Boston Nature Center & Wildlife Sanctuary

Butterfly Garden path & bench at the Boston Nature Center

About

Located just outside of downtown Boston on the former grounds of the Boston State Hospital, the Boston Nature Center is a community-based urban sanctuary. Trails and boardwalks traverse meadows and wetlands, home to over 150 species of birds, 40 species of butterflies, and more than 350 species of plants. Year-round programs help foster an appreciation for nature and the environment. Please leave dogs and other pets at home.

Location: 500 Walk Hill Street, Mattapan, MA 02126
Phone: 617-983-8500
Hours: Trails open daily, dawn to dusk; Restrooms available Saturday & Sunday, 10am–4pm

Plan your visit >

Nature Play Days - LP promo for sanctuaries

Nature Play Days

Preschooler blowing on a dandelion puff in spring at Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary

Find seasonal nature play ideas & activities to help everyone get outside! Time for fun >

Online Programs - LP promo for sanctuaries

Online Programs

Eastern Pondhawk dragonfly male © Kim Nagy

Eastern Pondhawk © Kim Nagy

Explore the nature of summer online, from beautiful insects to amazing birds. Coming up next >

Healing Landscape

A Healing Landscape

Discover the stories of the people who have lived and worked on our land for 200+ years. Read it >

Nature Preschool (text only)

Nature Preschool

At BNC, our Pathways to Nature preschool provides a high-quality nature program for children ages 3–6. Learn more >

Sanctuary News & Events

Volunteers during a BNC tree planting event sponsored by Target & Arbor Day Foundation

106 Trees Planted at BNC