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.
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
Admissions
- All Ages free
Contact
500 Walk Hill Street
Mattapan, MA 02126
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
Latest News
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See moreWinter Bird walk at BNC
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Boston Nature Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, Mattapan
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Saturday, December 9
8:00-10:00am
Adults
Nature-Inspired Micropoems and Button-Making
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Boston Nature Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, Mattapan
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Saturday, December 9
1:00-2:30pm
Adults
Winter Tree Identification
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Boston Nature Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, Mattapan
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Sunday, December 10
1:00-2:30pm
Adults
Sanctuary History
This land was once occupied by the Boston State Hospital. But how did it get here, and what was here before that?
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.
Stay Connected with Boston Nature Center
Don’t miss a beat on all the ways you can get outdoors, celebrate nature, and get involved.