About Broad Meadow Brook

Mass Audubon Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary

Broad Meadow Brook in Worcester is the largest urban wildlife sanctuary in New England, with more than 400 acres cooperatively managed or owned by Mass Audubon. Interpretive signs will guide you along well-marked trails through woods, fields, streams, and marsh.

The sanctuary also provides information about the National Park Service's Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. 

Location

414 Massasoit Road, Worcester, MA 01604
Get directions or contact us >

Hours

Nature Center

Tuesday–Saturday, 9 am-4 pm • Sunday, 12-4 pm
Closed Monday
Restrooms, gift shop, & exhibits are located in the Nature Center

Trails

Open daily, dawn to dusk

Admission

Members, Worcester residents, & GWLT members: Free
Nonmembers: $4 Adults, $3 Seniors (65+), $3 Children (2-12) 

As a way to increase access to nature, Mass Audubon also offers several free admission programs at our wildlife sanctuaries.

Trail Mileage

5 miles (universally accessible: 1 mile)
Get details & map >

Facilities

Acres

435

Sanctuary Highlights

  • Sensory Trail, a rope-guided, universally accessible trail with interpretation available in audio tours, large print, Braille, and tactile formats.
  • Oasis in the city with access to the brook under shady, mature trees and well-marked trails throughout.
  • Nature Play Area where kids can design gnome homes, climb on large logs, and enjoy the two-seater wooden swing.
  • Some 80 species of butterflies, 164 bird species, 700 plus plant species, and a diversity of wildlife habitats.
  • Seasonal special events, summer camp, and year-round educational programs for all ages.

Property Regulations

All of the land at our wildlife sanctuaries is protected. By conserving these open spaces, Mass Audubon, along with our members and partners, is able to fulfill its mission of protecting the nature of Massachusetts. When visiting, please take note of the following regulations: 

  • No dog walking or horseback riding; please leave all animals and pets at home (service animals welcome) 
  • No walking off trail  
  • No collecting or picking natural items
  • No bike riding or operating motorized vehicles; day passes are available for powered mobility devices   
  • No running, swimming, or camping 
  • No operating drones or other remote-controlled vehicles   
  • No fishing, hunting, trapping, or releasing of animals   
  • No feeding wildlife   
  • No smoking 

Photography Guidelines

Mass Audubon welcomes visitors to capture the beauty and wonder of our statewide network of wildlife sanctuaries through photography. If you would like to use a wildlife sanctuary for commercial photography purposes, please review the complete guidelines and learn how to schedule a time.