Mass Audubon | Nature Connection

A pathway for migrating birds; a place of flowing rivers; rolling hills that rise above the rest of the landscape; an environment that has supported both people and wildlife for thousands of years. . . Central Massachusetts is home to all these wonders and more!

From the largest urban wildlife sanctuary in New England (Broad Meadow Brook) to pastoral scenes of sheep grazing (Wachusett Meadow) to remote, rustic beauty (Flat Rock and more), Mass Audubon sanctuaries provide a perfect place to relax, hike and connect to nature in the heart of the Commonwealth.

Look for 78 different species of butterflies while exploring the hundreds of acres of woods, fields, streams, and marsh at Broad Meadow Brook in Worcester.
At Burncoat Pond in Spencer traverse two miles of mostly wooded trails, ranging from easy to moderate, allowing for a wide range of wildlife viewing
On Cook’s Canyon’s short easy trails in Barre, look for signs of the extensive plantings, buildings, roads and ponds that once dominated the landscape.
In Holden, Eagle Lake’s 332 acres of wildland are home to hundreds of species, including fishers, pileated woodpeckers, river otters, barred owls, muskrats, and many types of waterfowl.
A six-mile trail system traverses Flat Rock in Fitchburg and leads you to the summit (950 feet) that offers a view of the beautiful surrounding valley.
In Gardner, Walk Lake Wampanoag’s loop trails through the fields and see a variety of butterflies, dragonflies, raptors, and songbirds.
Follow the Lincoln Wood’s trail system in Leominster through mature woodlands and note six vernal pools where salamanders, snakes, ducks, and other interesting wildlife may be seen.
In Dudley, Pierpont Meadow’s three loop trails allow you to explore a meadow, a white pine woodland, and a mixed hardwood forest.
Rutland Brook in Petersham encompasses 1,874 acres of woodlands, wetlands, brooks, and ledges.
Twelve miles of trails at Wachusett Meadow in Princeton traverse vast meadows, woodlands, and wetlands.

Join us On the Water at Green Hill Park in Worcester for FREE canoeing every Friday, July 13 – August 24.
Rent a canoe at Wachusett Meadow and enjoy searching for otter, beaver, and birds on Wildlife Pond
Register for a canoeing program and learn basic canoeing skills while observing the wildlife of our waterways with a naturalist.

At Broad Meadow Brook, programs are offered for all ages and knowledge levels. Beginners are always welcome. From chats with naturalists to sanctuary walks to our annual Butterfly Festival, there is something for everyone.
At Wachusett Meadow, learn botanical illustrations, take a quiet canoe ride at dusk on a beaver pond, or look for lost ladybugs. Hands-on, creative programs will connect you to nature this summer.

Borrow a pair of binoculars and a field guide at Broad Meadow Brook and Wachusett Meadow Visitor Centers and ask for the Bird checklist.
Take an upcoming birding program with instructors from Broad Meadow Brook.

Members may rent a secluded and cozy cottage at Pierpont Meadow from May to October. For more information, call 978-464-2712.

Broad Meadow Brook’s Nature Day Camp offer campers, ages 4.5 - 16, the opportunity to tap into their natural curiosity to learn about the world around them through hands-on exploration.
At the Wachusett Meadow Day Camp campers ages 3.5 - 17 will explore ponds, fields, and forests catching insects, meeting frogs, playing games, and making crafts.

Climb to the top of the observation deck, soar in a wooden swing, or crawl through a tunnel at Broad Meadow Brook’s nature play area.
Sculpt in a sandbox or add hickory to the wigwam shelter at Wachusett Meadow’s nature play area.
Challenge your brain and body on the Broad Meadow Brook Quest; follow clues around the sanctuary to reach a special destination.
Play a rousing game of Summer Walk Nature Bingo.