Hungerford Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hungerford Park is a nature reserve and wildlife sanctuary located in the town of Kensington, Connecticut.


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Summary

It covers an area of 104 acres and is home to a variety of animal species and plant life.

One of the main reasons to visit Hungerford Park is to experience the natural beauty of the area. Visitors can explore the many trails that wind through the park, and take in the stunning views of the forests and wetlands. There are also several ponds and streams throughout the park, which are home to a variety of aquatic life.

One of the most popular attractions at Hungerford Park is the animal sanctuary. Here, visitors can see a variety of animals up close, including deer, goats, llamas, and peacocks. There is also a bird sanctuary, where visitors can observe a variety of bird species in their natural habitat.

Another point of interest at Hungerford Park is the nature center. Here, visitors can learn more about the history and ecology of the area, as well as participate in educational programs and events. The nature center also features exhibits on local wildlife and conservation efforts.

Interesting facts about Hungerford Park include its history as a former dairy farm, and its designation as a wildlife sanctuary in 1978. Additionally, the park is home to several rare and endangered plant species, making it an important site for conservation efforts in the area.

The best time of year to visit Hungerford Park is in the spring and summer, when the weather is mild and the plant and animal life are most active. However, the park is open year-round, and each season offers its own unique beauty and opportunities for exploration.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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