About Us >
About Us
The Audubon Center at Bent of the River,
owned and operated by the National Audubon Society, lies on
660 acres in Southbury, Connecticut, near the historic village
of South Britain. Visitors often call it one of the most beautiful
places in Connecticut. It is both an inviting outdoor sanctuary
where people can connect with nature on 15 miles of walking
trails and an environmental education center where students,
young and old, can find strong, enlightening programs.
The Bent of the River is an evolving nature
center. Donated to Audubon in 1993 by Althea Ward Clark, the
Bent was held as a limited access nature sanctuary through
2000. Since that time, Audubon has opened the gates daily
from dawn to dusk and introduced many public and school programs,
particularly for middle and high school students. The Bent
is envisioned as a place for environmental education, research,
advocacy, collaboration, and land conservation; as a laboratory
and showplace for habitat preservation and restoration practices;
and finally as a sanctuary for nature and people.
Located less than 5 minutes from Exit
14 of Interstate-84 between Danbury and Waterbury, the Center
features two miles of frontage on the Pomperaug River, wetlands,
vernal pools, old field and other transitional habitats, and
a mix of forest types. The Center abuts another 760-acres
of newly acquired state and town owned conservation land.
These lands, together with other nearby protected sites, encompass
a wide diversity of habitats supporting a fascinating mix
of plants and animals, unique geology and a rich cultural
history.
For birders, the Bent presents excellent
inland birding throughout the year. In season, Audubon WatchList
birds such as prairie, blue-wing, and worm-eating warblers,
woodcock, and wood thrush are relatively common in the shrubby
meadows and interior forests. Over 175 avian species have
been recorded here. Staff and volunteers have been doing extensive
habitat conservation work, particularly in the early successional
meadows.
Rules at the Bent of the River are few
and are designed to keep the sanctuary as pristine and natural
as possible. We ask that visitors leave their pets at home.
Likewise, we also do not allow bikes or ATVs. Following Mrs.
Clark’s instructions, fishing and hunting are not permitted.
We ask visitors to respect the natural quiet and beauty of
the land and follow the maxim of “leaving only footprints
and taking only pictures.” While encourage birding,
hiking, nature exploration, skiing, and snowshoeing, we ask
that you stay on the trails.
Bent’s mission is to conserve birds,
other wildlife, and their habitats by engaging the community
and inspiring a life-long love of nature.
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