The Montezuma Audubon Center will sizzle this summer with these family friendly programs! Bird watching, summer camps, wine tasting, painting, guided paddling and van tours are a great way to experience the beauty of Montezuma! Space is limited and registration is required. Please call 315-365-3588 or e-mail [email protected]
July 14th, Saturday, 10AM – 12PM
Montezuma Heritage Park Birding Walk
If you’re interested in Erie Canal history, and the birds that call the Montezuma Wetlands Complex their home, this is the program for you! Join a local historian and Audubon staff for a leisurely walk to explore the Erie Canal history and listen and look for newly fledged birds, enjoy the wildflowers, and learn about the important cultural and economic impact the canal system had on upstate NY. Fee: $5/child, $10/adult, $15/family. Pre-paid reservations are required. 50% discount for Friends of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex.
July 14th, Saturday, 2PM – 4PM
Photo Safari (for kids) at the MAC!
Do you have a digital camera or camera on your phone? Would you like to learn how to use it better, and how to take creative photos? This program is focused on kids ages 8 and up. The program will start with a brief introduction to basic photography, and then we’ll head out for an easy 1-mile stroll through the woods, around the wetlands, and over the grasslands to photograph wildflowers, butterflies, and bird- perfect subjects for new photographers. At the conclusion of the program, we’ll view the photos on the big screen. Children must be accompanied by an adult or guardian. Fee: $8/child.
July 26th, Thursday, 10AM – 4PM
Montezuma Explorer Day Camp
Learn about the wonders of Montezuma during a day of fun, nature-based activities for kids ages 6-12! We’ll hike through the forest (don’t forget your bug spray!) and search for clues of the birds and other wildlife that live here. We’ll also explore the wetlands and try to catch frogs, turtles, fish and other critters that live just under the water’s surface (bring extra shoes that can get wet!). Bring a bag lunch, water, sunscreen, and a snack. Fee: $30/child. Pre-paid reservations are required.
July 28th, Saturday, 12PM – 2:30PM
Birding and Boating: Cayuga-Seneca Canal
Join us for a relaxing canoe/kayak paddle to explore the Cayuga-Seneca Canal near the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. This is a wonderful opportunity to view Montezuma from the water, explore Montezuma’s breeding songbirds and raptors, and try canoeing/kayaking for the first time! Bring your own canoe/kayak or rent a boat from us. Fee: $10/child with-out rental, $15/adult without rental, $25/solo kayak rental, $40/canoe rental (maximum 2 adults plus 1 child). Pre-paid reservations are required.
August 3rd, Friday, 6PM – 8:30PM
Birding and Boating: Seneca River
What better way to enjoy a summer sunset than a relaxing, sunset canoe/kayak paddle to explore the birds, other wildlife and their habitats near the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge! We will launch boats into the Seneca River to see a variety of songbirds, shorebirds, and raptors like Bald Eagles and Osprey! Bring your own canoe/kayak or rent a boat from us. Fee: $10/child without rental, $15/adult without rental, $25/solo kayak rental, $40/canoe rental (maximum 2 adults plus 1 child). Pre-paid reservations are required.
August 11th, Saturday, 1PM – 3PM
Paint and Taste: Birds and Rootbeer!
Be a part of our first “Paint and Taste” class! Learn how to paint a native bird species (Red-tailed Hawk, Eastern Bluebird, or Northern Cardinal), and sample some local, non-alcoholic beverages as well! All materials are provided, just arrive and enjoy and afternoon of artistry and refreshments. Ages 10 and up are welcome with a parent or guardian. Pre-paid reservations are required! Fee: $30/person.
August 16th, Thursday, 6PM – 8:30PM
Montezuma Birding Van Tour
The summer is full of young birds learning about life outside their nests. Join us as we look for raptors, waterfowl, shorebirds and songbirds and observe how dedicated parents prepare their young for the fall migration. We will explore Montezuma’s birding hotspots where dozens of species can be seen and heard! Binoculars and field guides will be provided. Pre-paid reservations are required! Fee: $8/child; $15/adult, $40/family.
August 17th, Friday, 2PM – 5PM
Montezuma Dip & Sip
What better way to enjoy a summer afternoon than a relaxing canoe/kayak paddle to explore the birds, other wildlife and their habitats near the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge! We will launch boats into the Seneca River to see a variety of songbirds, shorebirds, and raptors like Bald Eagles and Osprey! Afterwards, quench your thirst with a refreshing wine tasting at Montezuma Winery. Bring your own canoe/kayak or rent a boat from us. Fee: $50/couple with canoe rental, $35/person with single kayak rental, $25/person without rental. Pre-paid reservations are required.
August 25th, Saturday, 11AM – 2:30PM
Paddling Along the Wine Trail at Buttonwood Grove Winery
Join the Montezuma Audubon Center and Buttonwood Grove Winery for an event unlike any other! Start with a guided paddle on the tranquil waters of Cayuga Lake to experience the early fall migration. Then, enjoy delicious wine tastings on the deck of the winery overlooking the lake. Daena Ford, President of Braddock Bay Raptor Research, will join us for a bird of prey presentation featuring hawks and owls! The event will run rain or shine. If it rains, the paddle will become a guided birding hike at the winery. Pre-paid reservations are required! Fee: $50/couple with canoe rental, $35/person with solo kayak rental, $25/person without rental.
August 31st, Friday, 5PM – 7:30PM
Cayuga Lake Sunset Paddle
What better way to enjoy the end of the summer than a relaxing, sunset canoe/kayak paddle to explore the birds, other wildlife and their habitats at the north end of Cayuga Lake! This is a great opportunity to see migratory songbirds, marsh birds and raptors like Bald Eagles and Osprey. Bring your own canoe/kayak or rent a boat from us. Fee: $10/child without rental, $15/adult without rental, $25/solo kayak rental, $40/canoe rental (maximum 2 adults plus 1 child). Pre-paid reservations are required.
Also, there is still time to register for two of our summer camps.
Wildlife Exploration Camp July 30th – August 3rd, 9AM – 4PM daily, Fee: $150
Campers will explore the Montezuma Wetlands Complex’s habitats, mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians during hiking, canoeing, wildlife management, and other outdoor activities. Ages: 11-15
Montezuma Paddling Camp August 6th – 10th, 9AM – 4PM daily, Fee: $150
Paddlers of all skill levels will create their own adventures with the help of our trained educators to discover Montezuma’s rivers, streams and wetlands while learning to paddle canoes and kayaks. Ages: 11-15
Montezuma Audubon Center
2295 State Route 89, Savannah, NY 13146
[email protected]
(315) 365-3588
http://ny.audubon.org/montezuma
The Center is open Tuesday – Saturday, 10AM – 4PM, but you are welcome to enjoy our trails daily from dawn to dusk, year-round. Visit http://ny.audubon.org/montezuma for more information about our programs, facilities, trails, and events.
The Montezuma Audubon Center is a state-owned facility operated through a cooperative agreement between the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the National Audubon Society.
We’re dedicated to enhancing the habitat of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex and surrounding Important Bird Areas. The Montezuma Wetlands Complex is Audubon’s first globally significant Important Bird Area.
Now in its second century, Audubon is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. Our national network of community-based nature centers and chapters, scientific and educational programs, and advocacy on behalf of areas sustaining important bird populations, engage millions of people of all ages and backgrounds in conservation. www.audubon.org.
