What We Do
Wildlife conservation drives everything on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands and waters, from the purposes for which a national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
Learn more about national wildlife refuge is established to the recreational activities offered to the resource management tools used. Using conservation best practices helps ensure the survival of native wildlife species. Refuges deploy a host of scientifically sound management tools to address biological challenges. These tools span active water management to wilderness character monitoring, all aimed at ensuring a balanced conservation approach to benefit both wildlife and people. At this field station our conservation tool box includes: Comprehensive Conservation Plan, Habitat Management, Climate Resilience, Conservation Easements, Compatibility Determinations, Cultural Resources, Education & Outreach, Fire Management, Invasive Species Management, Inventory and Monitoring, Law Enforcement, Pesticide Management, Recreation Management, Species Research, Water Management, Haying, Hunting, Commercial Forest Management and Furbearer Management. Find out more below!
Habitat Management
Wetlands
Historically, over 5,000 acres of the refuge were normally flooded in the spring and mostly dry by summer, primarily due to man-made drainage programs. To provide additional wetland habitat, a system of dikes (man-made barriers) and water control structures were created to help manage water levels. Water levels are carefully managed to provide a variety of feeding, nesting, brood rearing, and resting habitats for migratory birds and resident wildlife. Water levels are adjusted to mimic natural water fluctuations associated with unaltered wetlands and to provide the best possible wildlife habitat. These changes in water levels result in subsequent changes in wetland vegetation and ultimately provide the desired habitat.
Emergent Marsh
Emergent marsh is important to waterfowl as well as wading birds, shorebirds, songbirds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and others. Species such black tern, bald eagle, Virginia rail, muskrat, mink and green frog all need emergent marsh for their survival. This habitat is characterized by shallow water, approximately one to two feet deep, with water loving plants emerging through the surface of the water. Much of the emergent marsh in the area was long ago drained and converted to other uses. The refuge tries to restore and manage this habitat for the many species that depend on it.
Forests
Historically, most of the refuge was forested, but was eventually cleared for agriculture purposes. While the refuge still maintains large open areas for certain wildlife, it is important to remove small openings within forested areas to provide large blocks of unbroken forest. Many forest species require these large blocks of forest to thrive. To provide this habitat, a list of native tree species is compiled based on the soil types, and then the refuge will plant trees to “reforest” these small openings.
Forested Wetlands
The refuge contains over 3,000 acres of forested wetlands (bottomland hardwoods) most of which is part of the Oak Orchard Creek floodplain. Dominant tree species include, red and silver maple, green and black ash, eastern cottonwood and American elm. These forests provide habitat for many species, including wood ducks and cerulean warblers. Species like wood ducks nest in cavities in trees, which provide them added safety from next predators. These cavities are often old holes originally excavated by woodpeckers. Cerulean warblers nest and forage high up in the tree canopies, and can usually only be heard, not seen.
Grasslands
While historically rare in western New York, grasslands are currently an important habitat type on the refuge. Grassland nesting birds have suffered decades of population decline, primarily due to a loss of critical habitat. The refuge maintains several large grassland areas, providing nesting and foraging habitat to these birds, which often require large unbroken grasslands for their survival.
To keep grassland open, the refuge employs a combination of mowing, spraying, haying and prescribed (controlled) fire. On Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, prescribed fire is used to remove woody plants and non-native species from grasslands. In addition to returning valuable nutrients to the soil, fire removes dangerous fuels such as dried grass and other plant debris which can lead to wildfires. Refuge fire fighters are trained to carry out prescribed burns in a safe and effective manner and specialized equipment is used to ensure a successful burn.
Shrublands
As shrublands mature, they eventually become shaded by mature trees growing among the shrubs. Shrublands must be periodically mowed to reverse natural succession and remove these trees. To do this, the refuge uses a variety of techniques including a piece of heavy equipment called a Hydro-ax. A Hydro-ax is essentially a mower for small trees. Operators slowly mow over the trees until they are mulched up. Because shrubs grow faster than trees, and areas that are mowed by the Hydro-ax are quickly recolonized by shrub species, providing valuable habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife that are dependent on this habitat type.
Visitor Services
Visitor Center
The Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center can be located at 1101 Casey Rd. Basom NY 14013. It is typically open Tuesday-Saturday from 9am-4pm but can fluctuate between seasons and staff availability, check our Facebook or feel free to call before you visit! Inside our Visitor Center you’ll find an array of interactive exhibits that tell you all about the refuge which include biological and historical artifacts, live fish, and an eagle nest camera. We also have bathrooms, a water fountain, binoculars and bird guides to borrow, and brochures/maps to take on your journey. The Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge also run the Flyway nature store which also has fluctuating hours based on volunteer availability, call ahead to confirm they’re open.
Programs and Events
Refuge staff, volunteers, and partners regularly host different programs and events throughout the year that enable visitors to connect to nature, wildlife, and the refuge lands. Our annual events include Spring Spectacular (May 10th, 2025), a celebration welcoming spring back to the swamps; Family Fishing Day (June 7th, 2025) a free day of fishing for the whole family with no permits required; and Veteran Family Fishing Day - a free fishing day for veterans and their families (July 12th, 2025). Check our events calendar HERE for updates on events and programs throughout the year! Reach out to logan_sauer@fws.gov to schedule a program, regardless if refuge staff support and accommodations are needed. We like to keep tabs on what goes on around the refuge to ensure everyone will have a smooth and uninterrupted experience.
Outreach
Outreach helps to inform and remind the public about the Refuge purpose and opportunities they can enjoy the refuge. You may see us at a fair, public exhibition, or festival spreading the word of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Contact logan_sauer@fws.gov if you would like us to attend your public program, event, or festival!
Buffalo Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership
The Buffalo Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership engages youth in learning about native wildlife and habitats, the Great Lakes and our surrounding watersheds, pollinators and gardens, while working on habitat restoration projects in the City of Buffalo! Read about our stories HERE.
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement officers work closely with state an local government offices to enforce federal, state and refuge hunting, fishing and trapping regulations that protect migratory birds and other game species from illegal take and preserve legitimate hunting, fishing and trapping opportunities. Some other duties include patrolling closed areas, maintaining relationships with neighboring landowners, search and rescue operations, maintaining refuge boundaries and participating in public events.
