Located just over a mile from Interstate 84 between Danbury and Waterbury, Connecticut, Audubon Center Bent of the River features 700 acres of Audubon-owned and -managed land that is part of the Atlantic Flyway and a designated Important Bird Area with more than 1 mile of frontage on the Pomperaug River, early successional habitats, and a mix of forest types. This nature sanctuary and education center encompasses widely diverse habitats, which support a fascinating mix of plants and animals, unique geology, and a rich cultural history that dates back to 1673.
A complex of historic buildings and a portion of the Rochambeau Trail make visitors feel as if they have stepped back in time. An 1800s-era historic barn functions as the center building with Audubon displays. A covered viewing deck, off the barn, is a popular spot for visitors to catch close-up views of feeder birds.
The center and staff are the state coordinators for Bird Tales—a therapeutic program that helps people living with dementia—and dedicated to Audubon's open space and working lands conservation efforts in Connecticut, which strive to protect species like Blue-winged Warbler and Indigo Bunting. The Audubon Center Bent of the River also stewards the Guilford Salt Meadows Sanctuary located in Guilford, Connecticut along the East River—a tidal river that flows into Long Island Sound.
Audubon is only the third owner of the Bent of the River property—learn more about its special heritage
Audubon's IBA Program is dedicated to protecting sustainable populations of birds locally and around the globe
Audubon Center Bent of the River
185 East Flat Hill Road
Southbury, CT 06488
203-264-5098
email
contact us form
Office Hours: Mon. - Fri., 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Trails: Open Daily, Sunrise to Sunset
Audubon Center Bent of the River is part of Audubon Connecticut, a state office of the National Audubon Society. Bent of the River is one of three Audubon Connecticut centers in the state—the sister centers include the Audubon Center in Greenwich and Sharon Audubon Center. Our shared mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth’s biological diversity.
We greatly appreciate the dedication of our volunteer Stewardship Board, who help make our center a success
Thank you to our Community Partners for making a difference in our community
Explore and observe nature on 15 miles of trails—open daily from sunrise to sunset
Come see what is blooming and which birds are active in our naturalized plantings throughout the year
Explore the many ways you can make a difference for both the wildlife and the people who call Connecticut home
Where birds thrive, people prosper. Help us transform local communities into places where birds flourish. Learn what you can do to nurture wildlife, nature, and conservation in Connecticut.
Through land stewardship, science, education, and advocacy, we work to preserve habitat and protect bird species that are of state, national, and global concern. Your gift can make a difference.
When you become a member of Audubon Center Bent of the River, you are protecting an Important Bird Area and a natural heritage for generations to come. Help us do great things.