Wildlife Reservations, Gardens, and Sanctuaries You Need to See this Spring
Spring has finally sprung here in Massachusetts. Now that daylight has once again been heroically saved, it’s a perfect time to use some of that extra sun and use it to get outside in these unique locations across the state.
New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, Boylston
New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill
Located in Boylston, the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill comprises of 200 acres of gardens and conservatories along the Wachusett Reservoir. Since 1986 it has welcomed visitors to experience and engage with the natural world up close. Walking trails, accessible pathways, a café, and more offer guests plenty of ways to have an enjoyable and meaningful experience.
Designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, the Arnold Arboretum covers 281 acres within Boston’s Emerald Necklace park system. Under Harvard University, the arboretum preserves and protects local and international plant life and uses it to encourage research, promote education, and support biodiversity. It is free and open to the public every day.
Botanic Garden of Smith College
Over 127 acres, including a conservatory, an arboretum, and several outdoor gardens, the Botanic Garden of Smith College has fostered education and social justice for over 125 years. Through student opportunities, internships, development, spaces that encourage discovery, and international seed exchanges, they aid gardens and gardeners across the world.
Mytoi Japanese Garden, Martha’s Vineyard
You don’t have to go across the world to experience the history and serenity of traditional Japanese gardening – just head to Martha’s Vineyard. Located on Chappaquiddick Island, the garden offers footpaths, unique scenery, and traditional Japanese structures around a pond on its 14-acre grounds. Whether you need a break from the sandy beaches of Martha’s Vineyard or you’re looking for a space to be contemplative and meditate, the garden is a perfect place to get away.
The second-largest municipal park in the United States covers 2,200 acres and over 30 miles of trails where guests can explore the natural world while walking, running, hiking horseback riding, biking, and more. Within the grounds lies Dungeon Rock – an underground tunnel that has become something of a local legend, where pirate treasure may or may not have been buried in the 1600s. There are also 3 reservoirs on the grounds that provide not only scenic views, but also clean water for Lynn!
Naumkaeg, Stockbridge
There’s so much to see and do at Stockbridge’s Naumkeag, you’ll want to come back again and again. From special festivals to the historic, 44-room grand estate that sits at the heart of the grounds, Naumkeag is a unique Berkshires experience that everyone should do at least once. The historic home was originally built as a summer retreat in the 1870s, after the original owners fell in love with the scenery that the Berkshires have to offer. Over time the grounds were developed into a beautiful garden. Today, both the home and the gardens are regularly open to the public.
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
Whether you want to see wetlands or woodlands, traversing on foot or by river, Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary has you covered. There are over 12 miles of trails through the Sanctuary’s 1900 acres, or you can grab a paddle and rent a canoe to get a unique look at the area’s flora and fauna. There are even cabin rentals and camping opportunities for those who want to spend the night!
Heritage Garden and Museums, Sandwich
Sandwich’s Heritage Museum and Gardens explores and celebrates the natural landscape and culture of Cape Cod on 100 acres of beautiful gardens and trails around Shawme Pond. Thousands of varieties of trees, flowers, herbs, and other flora populate the walking trails, designed gardens, and unique outdoor artistic experiences.
Also included are over 18,000 items that mark the local culture of Cape Cod and southeastern New England, including a 1908 carousel and a collection of automobiles dating from 1899 to 1965.
Heritage Museum & Gardens opens for the season on April 20.
TOPICS: Boston, Boylston, Gardens, Ipswich, Lynn, Martha’s Vineyard, Sandwich, Stockbridge
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