Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, Tonawanda and Oak Orchard Wildlife Management Areas

Orleans and Genesee Counties

Be sure to scan the skies above these sites for the kestrel-a small (jay-sized) but handsome blue-gray falcon with white, black and reddish markings. The Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is flanked by the Oak Orchard Wildlife Management Area and the Tonawanda Wildlife Management Area. Together, the three adjoining properties make up almost 20,000 acres of wildlife habitat.

Wildlife to Watch

• Kestrels, bald eagles, osprey, Great blue heron
• Ducks, geese, shorebirds, songbirds
• Northern pike, bass, black crappie, bullhead, carp, sunfish, yellow perch, freshwater clams and mussels
• Deer, muskrat, red fox
• Snapping turtles, American toad, numerous species of snakes (non-poisonous)

Where to Watch

• Observation tower (Oak Orchard)
• Wetlands and marshes
• Overlooks

Recreational Opportunities

• Birdwatching, hiking and nature trails, boating (non-motorized), cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
• Visitor center, nature programs; webcams on nesting kestrels, eagles and ospreys (Iroquois)
• Fishing, hunting, trapping
• Photography blinds
• Hunting dog training and field trials allowed by permit at Tonawanda

Size

• Iroquois: 10,828 acres
• Oak Orchard: 2,500 acres
• Tonawanda: 5,600 acres

Directions

See Google Maps for step by step directions to Oak Orchard and Tonawanda. (This link will open a page outside of the DEC website. Hold Shift down while clicking on the link to open it in a new window.)

Contact Information

Telephone: Oak Orchard and Tonawanda: 585-226-2466
Iroquois: 585-948-5445
Email: wildlife@dec.ny.gov
Website: Oak Orchard and Tonawanda Wildlife Management Areas
Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge (This link leaves the DEC website)

Photo Credit: Jim Clayton (all photos)