Noah Demarest : Studio: Montezuma Wildlife Refuge

 

Montezuma Wildlife Refuge Master Plan
Studio Coordinators - Peter Trowbridge and Paula Horrigan

MWR

Visitor Center Concepts:
Construct a new headquarters with a unique architectural style (an "icon").

  • Structure will be several stories high with an observation deck at the top.
  • Highly visible from the thruway (additional marketing for the complex).
  • Facilities include indoor and outdoor classrooms, exhibits, cafe/snack shop, gift shop, and restrooms.

Establish several "constructed" habitat types.

  • These will serve as demonstrations of management activities throughout the entire complex.
  • Visitor's first impression of the facility should include wildlife.
  • Habitat types include open water immediately surrounding the headquarters, emergent marsh, mudflats, and warm season grasses in the higher elevations (constructed drumlin fields).

Construct a public boat landing in the existing river cut out at the northern end of site.

  • Area should be dredged to appropriate depth for both small boat and larger tour boat access.
  • Banks should be secured with riprap.
  • A floating dock should be installed to allow for the fluctuating water levels.

Establish a clearly defined trail system throughout the site.

  • Offer adequate signage for visitors to navigate through the site.
  • Educational kiosks at various locations.
  • Trails should connect the new boat landing and the main headquarters.
  • Offer a variety of paths through the many demonstration habitats.
  • Create floating piers and bridges to span parts of the wetlands and open water.
  • Connect this micro trail system to the proposed regional Erie Canal multi-use trail at Route 5 + 20 and a new pedestrian bridge over the Seneca River.