A boardwalk cutting through tall green shrubs and trees. — Boston Nature Center, Mattapan

Wildlife Sanctuaries & Properties

Boston Nature Center & Wildlife Sanctuary

Mattapan
67 Acres

Plan Your Visit

A community nature center and wildlife sanctuary with trails that traverse meadows, woods, and wetlands; home to over 150 species of birds, 40 species of butterflies, and more than 350 species of plants.

Directions to Boston Nature Center

Hours

Nature Center

Monday–Friday
9:00 am–5:00 pm

Saturday, Sunday, & Most Holidays
10:00 am-4:00 pm

Trails

Daily
dawn to dusk

2 miles
1 mile

See Trail Maps

Admissions

All Ages free

Contact

617-983-8500 [email protected]

500 Walk Hill Street
Mattapan, MA 02126

Connect with Boston Nature Center

Property Regulations

Foot travel only; please stay on trails (day passes are available for powered mobility devices)
Dog walking and horseback riding are prohibited; please leave all animals and pets at home (service animals welcome)
Camping, collecting, smoking, hunting, fishing, releasing of animals, and feeding wildlife is prohibited.
Commercial photography needs prior approval; please see all photography guidelines.

Facilities

Parking
Nature Center/Museum, Universally Accessible
Restrooms, Universally Accessible
Trail, Universally Accessible
Picnic Tables
Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Featured Experiences

© Maria Baigur

Art Installation at the BNC: Laura Lima’s ‘An Indistinct Form’

Mass Audubon is taking part in Boston’s first Public Art Triennial. The thought-provoking art of Laura Lima will be on display at the Boston Nature Center as part of a city-wide exhibition of 16 local, national, and international artists.
Boston Nature Center, Mattapan

Best Birding Spots in the Greater Boston Area

You don’t need to travel hours away from the city to experience fantastic birding. Check out these urban hotspots to find target lifers without leaving the metropolitan area.
Family Fun

Ready for some outdoor adventure? Boston Nature Center has all kinds of fun programs and activities for you and your friends and family!
Nature Preschool

Pathways to Nature Preschool is a nature-based preschool nestled in the heart of the city at the Boston Nature Center.
Facility Rentals

Boston Nature Center offers a unique and natural setting for birthday parties, social events, and meetings.