Ecological Enhancements Coming to Laughing Brook Wildlife Sanctuary

Mass Audubon’s Laughing Brook Wildlife Sanctuary in Hampden, MA, is undergoing a renewal. Over the next year and beyond, we’ll be implementing key projects to enhance both wildlife habitat and visitor experience.

Restoring Native Habitat

The entrance area near the parking lot has been overtaken by invasive plants like Autumn Olive, which are increasingly encroaching into the forest to the north. These non-native species threaten native wildlife by outcompeting local plants, ultimately leading to habitat decline. As part of this project, we’ll be removing non-native species to allow for the restoration of the site with native plants.

Improving Trail Safety

If you've visited recently, you may have noticed frequent trail closures. This is due to hundreds of hazard trees, created by a Spongy month infestation, making trails unsafe.

Revitalizing an Uncommon Ecosystem

As we clear hazardous trees, we have an exciting opportunity to revitalize a critical ecological feature: a Pitch Pine-Oak Heathland. This habitat type, relatively uncommon in inland Massachusetts, is identified as a top conservation priority in the state and will benefit from active management efforts. Enhancing this ecosystem will not only improve forest resilience to climate change but also support a diverse range of wildlife.

Supporting At-Risk Species

Revitalizing the Pitch Pine Heathland will create better conditions for rare reptiles and provide essential habitat for birds of conservation concern, such as the Eastern Towhee and Eastern Whip-poor-will. Additionally, the expanded understory of blueberry and huckleberry shrubs could support rare insect species, adding to the sanctuary’s biodiversity.

What to Expect

These improvements will bring noticeable changes to parts of Laughing Brook. Some areas will look quite different as trees and shrubs are removed, and heavy equipment will be in use. To ensure safety, the sanctuary will need to close temporarily at times. However, the long-term benefits—healthier habitats, safer trails, and a more resilient forest—will far outweigh the short-term disruptions.

Thank you for your patience and support as we work to create a better future for both wildlife and visitors at Laughing Brook.

Questions? Contact us at [email protected]