About Tracy Brook

View of rookery, beaver lodge, and woods at Tracy Brook Wildlife Sanctuary

Tracy Brook Wildlife Sanctuary in Richmond is a wetland surrounded by woodlands. The stream that gave the sanctuary its name has been home to industrious beavers for more than 50 years.

Simon Tracy and his family were some of the earliest local settlers of Yokuntown (now incorporated as Richmond), and they operated a sawmill along the brook. Tracy Brook feeds into the 218-acre Richmond Pond.

Acres

21

Trail Mileage

N/A 

Please note that there are no trails at Tracy Brook. Instead, there is a pull-off from the road where you can take in the scope of the sanctuary, including a large heron rookery.

Sanctuary Highlights

  • Active beaver dams, which form a wetland complex ranging from open water to forested swamp.
  • Up to 22 active Great Blue Heron nests, many viewable from the pull-off with a spotting scope or binoculars.
  • Other wildlife observed here includes bear, bobcat, and otter as well as a variety of waterfowl and turtles.
  • Part of a wildlife corridor between Pleasant Valley and Pittsfield State Forest, and located within the Berkshire Wildlife Linkage Area.
  • Programs offered through Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary.

Location

Swamp Road, Richmond, MA
Limited parking—please use caution

Get directions or contact us >

Hours & Admission

Open daily, dawn to dusk
Free, donations appreciated

Property Regulations

For your safety and to avoid conflicts with wildlife, we ask that you please:

  • No collecting or picking natural items
  • Remain in the pull-off area on Swamp Road at all times to protect plants, animals, and yourself
  • No operating drones or other remote-controlled vehicles   
  • No smoking