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.

More About Our Center

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 Audubon’s Grasslands & Shrublands work in Connecticut, which strives 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.

Who We Are

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.