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About Mass Audubon Boston Nature Center in Mattapan, MA
The Boston Nature Center is a unique urban sanctuary located just outside of downtown Boston on the former grounds of the Boston State Hospital. With its trails, boardwalks, meadows, and wetlands, the BNC provides an amazing opportunity for families to explore the natural world. Home to a diverse range of species, including over 150 birds, 40 butterflies, and 350 plants, the BNC has something for everyone. Plus, the center offers year-round programs designed to foster an appreciation for nature and the environment.
Are you looking for a fun and educational way to explore the outdoors? Then the Boston Nature Center (BNC) is the perfect spot for you and your family. Located just outside of downtown Boston, on the former grounds of the Boston State Hospital, the BNC is a community-based urban sanctuary. With trails, boardwalks, meadows, and wetlands, the center is teeming with over 150 species of birds, 40 species of butterflies, and more than 350 species of plants. Year-round programs help to foster an appreciation for nature and the environment, and create an interactive and educational experience for people of all ages.
Bring your family to the Boston Nature Center and explore the great outdoors! Located just outside of downtown Boston on the former grounds of the Boston State Hospital, the BNC is a community-based urban sanctuary, complete with trails, boardwalks, meadows, and wetlands. Families can observe over 150 species of birds, 40 species of butterflies, and 350 species of plants in their natural habitats. Plus, the center provides year-round programs to further the appreciation for nature and the environment. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a beginner, the BNC has something for everyone.
Programs at Mass Audubon Boston Nature Center in Mattapan, MA
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Nature Preschool
Pathways to Nature (PTN) Preschool is a nature-based preschool program nestled in the heart of the city at the Boston Nature Center. We are so excited that you found us!
PTN recognizes the various needs of children of different ages, cultures, and ethnic backgrounds, learning styles, and stages of development to create a safe, engaging atmosphere for young learners.
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Explore with Kids
Ready for some outdoor adventure? We’ve got all kinds of fun programs and activities for you and your friends and family!
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Vacation Week Programs
Boston Nature Center’s school vacation week programs offer invaluable opportunities for children to follow their curiosity about the natural world in a safe and inclusive environment. In a camp-like atmosphere, children play, make new friends, and have fun all while learning about science and nature.
In their small groups led by teacher naturalists, children delve into a science topic for the week. They take part in hands-on experiments, outdoor explorations, observations and reflections, dramatic play, and much more. As their group spends time on the wildlife sanctuary, the teacher naturalist follows their lead, exploring their curiosity and finding the answers to questions together as a group. All of this builds on the knowledge that children learn in school but now have the chance to observe or put into practice in real world settings.
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