in 1806 when Dr. Peter Clark named his hilltop home "Montezuma" after the palace of the
Aztec Emperor Montezuma in Mexico City. Eventually the Marsh, the Village, and the Refuge all acquired the name.
There were no dramatic changes in the marsh until the development of the
Erie Canal in the 19th century, when it became apparent that feeder canals from
Seneca Lake and
Cayuga Lake would in time link these lakes with the main line. With canal construction, there arose the possibility of draining the marshes, and an act was passed relative to the draining of the Cayuga Marshes. Work first began on the canal system on July 4 1817, and the completion was marked by the first passage from Lake Erie to New York City on October 26, 1825. Construction of the Seneca-Cayuga canal began in 1818 and by 1828 boats passed from Geneva to the Erie Canal at Montezuma. The Erie Canal didn't greatly affect the marshes as the Seneca River still flowed directly from Cayuga Lake into the marshes.
In 1910, the widening and reconstruction of the Seneca and Cayuga extension of the New York State Barge Canal altered the marshes. A lock was built at the north end of Cayuga Lake and a dam was constructed at the outlet of the lake. This effectively lowered the level of the river by eight to ten feet (about 3 m) and the waters drained from the marshes. The meandering rivers were straightened and deepened, thereby creating additional drainage-ways.
In 1937 the Bureau of Biological Survey, which later became the
US Fish and Wildlife Service, purchased 6,432 acres (26.03 km²) of the former marsh. The Civilian Conservation Corps began work on a series of low dikes which would hold water and restore part of the marsh habitat that had once existed.
The refuge was opened in 1938 as the Montezuma Migratory Bird Refuge. The refuge provides a stopping point for waterfowl and other migratory birds. The refuge restored marsh land lost to drainage from the construction of the
Cayuga and Seneca Canal that linked the
Finger Lakes to the
Erie Canal.
In May, 1973, the refuge was designated as the Montezuma Marshes
National Natural Landmark by the Secretary of the
Department of the Interior.
The refuge today
The 7,000 acre (28 km²) preserve is composed of swamps, pools and channels and is a stopping point for migratory birds. Planners hope to increase the size of the preserve through donations and purchases of surrounding properties.
The
New York State Thruway passes through the north end of the preserve. While passing motorists can glimpse the preserve as they speed along the Thruway, they may obtain a better view from the 3.5 mile (6 km) road that begins at the visitors center south of the Thruway.
The refuge also has an area where
Bald Eagles have been nesting in recent years.
Enjoying the refuge
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. There are no bicycling facilities at Montezuma.
The 3.5 mile (6 km) Wildlife Drive provides many opportunities to observe and photograph wildlife. The main feature of the drive is the 1600 acre (6.5 km²) wetland which hosts a rich diversity of waterfowl, waterbirds and other wildlife. The drive is open most of the year with the exception of winter, when the road may not be passable. Call the Refuge (315-568-5987) for current information. The drive is open to automobiles only.
Hikers and walkers can enjoy the 2 mile (3 km) Esker Brook Trail and the 3/4 mile (1 km) Oxbow Trail.
The Visitor Center and gift shop are open from April 1 to October 31.
Further Information
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