Two kids running in the snow. We all need nature—and nature needs you. Together, we can protect the wildlife and wild lands of Massachusetts for generations to come. Make a tax-deductible donation today.
Two kids running in the snow. We all need nature—and nature needs you. Together, we can protect the wildlife and wild lands of Massachusetts for generations to come. Make a tax-deductible donation today.
A boardwalk cutting through tall green shrubs and trees.
Boston Nature Center, Mattapan

Boston Nature Center & Wildlife Sanctuary

  • Mattapan
  • 67 Acres

Plan Your Visit

A community nature center and wildlife sanctuary with trails that traverse meadows, woods, and wetlands; home to over 150 species of birds, 40 species of butterflies, and more than 350 species of plants.

Directions to Boston Nature Center
Hours
Nature Center
  • Monday–Friday
  • 9:00 am–5:00 pm
  • Saturday, Sunday, & Most Holidays
  • 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Trails
  • Daily
  • dawn to dusk
  • 2 miles
  • 1 mile
See Trail Maps

Connect with Boston Nature Center

Property Regulations

  • Foot travel only; please stay on trails (day passes are available for powered mobility devices)
  • Dog walking and horseback riding are prohibited; please leave all animals and pets at home (service animals welcome)
  • Camping, collecting, smoking, hunting, fishing, releasing of animals, and feeding wildlife is prohibited.
  • Commercial photography needs prior approval; please see all photography guidelines.

Facilities

  • Parking
    Parking
  • Nature Center/Museum, Universally Accessible
    Nature Center/Museum, Universally Accessible
  • Restrooms, Universally Accessible
    Restrooms, Universally Accessible
  • Trail, Universally Accessible
    Trail, Universally Accessible
  • Picnic Tables
    Picnic Tables
  • Electric Vehicle Charging Station
    Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Explore Boston Nature Center

  • A boardwalk cutting through tall green shrubs and trees.
    Boston Nature Center, Mattapan
  • View of the Boston Nature Center building
  • Two young girls, one with a pink hat and the other with a black ponytail, picking yellow and pink flowers.
    Boston Nature Center, Mattapan
  • Group of people holding shovels between to solar panels
    Boston Nature Center Net Zero Groundbreaking
  • Two people walking on a grassy path surrounded by tall green vegetation and a solar panel.
    Boston Nature Center, Mattapan
  • A lush green garden in front of a tan building with windows.
    Boston Nature Center, Mattapan
  • Two people with walking sticks and one without walking on a gravel path towards a the camera.
    Boston Nature Center, Mattapan
  • Group walking past shovels, hard hats, and solar panels
    Boston Nature Center, Mattapan
  • A lush green garden in front of a tan building with windows.
    Boston Nature Center, Mattapan
  • Four solar panels in the middle of tall, green vegetation.
    Boston Nature Center, Mattapan

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Yellow, orange, and green trees line a pond with grassy vegetation. A boardwalk over the water leading into the woods is on the left.
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Upcoming Programs

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Sanctuary History

This land was once occupied by the Boston State Hospital. But how did it get here, and what was here before that?

Find Out

Conservation Projects

BNC is involved with a variety of projects that relate to fighting climate change, providing healthy food, and creating equitable access to nature.

Get Details