Central & Western Massachusetts Programs & Events - JANUARY- MAY 2019 - Mass Audubon
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Central & Western Massachusetts Programs & Events J A NUARY— MAY 201 9
Central Massachusetts / Broad Meadow Brook
Wildlife Sanctuaries in
Central & Western
Massachusetts
For information on programs and sanctuaries in
Eastern Massachusetts, visit massaudubon.org.
Pleasant Valley
15 6 5
Rugged, yet accessible—
nature at its best. 20 7
13 9 10 11
472 West Mountain Road Pittsfield
Lenox, MA 01240 19 14 3
21 4 Boston
23
17 12 Worcester
2 1
22 18 Springfield
16 8
Arcadia Wachusett Meadow Broad Meadow Brook
Forests, grasslands, meadows, Habitat diversity and Sanctuary in the city;
and marshes. abundant wildlife in the discover the wilds of Worcester.
127 Combs Road Wachusett highlands. 414 Massasoit Road
Easthampton, MA 01027 113 Goodnow Road Worcester, MA 01604
Princeton, MA 01541
Central MA Western MA
1 Broad Meadow Brook, Worcester Connecticut River Valley
2 Burncoat Pond, Spencer 12 Arcadia, Easthampton & Northampton
3 Cook’s Canyon, Barre 13 Conway Hills, Conway
4 Eagle Lake, Holden 14 Graves Farm, Williamsburg & Whatley
5 Flat Rock, Fitchburg 15 High Ledges, Shelburne
6 Lake Wampanoag, Gardner 16 Laughing Brook, Hampden
7 Lincoln Woods, Leominster 17 Lynes Woods, Westhampton
8 Pierpont Meadow, Dudley 18 Richardson Brook, Tolland
9 Poor Farm Hill, New Salem 19 Road’s End, Worthington
10 Rutland Brook, Petersham 20 West Mountain, Plainfield
11 Wachusett Meadow, Princeton
Berkshires
21 Canoe Meadows, Pittsfield
Staffed wildlife sanctuaries with
22 Lime Kiln Farm, Sheffield
accessible features.
23 Pleasant Valley, Lenox
Central Massachusetts / Broad Meadow Brook
Berkshire
Wildlife Sanctuaries
m a s saudubon . org /pleasantvalley Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
472 West Mountain Road
Lenox, MA 01240
News & Notes 413-637-0320
Should I stay or should I go? This is a question some During our bird walks, we not only identify birds, we
of us ask before and during our long, snowy New also appreciate their survival strategies, with long-
England winters. After tens of thousands of years distance flight being one of the most awe-inspiring.
of natural selection, birds don’t have to ask that Birding helps us use our brains in different ways,
question; they just know when it’s time to leave. shifting our senses for heightened awareness and
Sometimes, we can forget just how sophisticated growing our knowledge of the marvels in the natural
birds really are. world.
Take, for instance, the osprey that return in March This winter, stick around and take a moment to
from places like Colombia and Venezuela, sometimes remember the resilient, brain-growing chickadees.
traveling for extended hours over open water. Or the And as we ease into spring, get out and find those
tiny bobolink, another South American migrant, who remarkable neotropical migrants. No matter the
flies all that way, but weighs just about the same as a season, we invite you to our recurring, new, nearby,
Snickers bar. and travel birding programs to discover and explore
Then there are those birds that stay for the winter; the great outdoors.
as the weather gets colder, winter resident birds like
chickadees and nuthatches tough out the season Becky Cushing, Berkshire Sanctuaries Director
by shifting their diets to eat more seeds and berries, Dale Abrams, Berkshire Naturalist and Education
caching food, foraging in flocks, and hiding out in Coordinator
tree cavities. Chickadees even increase the volume of
their brains to remember where their food is hidden!
Reminders Connect with Us Weather & Gear
Preregistration is requested facebook.com/ Most programs take place
unless otherwise noted. MassAudubonPleasantValley outdoors, rain or shine.
Participants will be notified
Please check program location,
ahead of time if a program
as some are held offsite.
is canceled due to inclement
The cost of program materials weather. Please bring water
is included unless otherwise and wear sturdy, closed-toe
noted.
footwear (sneakers or hiking
This sanctuary has shoes). Sunblock and insect
accessible features. repellent are recommended.
26
28 Learn more and register: massaudubon.org/arcadia
Western Massachusetts / Arcadia
Bulletin Board
Berkshire Nature Day Camp February & April School Vacation Weeks
Tuesday–Friday, February 19–22 / 9:00 am–3:30 pm
Registration is Open!
Tuesday–Friday, April 16–19 / 9:00 am–3:30 pm
Summer will be here before we know it. Our Vacation Weeks are packed with nature exploration
Find information and register for camp and hands-on learning outside the classroom. Sign up for
at massaudubon.org/berkshirecamp. one, two, three, or all four days. See page 32.
Canoe Meadow’s Snowshoe Rentals
Community Gardens $2/hour members, $3/hour nonmembers
Registration Begins April 13 Don’t let the snow deter you from enjoying winter
Join Canoe Meadows’ Community Garden outdoors—get out and enjoy the crystalline beauty of the
and enjoy growing vegetables in the season with a pair of snowshoes. Adult and children’s
most scenic community garden in the sizes are available.
Berkshires! See page 32.
Pleasant Valley Spring Volunteer Day
Saturday, April 20 / 9:00 am–12:00 pm
Berkshire Sanctuaries Wish List Help care for native gardens, trails, boardwalks, and more.
Garden, carpentry, and handcraft tools. Binoculars,
spotting scopes, nets, and other nature study equipment. Statewide Volunteer Day at Canoe Meadows
Call to learn more about granting a wish: 413-637-0320. Saturday, April 27 / 9:00 am–12:00 pm
Help restore habitat and prepare our Community Gardens for
the season.
See massaudubon.org/berkshirevolunteers for details.
©Cathy Fitzgerald Learn more and register: massaudubon.org/pleasantvalley 29
Western Massachusetts / The Berkshires
Winter Hikes in the Berkshires
Embrace the winter weather and get outside this season!
Strap on some snowshoes or microspikes and join us for a
hike to experience the serenity of the Berkshires in winter.
We’ll track wildlife, identify trees by their bark, and more.
Dress for the weather. Bring snowshoes or microspikes, if you have
them, or call in advance to reserve our snowshoes. Bring water and a
snack.
Pleasant Valley Snowshoe Hikes
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox
Programs for Adults Dates:
Leader:
Saturdays, January 26; February 16 / 12:30–3:00 pm
Dale Abrams, Berkshire Sanctuaries Naturalist and
Preregistration is requested for all Education Coordinator
Cost: $10 members, $15 nonmembers, per session
programs unless otherwise noted.
Embark on this winter wonderland hike around the
sanctuary’s trails. We’ll watch for wildlife activity around
ponds, streams, meadows, and woodlands.
Bare-Naked Beauty:
Woody Plants in Winter
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox Lenox Mountain Summit Hike
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox
Date: Saturday, March 16 / 9:30–11:30 am
Leader: Dale Abrams, Berkshire Sanctuaries Naturalist and Date: Saturday, February 2 / 12:30–3:30 pm
Education Coordinator Leader: Dale Abrams, Berkshire Sanctuaries Naturalist and
Cost: $10 members, $15 nonmembers Education Coordinator
Cost: $10 members, $15 nonmembers
No leaves? No problem! You can learn to recognize oaks,
maples, and other woodland trees and shrubs without Get active during this hike to the summit of Lenox Mountain
foliage. We’ll look at samples of twigs, practice using a (2,126 feet) where we’ll take in an expansive 50-mile view
field guide, and take a hike to test our identification skills. from the top. This moderately strenuous hike follows the
Winter Tree Finder field guide available for purchase at Visitor Trail of the Ledges and/or Overbrook Trail three miles round-
Center Gift Shop or bring your own guide. Dress for the weather. trip through northern hardwood and evergreen forests for an
Snowshoes may be required depending on conditions; bring yours or elevation gain of 840 feet. Hiking poles recommended.
borrow ours.
L
SPECIAK
SNEA W
Cold Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
Birding by Ear: PREVIE Cold Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, Sandisfield/Otis*
Songs & Calls of Berkshire Birds
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox Date: Saturday, March 2 / 10:30 am–12:30 pm
Leader: Dale Abrams, Berkshire Sanctuaries Naturalist and
Education Coordinator
Date: Saturday, April 6 / 10:00 am–12:00 pm Cost: Free
Leader: Dale Abrams, Berkshire Sanctuaries Naturalist and
Education Coordinator Get a ‘‘sneak preview” of the newest Berkshire wildlife
Cost: $10 members, $15 nonmembers sanctuary, Cold Brook in Sandisfield and Otis, before it
officially opens. We’ll have fun exploring the forests and
Learning to identify the calls and songs of birds can be fun wetlands of this peaceful property. Hiking poles recommended
and challenging. Making connections between bird songs but not required. *Sanctuary not yet open for public visitation.
and the ecosystems or places they occur can help us sort
and classify the myriad bird songs into manageable groups.
We’ll share tricks to sound identification while hearing how
bird sounds go hand in hand with habitat, behavior, and other
clues, as well as review helpful resources available to you.
Wood Duck ©Shaun Clarkson
30 Learn more and register: massaudubon.org/pleasantvalleyWestern Massachusetts / The Berkshires
Mindfulness & Nature Spring Birding in the
The Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, Stockbridge,
Berkshires
and Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox Beginners welcome. All programs free of charge. Preregistration not
Experience the New England woods in winter, and at required.* Bring binoculars, if you have them, or call to reserve a pair.
the height of spring bird migration, through the lens of
consciousness and awakened perspective. Be prepared for
hiking in any weather and gentle indoor movement classes. Birding at Canoe Meadows
*Accommodations, meals, additional yoga classes, and healing arts Canoe Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary, Pittsfield
services available through Kripalu for additional fees. For more details
and to register, visit kripalu.org.
Dates: Fridays, April 19, 26 / 8:00–10:00 am
Fridays, May 3–24 / 7:00–9:00 am
Leader: Noreen Mole, Berkshire Sanctuaries Volunteer and
Winter Woods Hoffmann Bird Club Past-President
Canoe Meadows’ beautiful grounds are ideal for spotting
Dates: Monday–Friday, February 18–22 migrant species, especially colorful wood-warblers, orioles,
Leaders: Dale Abrams, Berkshire Sanctuaries Naturalist and
and thrushes. Explore wetlands, meadows, and woodlands,
Education Coordinator; Micah Mortali, Kripalu Schools
while seeing different bird species each week.
Director and Kripalu School of Mindful Outdoor
Leadership Founder
Cost: $339 members and nonmembers*
Explore the fascinating world of the late-winter forest and Birding at Pleasant Valley
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox
its denizens, and expand your awareness of woodlands
in winter with the help of naturalist-guided instruction.
Discover the natural world as never before on the Dates: Wednesdays, May 1–22 / 7:00–8:30 am
snow-covered trails of the Yokun Ridge, a designated Leader: Berkshire Sanctuaries Naturalist
Massachusetts Forest Legacy area. Develop observational Pleasant Valley’s beaver ponds, wetlands, woods, and
skills to interpret the subtle ‘‘language’’ of animal tracks meadows are super sites to see warblers, tanagers, orioles,
and other signs, observe winter birds in their natural and more during spring migration and nesting season.
habitat, and learn about the lives of trees that comprise
the beautiful and diverse Berkshire forests. Experience
the healing, meditative qualities of "forest bathing" in
evergreen-rich woods, and relax with gentle indoor yoga and Birding at Lime Kiln Farm
Lime Kiln Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, Sheffield
movement classes. Snowshoes and poles are provided.
Dates: Saturdays, May 4–18 / 7:00–9:00 am
Leader: Dale Abrams, Berkshire Sanctuaries Naturalist and
Berkshire Birds Education Coordinator
Celebrate the height of spring migration with a morning
Dates: Tuesday–Friday, May 28–31
bird walk at Lime Kiln Farm. Listen and look for warblers,
Leaders: Becky Cushing, Berkshire Sanctuaries Director; Micah
orioles, sparrows, thrushes, and other songbirds, while
Mortali, Kripalu Schools Director and Kripalu School of
Mindful Outdoor Leadership Founder enjoying woodland trails and views of the Taconic Range.
Cost: $309 members and nonmembers*
Observing birds in nature shares many qualities with the L
SPECIAK Birding at Tracy Brook
practice of mindfulness. The focused awareness and calm SNEA W
PREVIE Tracy Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, Richmond
observation of both activities helps to soothe the mind and
promotes connection to the natural world—and ourselves—
in profound ways. This program will introduce you to the Dates: Thursdays, May 9, 23 / 7:00–9:00 am
meditative joys of birdwatching. Hike Kripalu’s wooded Leader: Dale Abrams, Berkshire Sanctuaries Naturalist and
trails and explore its serene waterways during the height of Education Coordinator
spring bird migration. We will hope to see great blue herons, Get a special ‘‘sneak preview” of one of our newest Berkshire
woodpeckers, and bald eagles along the way. Experience wildlife sanctuaries before it officially opens. View one of the
the healing, meditative qualities of “forest–bathing” in largest great blue heron rookeries in the region and observe
evergreen-rich woods, and relax with gentle indoor yoga and migrant songbirds at this birding hot spot. Meet at Pleasant Valley
movement classes. at 6:45 am to carpool (parking is limited). *Preregistration is required.
Learn more and register: massaudubon.org/pleasantvalley 31Western Massachusetts / The Berkshires
Spring Wildflower Walks Introduction to Gardening
Organically
Lime Kiln Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, Sheffield Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox
Date: Saturday, May 4 / 9:30 am–12:00 pm
Leader: Dale Abrams, Berkshire Sanctuaries Naturalist and
Date: Saturday, April 13 / 10:30 am–12:00 pm
Education Coordinator
Leader: Berkshire Sanctuaries Staff and Volunteers
Canoe Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary, Pittsfield Cost: Free
Date: Saturday, May 11 / 10:30 am–12:30 pm
Leader: Berkshire Sanctuaries Naturalist This workshop is a great skill-builder for new gardeners
and those who haven’t gardened in several years. Our
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox
experienced instructors will share the benefits of
Date: Saturday, May 18 / 10:00 am–12:30 pm
organic gardening and techniques for incorporating
Leader: Linda Cysz, Botanist
organic growing practices in your own garden.
Cost: $6 members, $8 nonmembers, per session
Search our meadows and woodlands for blooming
Canoe Meadows Community Gardens
Canoe Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary, Pittsfield
wildflowers and other signs of spring as we enjoy a leisurely
$35 members, $50 nonmembers, six-month
walk in the warm sunshine. Learn to use guidebooks and
Community Garden Membership
smartphone apps to look up plants that we discover. Bring a
snack and a hand lens, if you have one. Join Canoe Meadows’ Community Garden and enjoy
growing vegetables in the most scenic community
garden in the Berkshires! Register early to reserve your
plot. New garden members must register for the free
program Introduction to Gardening Organically, above.
Programs for Children, School Vacation Weeks
Families, & All Ages Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox
Ages: Children ages 7–12
Preregistration is requested for all Leaders: Max Galdos-Shapiro, Berkshire Sanctuaries Education
programs unless otherwise noted. Coordinator; Berkshire Sanctuaries Naturalists
Cost: $190 members, $250 nonmembers, per week
$50 members, $65 nonmembers, per day
Our Vacation Weeks are packed with nature exploration and
Wildlife CSI: Understanding Animal hands-on learning outside the classroom. Sign up for one,
Tracks & Signs two, three, or all four days. Bring a lunch and two snacks each day.
Space is limited; early registration recommended.
Dates: Saturdays, January 26; February 2 / 9:00–11:00 am WINTER ADVENTURE VACATION WEEK
Saturday, February 16 / 10:00 am–12:00 pm Tuesday–Friday, February 19–22 / 9:00 am–3:30 pm
Ages: Adults and families with children ages 8 and up
Leader: Dale Abrams, Berkshire Sanctuaries Naturalist and Learn about wildlife that stays active in the cold and snow,
Education Coordinator and the adaptations that enable them to survive. Depending
Cost: adults $8 members, $10 nonmembers, per session* on the conditions, we’ll build snow shelters and snowshoe
children $4 members, $6 nonmembers, per session* or hike to ‘‘secret’’ parts of the sanctuary. Snowshoes provided.
Dress for the weather; warm outerwear and waterproof boots required.
Search for tracks, scat, and other signs of wildlife that stay
active through the winter. You’ll discover new whodunit SPRING EXPLORERS VACATION WEEK
mysteries that take place out in nature while we’re typically Tuesday–Friday, April 16–19 / 9:00 am–3:30 pm
warm inside our homes. Dress for the weather. Snowshoes may be
required depending on conditions; bring yours, or borrow ours. Spring is a great time to experience the natural world as
plants and wildlife awaken, energized and full of life. Explore
January 26: Lime Kiln Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, Sheffield
our forests, ponds, and wetlands for new plant growth, early
February 2: Canoe Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary, Pittsfield
bird arrivals, and emerging amphibians and reptiles. Dress
February 16: Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox for the weather; mud boots are required.
32 Learn more and register: massaudubon.org/pleasantvalleyWestern Massachusetts / The Berkshires
Moonlight Owl & Wildlife Prowls Evenings at the Beaver Ponds
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox
Dates: Tuesday, February 19 / 6:30–8:00 pm
Wednesday, March 20 / 7:00–8:30 pm Dates: Wednesdays, May 15, 29 / 6:00–7:30 pm
Ages: Adults and families with children ages 7 and up Ages: Adults and families with children ages 3 and up
Leader: Dale Abrams, Berkshire Sanctuaries Naturalist and Leader: Berkshire Sanctuaries Naturalist
Education Coordinator Cost: adults $6 members, $8 nonmembers, per session
Cost: adults $6 members, $8 nonmembers, per session children $3 members, $4 nonmembers, per session
children $3 members, $4 nonmembers, per session
Visit our beaver ponds with a naturalist, and search for
Enjoy a moonlit evening listening and watching for owls beavers and other animals attracted to these rich wetlands.
and other nocturnal wildlife. We’ll explore fields, forests, Learn about the natural history of beavers and how they
and wetlands, learning about animal adaptations for night continue to change the valley’s landscape 85 years after
hunting. Afterward, we’ll warm up with tea and hot cocoa. their reintroduction to the area. Wear long pants, a shirt with long
Dress for the weather. Snowshoes may be required depending on sleeves, and a hat. Bring binoculars, if you have them.
conditions; bring yours, or borrow ours.
February 19: Canoe Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary, Pittsfield
March 20: Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox
Habitat Helpers:
Build Wildlife Homes
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox
Woodcock’s Sky Dance
Housatonic Wildlife Management Area, Lenox
Dates: Select Saturdays, February–April / 12:30–2:00 pm
Ages: Adults and families with children ages 5 and up
Dates: Wednesdays, April 17; May 1 / 8:00–9:00 pm Leader: Dale Abrams, Berkshire Sanctuaries Naturalist and
Ages: Adults and families with children of all ages Education Coordinator
Leader: Dale Abrams, Berkshire Sanctuaries Naturalist and Cost: children Free
Education Coordinator
Cost: adults $5 members, $7 nonmembers, per session Come get crafty in our cozy red barn and build something
children Free that will improve wildlife habitat in your neighborhood.
These hands-on, family-friendly workshops will teach you
When the sun sets in early spring, woodcock love is in
where and how to place the boxes in ideal habitats. In the
the air. Wet meadows and fields are transformed into a
end, you get to take them home. No experience necessary. All
‘‘runway’’ for their beautiful aerial courtship display; we’ll
materials included.
visit our meadows to listen and watch for the woodcock’s
performance on their breeding grounds. Viewing the
February 23: Bluebird Nest Box Workshop
woodcock’s sky dance is a natural spectacle that should
Cost: adults $20 members, $25 nonmembers
not be missed. Directions provided upon registration. Dress for the
weather. Bring binoculars if you have them. Assemble pre-cut bluebird nesting box kits to provide nest
sites for eastern bluebirds and other small, cavity-nesting
species such as tree swallows, house wrens, black-capped
chickadees, tufted titmice, and white-breasted nuthatches.
Spring Salamander & Frog Search
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox
March 16: Wood Duck & Kestrel Nest Box Workshop
Cost: adults $35 members, $40 nonmembers
Dates: Fridays, April 19, 26 / 5:30–7:30 pm
Ages: Adults and families with children of all ages Wood duck or kestrel nest boxes on your property are a great
Leader: Dale Abrams, Berkshire Sanctuaries Naturalist and way to support wildlife populations in your neighborhood.
Education Coordinator Learn the fascinating natural history of these birds and how
Cost: adults $6 members, $8 nonmembers, per session to identify the ideal location for your box.
children $3 members, $4 nonmembers, per session
April 13: Bat Box Workshop
Spotted salamanders and wood frogs spend their days
Cost: adults $25 members, $35 nonmembers
under logs, stones, and other forest-floor objects, venturing
out only on cool, moist evenings. Search our woods and Bat houses on your property are a great way to support
wetlands for these fascinating nocturnal animals, and learn these declining but important predators of flying insects.
about their interesting lives. Children must be accompanied by an Learn about bats in our area and their natural history. Bat
adult. Dress for the weather with long pants, long sleeves, and boots. boxes make a great addition to your neighborhood, helping
to naturally keep away pesky insects like mosquitoes.
Learn more and register: massaudubon.org/pleasantvalley 33L O C AT I O N S & D E S C R I P T I O N S
Western MA
Poor Farm Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, 53 Acres
West Main Street, New Salem Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, 724 Acres
978-464-2712 127 Combs Road | Easthampton
413-584-3009 | arcadia@massaudubon.org
Poor Farm Hill Wildlife Sanctuary is part of a large mosaic of
conservation land located in New Salem. The expansive area massaudubon.org/arcadia
provides forest habitat for warblers and ground-nesting birds as facebook.com/massaudubonarcadia
well as large mammals including bobcat, black bear, and moose. Spanning Easthampton and Northampton, Arcadia’s diverse
LATITUDE/LONGITUDE: 42.5029, -72.33948 terrain (forest, meadows, grasslands, marsh, and wetlands)
attracts an extraordinary variety of wildlife. You will also find a
thriving population of wildflowers, thanks to its rich, loamy soil,
which is characteristic of the Connecticut River floodplain.
Rocky Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, 441 Acres
Cardinal Lane, Groton NATURE CENTER HOURS:
978-464-2712 Monday–Saturday, 9:00 am–3:00 pm
Sunday, seasonally
Located on the Groton-Ayer town line, Rocky Hill Wildlife Sanctu-
ary is a land of impressive ledges, large boulders, beaver ponds, ADMISSION:
vernal pools, and extensive uninterrupted woodlands. The sanctuary Members and Northampton and Easthampton residents: Free
lies within a state designated Area of Critical Environmental Nonmembers: $4 adults; $3 children (2–12); $3 seniors (65 and older)
Concern and supports moose, beavers, and porcupines, as well DIRECTIONS: From Northampton, take Rt. 5 South. Right on East
as nearly 100 species of birds and more than 240 plant species. Sreet. Right on Fort Hill Road.
Please note: Parking area may not be plowed in winter.
LATITUDE/LONGITUDE: 42.581056, -71.531061
Canoe Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary, 253 Acres
Holmes Road, Pittsfield
Rutland Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, 1,779 Acres 413-637-0320 | massaudubon.org/canoemeadows
Off of Pat Connor Road, Petersham
Located just one mile from the center of Pittsfield, Canoe
978-464-2712 | massaudubon.org/rutlandbrook Meadows brings wildness to Berkshire County’s largest city,
Combined with neighboring conservation lands, Rutland Brook attracting warblers, turtles, ospreys, otters, and the occasional
is part of one of the most extensive parcels of uninterrupted bear at different times of year. Gentle, flat trails wind through
protected land in central Massachusetts. Here, moderate-to- the sanctuary’s scenic woods, fields, and wetlands, and along
strenuous interlinking trails wind though cathedral-like stands the edge of the Housatonic River.
of hemlock and white pine and along boulder-strewn Rutland Brook. LATITUDE/LONGITUDE: 42.430527,-73.237482
LATITUDE/LONGITUDE: 42.463191, -72.161287
Conway Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, 105 Acres
Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, South Deerfield Road (Route 116), Conway
1,124 Acres 978-464-2712 | massaudubon.org/conwayhills
113 Goodnow Road | Princeton Once, cow pastures along with hay and tobacco fields covered
978-464-2712 | wachusett@massaudubon.org much of the area. Now, many of the fields have reverted to
massaudubon.org/wachusettmeadow forests, which provides habitat for coyotes, bears, moose, and
bobcats. A single loop trail with a moderate ascent takes you
facebook.com/massaudubonwachusettmeadow
through a previously harvested white pine and hemlock forest,
Wachusett Meadow is a former farmstead that offers spectacular past aging stone walls, by a large sugar maple “wolf” tree, and over
scenery and supports abundant wildlife throughout woodlands, some rocky ledges. Please note: only roadside parking available.
wetlands, and meadows. Historic buildings and barns are still in
DIRECTIONS: 4.5 miles west on Rt. 116 from I-91 and Rt. 5.
use for educational programming and resident sheep graze the
pastures. Trails traverse many interesting features including Brown
Hill Summit, Glacial Boulder, ancient trees, and beaver ponds.
Graves Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 607 Acres
NATURE CENTER HOURS:
Adams Road, Williamsburg
Tuesday–Friday, 10:00 am–2:00 pm 413-584-3009 | massaudubon.org/gravesfarm
Saturday, 10:00 am–4:00 pm
Sunday and Monday Holidays, 12:30–4:00 pm For more than 125 years, this property was managed as a dairy
Closed Mondays farm. The now-protected wildlife sanctuary is complete with
mixed forest, dramatic geologic features, pristine cold-water
TRAIL HOURS: Daily dawn to dusk streams, and serene pastoral landscapes.
ADMISSION: DIRECTIONS: North on Depot Road from Rt. 9. Right on Adams
Mass Audubon members and Princeton residents: Free Road. Half mile to entrance.
Nonmembers: $4 adults; $3 children (2–12); $3 seniors (65 and older)
DIRECTIONS: From Rt. 62/Rt. 31 intersection at Princeton
Center Common, follow Rt. 62 West for 0.6 miles. Turn right onto
Goodnow Road and parking lot is one mile ahead on the left.
35L O C AT I O N S & D E S C R I P T I O N S
High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary, 792 acres Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, 1,191 Acres
Off of Patten Road, Shelburne 472 West Mountain Road | Lenox
978-464-2712 | massaudubon.org/highledges 413-637-0320 | berkshires@massaudubon.org
Enjoy the spectacular panoramic views of the Deerfield River massaudubon.org/pleasantvalley
Valley and Mount Greylock from the ledges at the end of the facebook.com/massaudubonpleasantvalley
sanctuary road. Spring is the best time to see many wildflowers,
although the entire flower season offers both common and Set amidst more than 1,000 lush acres in the Berkshires,
uncommon wildflowers and ferns. Some trails may be Pleasant Valley’s varied trails wind through forests, meadows,
strenuous, but the views are worth it. Please note: Parking wetlands, and along the slopes of Lenox Mountain, making this
area is not plowed in winter. site an excellent location for easy-to-strenuous hiking. While
exploring, there’s a good chance you will see evidence of the
DIRECTIONS: From Rt. 2, turn north onto Little Mohawk Road. sanctuary’s most visible wildlife resident, the beaver, via dams,
Follow Mass Audubon signs. dens, or lodges.
NATURE CENTER HOURS:
Monday*–Friday, 9:00 am–4:00 pm
Laughing Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, 367 Acres Saturday, Sunday, and Monday Holidays, 10:00 am–4:00 pm
793 Main Street, Hampden *Closed Mondays, Columbus Day–June 30
413-584-3009 | massaudubon.org/laughingbrook TRAILS: Dawn to dusk on days Nature Center is open
Fans of Thornton W. Burgess are no strangers to the setting at ADMISSION:
Laughing Brook. The children’s author wove his tales around Members and Lenox residents: Free
the wild animals that live here. The landscape has changed Nonmembers: $5 adults; $3 children (2–12); $3 seniors (65 and older)
since Burgess called this land home. The ‘‘laughing’’ brook has
at times become a roaring river, depositing sand used later by LATITUDE/LONGITUDE: 42.382587, -73.298968
turtles, and strong winds have downed trees, leaving behind
new shelter for salamanders.
DIRECTIONS: From Allen Sreet in Springfield, turn left on Main Richardson Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, 109 acres
Sreet in Hampden. Entrance is two miles ahead on the left. New Boston Road (Route 57), Tolland
978-464-2712 | massaudubon.org/richardsonbrook
Named for the brook at its southern boundary, this wildlife
Lime Kiln Wildlife Sanctuary, 260 Acres sanctuary offers a challenging trail that meanders by numerous
Silver Street, Sheffield large trees and boulders, an interesting stone structure, and
413-584-3009 | massaudubon.org/limekiln finally to Richardson Brook itself. Please note: Only roadside
parking available (not plowed in winter).
Lime Kiln Farm hosts more than 500 species of plants
including many rare varieties. A key tract of land within the LATITUDE/LONGITUDE: 42.08858, -73.04907
14,000-acre Schenob Brook Area of Critical Environmental
Concern, the rolling hayfields, limestone ridge, conifer forest,
and former pastures attract more than 50 species of butterflies Road’s End Wildlife Sanctuary, 190 Acres
as well as pileated woodpeckers, alder flycatchers, and Corbett Road, Worthington
red foxes.
978-464-2712 | massaudubon.org/roadsend
LATITUDE/LONGITUDE: 42.082599, -73.362743
An abandoned farmstead that was once selectively lumbered
and cleared for agricultural purposes, Road’s End proves that,
in time, the land can return to its former state. A white pine
Lynes Woods Wildlife Sanctuary, 188 Acres forest now stands in an old field, and pastures have become
Edwards Road, Westhampton beaver meadows. Two gentle loop trails through the fields,
413-584-3009 | massaudubon.org/lynes forests, and along a brook quickly transport you to the ‘‘middle
of nowhere.’’ Please note: Parking area is not plowed in winter.
Forest, shrubby fields, wetlands, and old stone walls tell the
story of Lynes Woods’ past as a former working farm and LATITUDE/LONGITUDE: 42.423736, -72.930181
orchard. Here you can take an easy one-mile loop walk along a
quiet woodland path to crystal clear Lyman Brook and listen for
the music of water rushing over rocks. Please note: Parking area West Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, 1,711 Acres
is not plowed in winter.
Prospect Street, Plainfield
DIRECTIONS: Head 0.7 miles south on Edwards Road from Rt. 66 978-464-2712 | massaudubon.org/westmountain
to reach the entrance.
West Mountain, situated within the watershed of the federally
designated Wild and Scenic Westfield River, is part of one of
the largest aggregations of conserved land in Massachusetts.
The sanctuary provides valuable habitat for moose, black bears,
otters, fishers, and bobcats, as well as habitat for a number
of state-listed rare plants and animals and nesting sites for
threatened ground-nesting birds. Please note: Only roadside
parking available and parking area is not plowed in winter.
LATITUDE/LONGITUDE: 42.5172, -72.9425
36R E G I S T R AT I O N I N F O R M AT I O N
Registration Procedures &
Policy Guidelines
REGISTRATION We will notify you at least 24 hours in advance of the
program only if space becomes available. If space does
Advance registration with full payment is required for
not open up, you will receive a full refund within three
all programs unless otherwise noted. You may call in
advance to inquire about space availability, but we weeks of the program date.
cannot hold a space for you until we have received your
payment in full. Please register early as many programs CANCELLATION/REFUND
fill quickly. If you are registering for a class and less than To receive a refund for a program you no longer plan
one week remains before the program begins, please to attend, you must notify the wildlife sanctuary that
call the wildlife sanctuary that is hosting the program to is hosting the program at least one week prior to the
confirm space availability. If you are not a Mass Audubon program start date. Each wildlife sanctuary reserves the
member, you may join when you register and pay the right to change programs, schedules, and instructors or
member program fee. to cancel programs due to low enrollment. A full refund
will be processed if the wildlife sanctuary cancels the
program. Refunds require approximately three weeks
THREE EASY WAYS TO REGISTER!
for processing. Please be aware that summer camp
Online: Register online at massaudubon.org/catalog. and vacation week programs have a separate refund
(Please note: Some programs and trips do not take policy. Please refer to the camp brochure or call for this
online registration. In these instances, please call the information.
wildlife sanctuary that is hosting the program during
business hours.)
INCLEMENT WEATHER
By Phone: Our staff will be happy to complete your
Most programs are held rain or shine; please dress
registration with a credit card by phone.
accordingly. If a program is canceled as a result of
In Person: Stop by the wildlife sanctuary that is hosting extreme weather conditions, an attempt to notify all
the program to register in person. (Please note: In- participants will be made and full refunds will be issued.
person registration should be done prior to the program If you have any questions about the status of a program,
start date to ensure space availability.) please call the wildlife sanctuary that is hosting the
program. For programs that specify a rain, cloud, or
REGISTRATION CONFIRMATION snow date, we recommend that you hold the alternate
date open. Refunds will not be issued if the class is
Written confirmation is not sent for every program. If you
switched to its alternate date and you are not able
would like to receive written confirmation, please let the
to attend.
wildlife sanctuary that is hosting the program know at
the time of registration. You will be notified if a program
is full and you have been added to a waitlist. Please read ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
all correspondence carefully as it may contain important If you have additional questions about registration
program information such as what to bring or wear, policies or a particular program, please call the wildlife
directions to a location, etc. sanctuary that is hosting the program.
WAITLISTED PROGRAMS
Most programs have minimum and maximum
enrollments depending on the type of class and
instructional techniques. Some programs have waitlists.
If the program of your choice is full, you will be placed on
a waitlist when there is one. If you do not wish to remain
on the waitlist, please notify the wildlife sanctuary that
is hosting the program and a refund will be issued.
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