Amazing place for kids and adults, year round. My mom took us here as kids, and this was my first introduction to hiking. Looking back, I definitely think that our family hikes here helped to foster a lifelong love for the outdoors and nature. I recently brought my 9 month old daughter here, and along with my husband and her grandma, we spent an awesome afternoon checking out the live animal habitats and then going on a short hike around the trails. Inside there are birds, turtles, ferrets, guinea pigs, rabbits, and reptiles. The trails are well-maintained. While the sanctuary is free, donations are appreciated, and all proceeds from the gift shop go to support it. This is a wonderful way to introduce kids to nature and to experience the great outdoors of central New England. read more

We actually lived here for about one year in 2013. Is is an experience I would cherish for lifetime. We truly experienced living in the middle of nature. If you come hear to see hundred of exotic birds, you will be disappointed. But there are few exotic parrots and other birds here and few other animals. Barbara takes amazing care of this place. She maintains this place like her own house. There are some nice trails for easy afternoon hike. This place does organize summer camp and birthday parties. I have only one complain, town of Charlton does not take care of the road to the sanctuary and the road is horrible. Please drive carefully on Capen Road, the sanctuary is all the way to the end. Especially in winter if the caretaker (another nice and caring fellow) does not plow snow, it becomes very difficult to reach inside. Please keep in mind this place is surviving mostly on donation from peers, so please show your generosity if you visit. read more