17th Annual Montezuma Muckrace: a 24-hour Birding Competition
September 6th-7th, Friday- Saturday
7 p.m.-7 p.m.
Registration begins now and will end August 21st

Audubon New York and Friends of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex announce the 17th annual Montezuma Muckrace, to be held in September 6-7. This 24-hour birding competition raises funds to support conservation projects within the Montezuma Wetlands Complex.The Muckrace starts at 7:00 p.m. on September 6th and ends 24 hours later with a brief closing ceremony at the Montezuma Audubon Center. 

Our goal this year is to raise $12,000 to establish a general fund for habitat restoration and improvement projects throughout the complex. We are in need of building up our Habitat Restoration/MARSH fund so that the Friends can have some flexibility to respond to ongoing and/or unexpected needs. All funds collected will be administered by FOTMWC in consultation with USFWS, NYSDEC, and the staff at the MAC.

Money is raised through pledges sought by participants, registration fees, and sponsorships. Again this year, FOTMWC will match money raised by the top three-fundraising teams. Last year's competition generated $13,097, which will fund both a viewing platform on the Deep Muck site, and some wetland restoration along the Seneca River. Donations are solicited through pledges sought by participants, registration fees, and sponsorships. Each participating team keeps a check list of species seen within the boundaries of the Complex for any or all of the 24-hour period.

There are several levels of participation:

• Competitive (3 or more individuals who must count together)
• Youth (ages 9-16, any number, identifying birds without adult assistance)
• Low-Carbon (any number, no motorized assistance - biking, walking, canoeing, etc)
• Family/Mentor (any number, at least one parent/leader with any number of young/beginning birders)
• Recreational (any number of adults)

Participants can register and raise funds online through this Friends of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex web page. For more information about participating, becoming a team sponsor, or to be added to the mailing list, please contact Jane Graves. The registration deadline is August 21st. Registration and pledge forms are also available below. So, round up a team and join us for this premier fall birding event to raise money for bird conservation efforts at the Montezuma Wetlands Complex in central New York!

Download Muckrace forms here:
Pledge Form
Participant Sponsor Pledge Form
Team Registration Form
2012 Checklist

Past Muckrace Musings for your enjoyment:
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005