Boston Nature Center in the Mattapan neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts is a 67-acre (27 ha) wildlife refuge of the Massachusetts Audubon Society that opened in 2002 with the dedication of a new building, the George Robert White Environmental Conservation Center.[1] "On the former grounds of the Boston State Hospital, the Boston Nature Center is a community-based urban sanctuary. Trails and boardwalks traverse meadows and wetlands, home to over 150 species of birds, 40 species of butterflies, and more than 350 species of plants. Year-round programs help foster an appreciation for nature and the environment."[2]

Boston Nature Center
Map
TypeWildlife sanctuary, nature center
Location500 Walk Hill Street
Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Coordinates42°17′17″N 71°06′04″W / 42.28806°N 71.10111°W / 42.28806; -71.10111
Area67 acres (27 ha)
Created2000
Operated byMassachusetts Audubon Society
Hiking trails2 miles
WebsiteBoston Nature Center

The center's 2020 Strategic Plan sets out numerous goals in three broad areas: Connect People and Nature for the Benefit of Both, Protect and Care for Land and Habitats of Significance, and Address the Challenges of Climate Change.[3]

Community garden at Mass Audubon Boston Nature Center

A portion of the Nature Center's land has been used since 1969[4] as the Clark Cooper Community Garden.[5] The garden, which is managed by the Boston Food Forest Coalition,[6] makes 300 individual plots available to community members.


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References

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  1. ^ Galluzzo, John J. (2005). Mass Audubon. Arcadia. p. 122. ISBN 0-7385-3782-9.
  2. ^ "Boston Nature Center & Wildlife Sanctuary".
  3. ^ "Boston Nature Center 2020 Strategic Plan" (PDF). MassAudubon. Retrieved 13 May 2021.
  4. ^ "Jim Clark, civic leader in Mattapan, dies at 78". Dorchester Reporter. 23 January 2020. Retrieved 10 November 2022.
  5. ^ "Clark Cooper Community Garden". Facebook. Retrieved 8 November 2022.
  6. ^ "Boston Nature Center Food Forest". Boston Food Forest Coalition. Retrieved 8 November 2022.