Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

Welcome to Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, a flat wetland oasis located in the heart of the Atlantic Flyway near Basom, New York not far from Lake Ontario.

Refuge History: Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is located within the Historic Oak Orchard Swamp (AKA Alabama Swamp), which was occupied by the Seneca tribe for many years before the arrival of European settlers. In the late 18th century the first European settlers thought that the oaks resembled orchards and named the place "Oak Orchard Swamp." The settlers drained much of the land to set up farms until doing so became prohibitively expensive. In the 1930's the local residents noticed a sharp decline in the region's wildlife population and demanded that one of the last remaining swamps be protected. In 1958, Oak Orchard National Wildlife Refuge was established and renamed to Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge in 1964.

Wildlife: Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge helps protect the home of numerous plant and animal species including 42 mammals and over 266 bird species including bald eagles, peregrine falcons, black ducks, ospreys, and many others. Please treat their home with respect.

For the lover of the outdoors Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge boasts over 10 miles of multipurpose trails and waters stocked with bass, pike, carp, and bullheads. Come on out and explore!