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Rutland Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
Rutland Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
encompasses 1,874 acres of
woodlands, wetlands, brooks, and
ledges. Combined with neighboring
conservation lands, the sanctuary
is part of one of the largest parcels
of contiguous protected land in
central Massachusetts. Enjoy a short
walk (less than one mile) along
boulder-strewn Rutland Brook or
opt for a more strenuous hike to
the base of Porcupine Ledge where
there are impressively old specimens
of sugar and red maples and white
ash, as well as a large porcupine
den. In the spring and fall, you
can find migrating waterfowl and
otters on Connor Pond. Look for
moose signs, especially scrapes
on young red maples. The fields
provide great habitat for butterflies
and dragonflies and nodding ladies’
tresses, an orchid species, during
late summer and early fall.
Location:
Petersham, MA GPS units and websites for driving directions (Mapquest, etc.) may not give accurate directions to Rutland Brook. Please use the directions below. Address:
Pat Connor Road
Petersham, MA 01366
978-464-2712
centralproperties@massaudubon.org
Trail Hours:
Trails: Open
every day, dawn to dusk.
- For Your Safety
- Do not feed any animals
- Stay on trails
- Check for ticks after your walk
- Do not smoke anywhere on the sanctuary
- Do not pick or collect plants or crops without permission
- Avoid Conflicts with Wildlife
- Do not bring pets, leashed or unleashed, on to the site
- Do not bring motorized vehicles or bicycles onto the site
- Hunting, fishing, or trapping are not permitted
Admission:
Free Directions:
From Worcester: Take Rt 122 north to Barre Center. From Barre Center continue on Rt 122 north for approximately 5.1 miles and take a right on Pat Corner Road (before the bridge and waterfall at Connor Pond). Continue along the dirt road that runs parallel to the pond for .2 miles to the Mass Audubon parking area on your left.
From Route 2: Take exit 17, Rt 32 south to Petersham. At the intersection of Rts 122/32 take a left and continue south on Routes 122/32 for approximately 2.1 miles, then take a left (directly after the bridge and waterfall) at Connor Pond onto Pat Connor Road. Continue along the dirt road that runs parallel to the pond for .2 miles to the Mass Audubon parking area on your left.
Acres:
1874
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