Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1958 primarily for nesting, resting, feeding, and staging area for migratory waterfowl. Iroquois Refuge was one of the first Important Bird Areas (IBA) identified in New York State. This designation was prompted by the significant diversity of bird species supported by Refuge habitats, especially wetlands. The varied habitats of the Refuge include a total of 10,828 acres of forested wetlands, marshland, upland forests, grasslands, and shrublands. They support approximately 266 species of birds, 42 species of mammals, plus reptiles, fish, amphibians, and insects. Our namesake comes from the Iroquois (Haudenosaunee) Confederacy that resides in the northeast. The Haudenosaunee is made up of six tribes: Cayuga, Oneida, Mohawk, Seneca, Onondaga, and Tuscarora. Many of our nature trails and overlooks are named in honor of these tribes. Our goals are to provide high quality freshwater wetland migration stopover and breeding habitat, to maintain the health and integrity of Oak Orchard Creek and associated floodplain and wetlands, provide a diverse mix of grassland, shrubland and forested upland habitats; provide high quality recreation, education, interpretive, hunting, and fishing programs; and to enhance partnerships with local communities and organizations.