Mass Audubon Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary
Rate this placeNearby: Hunnewell Reservation Jameson Fields
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Mass Audubon Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary is a natural preserve located in Natick, Massachusetts.
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Summary
The sanctuary covers 624 acres and includes a wide variety of habitats, such as wetlands, meadows, forests, and ponds. There are many good reasons to visit the sanctuary, including its beautiful scenery, diverse wildlife, and educational programs.
One of the main points of interest at Mass Audubon Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary is the Charles River, which flows through the sanctuary and offers great views of the surrounding landscape. The sanctuary is also home to many different species of birds, including herons, woodpeckers, and warblers. Visitors can take guided tours to learn more about the local flora and fauna, or explore the sanctuary on their own using the many hiking trails.
In addition to its natural beauty, Mass Audubon Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary has a rich history. The land was once used for agriculture and was later purchased by the Broadmoor Corporation for use as a recreational area. The sanctuary was established in 1974, and has been managed by Mass Audubon ever since.
The best time of year to visit Mass Audubon Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary depends on what you want to see. Spring and summer are great times to see flowers and birds, while fall offers stunning foliage and migratory birds. Winter is also a good time to visit, as the sanctuary offers snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Overall, Mass Audubon Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary is a great place to visit for anyone interested in nature and wildlife. With its beautiful scenery, diverse wildlife, and educational programs, it is a must-see destination in Massachusetts.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
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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