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
- Parking
- Nature Center/Museum, Universally Accessible
- Restrooms, Universally Accessible
- Trail, Universally Accessible
- Picnic Tables
- Electric Vehicle Charging Station
Latest News
More NewsBoston Tree Alliance Releases First Round of Funding
Keep ReadingIn Your Words: Nature Man Mike Nature (a.k.a. Michael Bryant)
Keep ReadingWhat in the Warblers?
Keep ReadingUpcoming Programs
See moreOpen Studios at the Boston Nature Center
-
Boston Nature Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, Mattapan
-
Thursday, July 25
6:30-8:30pm
Adults
Summer Bird Walk at Millennium Park
-
Millennium Park, Boston
-
Saturday, July 27
7:30-9:30am
Adults
Boston Area Beekeepers Association Open Hives
-
Boston Nature Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, Mattapan
-
Saturday, July 27
10:00am-12:00pm
Adults & Families - 4 & up
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.