This 1,200-acre Mass Audubon property has 12 miles of trails that traverse meadows, woodlands, and wetlands. Beavers and otters live here, and a walk to one of the ponds to see the handiwork of the beaver is a great choice for families. Other animals you might see throughout the year include snakes, turkeys, and sheep (the sanctuary keeps sheep to help maintain its meadows). In the nature center, you can buy yarn made from the sheep wool and nature-themed products and books.

Behind the nature center, take North Meadow Trail and head to the right to pick up Birch Trail to Brown Hill Loop and finally to the Otter Pond spur, which leads to a bench where you can sit and watch for otters. Along the way, you’ll cross a stream and see stone walls, evidence of days when the property was a farm. Overall, this hike is about 1.5 miles round-trip. All the trails mentioned above loop around to various features of the property and are quite well marked. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular here in winter.

Another popular activity from May through October is to rent a canoe and paddle around Wildlife Pond, which is a short walk from the parking lot. Beavers make their home here too.

Remember: Bug spray is practically required here—the swamps and ponds attract mosquitoes.

Mount Wachusett is right next to the property and offers a 2.5-mile hike to its summit.

On MA 62, there a few places to stop for a snack or get pizza.