Burrows-Brookside Sanctuary

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Burrows-Brookside Sanctuary is a 138-acre nature preserve located in Lee, New Hampshire.


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Summary

The sanctuary is owned and managed by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests and is open to the public year-round. There are several good reasons to visit the sanctuary, including the opportunity to explore the forest, wetlands, and streams, and to observe a variety of wildlife, including birds, amphibians, and mammals. The sanctuary is also an important habitat for several rare and endangered species.

Some specific points of interest to see within the sanctuary include the beaver pond, the forested uplands, and the wetlands. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and snowshoeing on the sanctuary's trails. The sanctuary is also home to the Brookeside Education Center, which offers educational programs and events for visitors of all ages.

One interesting fact about the sanctuary is that it was originally owned by the Burrows family, who were early settlers in the area. The family preserved the land for many years before donating it to the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests in 1973.

The best time of year to visit the sanctuary depends on the visitor's interests. Spring is a great time to see migratory birds and wildflowers, while summer is ideal for hiking and fishing. Fall is a popular time to visit for the colorful foliage, and winter offers opportunities for snowshoeing and wildlife tracking.

       

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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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