Audubon Connecticut
Working together for birds, nature, and people
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Located just over a mile from Interstate 84 between Danbury and Waterbury, Connecticut, Bent of the River Audubon Center features 700 acres of Audubon-owned and -managed land that is part of the Atlantic Flyway. It is also 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 Audubon Sanctuary located in Guilford, Connecticut along the East River—a tidal river that flows into Long Island Sound.
Bent of the River Audubon Center is part of Audubon Connecticut, a state office of the National Audubon Society. It is one of three Audubon Connecticut centers in the state—the sister centers include the Greenwich Audubon Center and Sharon Audubon Center. Our dedicated staff, Stewardship Board, volunteers, and members are essential to the success of our Audubon center. Our shared mission is to protect birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow—with a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
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
Bent of the River Audubon Center
185 East Flat Hill Road
Southbury, CT 06488
203-264-5098
Email
Office Hours: Mon. - Fri., 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Trails: Open Daily, Sunrise to Sunset
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 Bent of the River Audubon Center, you are protecting an Important Bird Area and a natural heritage for generations to come. Help us do great things.
