Capen Hill Nature Sanctuary is an non-profit nature reserve in Charlton, Massachusetts, United States. It is free and open to the public year-round, offering a series of walking trails and an educational visitor's center.
History Ruth Dyer Wells founded Capen Hill Nature Sanctuary in 1977 with a parcel as a public place for animal care, nature trails, conservation, and environmental education. In addition to Wells being a philanthropist who founded Old Sturbridge Village, she had lived for several years in Charlton at Gaeville Farms, but afterward donated the land to the town. After the government of the Town of Charlton was not able to cover the costs of running it, it was turned over to a separate non-profit organization (Capen Hill Nature Association, Inc.) on March 11, 1986. In 2009, it acquired another adjacent of land for $25,000 which expanded the property to a total of . Upkeep and maintenance is provided by community donations, including work from Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School students, Eagle Scout service projects, and donations and grants from others.
Nature trails
Throughout the property are a series of short interconnected walking trails that showcase the variety of natural plants and geography in the area, including many species of common and endangered plants and animals. There is no charge to visit the sanctuary. Trails are marked with blazes made of colored shapes.
Visitor center
The visitor center is converted from a 1950s residence, and is also free to visit. Sometimes when needed, the sanctuary will take in and rehabilitate injured wildlife, and the animals are used to help educate the public. During business hours, visitors can meet around 40 rescue animals, including a variety of birds, reptiles, rabbits, bearded dragons, and axolotls. There is also a domesticated rat named George. The visitor center also has a library, mineral collection, and gift shop.
Events
Capen Hill runs day camps in the summer for ages 5–12, offering a program to help children connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors. They also hold an annual fall festival and Easter egg decorating events.
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