May 17, 2022
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Boston Nature Center & Wildlife Sanctuary
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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 open Mon-Fri 9am–5pm, Sat & Sun 10am–4pm
Spring Activities
Nature's Spring Wonders
Learn about spring animals, take a nature walk, or explore changing habitats! Browse programs >
Online Programs - Promo for All Sancs
Online Programs
© Eduardo del Solar
Explore nature with us online, from spring birds to wildlife tracking. 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
Boston Nature Center & Wildlife Sanctuary
Five months ago, Mass Audubon’s Boston Nature Center (BNC) in Mattapan broke ground on an ambitious project to become carbon neutral by 2022. So, it is especially fitting that on Earth Day Friday, April 22, members of the BNC community, supporters, civic leaders, and Mass Audubon staff gathered at the 67-acre wildlife sanctuary for a ribbon-cutting to officially announce it has achieved net-zero energy status.
Boston Nature Center & Wildlife Sanctuary
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a great way to create a personal connection to your local farm and farmers. You will not only know where your food is grown and learn how it’s grown, but you’ll be able to taste the difference!
Upcoming Programs
Take a trail walk while exploring your 5 sense in the natural world Read more
Learn about our tree neighbors in this fun walk around Dorchester Park! Read more
Join us at the Boston Nature Center to celebrate Pride Month and learn about rainbows! Read more
