Laughing Brook Wildlife Sanctuary Celebrates Grand Re-Opening

HAMPDEN, MA – In celebration of Laughing Brook Wildlife Sanctuary’s grand re-opening, Mass Audubon invites the public to join in the fun at the sanctuary located on Main Street in Hampden, MA on Saturday, September 27, 2008!

From 11am – 2pm enjoy an afternoon full of family activities, guided walks of the sanctuary, and light refreshments. A formal ribbon cutting ceremony is to be held at 11:45am. The public is also invited to bring a picnic lunch, and children may bring their favorite Teddy Bear to join in the Teddy Bear Picnic!

Come experience the beautiful 356 acres of forest, meadow and wetlands in the Scantic River watershed. Explore the wonderful new trail and interpretive signage. On-site you will also find 4-miles of walking trails and the chance to see wildlife, including fishers, warblers, thrushes, various reptiles, and amphibians. Nearby is the former home of children’s author Thornton Burgess.

Mass Audubon and Laughing Brook are excited to re-open as the facility has been plagued with un-natural and natural disasters over the past four years. First a victim of arson in 2004 and having suffered from flooding of the sanctuary in 2005, Laughing Brook has worked hard with help from many area volunteers, donors and members to bring the sanctuary back. Ready focus on all the beauty that the future has in store for Laughing Brook, the community is invited to come back and see the change.

One thing that remains the same is Mass Audubon’s commitment to preserving nature, advocating for the environment and delivering programs to educate our children on the importance of our environment.

“We welcome the community to join us for the very special celebration, as we could not have accomplished this without their support, volunteerism and membership dollars”, says Mary Shanley-Koeber who is the sanctuary director for Connecticut Valley River Sanctuaries. September 2008 – January 2008 Mass Audubon Program Catalogs are now available.