Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

Ipswich River, one of Mass Audubon’s largest sanctuaries, offers more than 12 miles of interconnecting trails that invite you to explore the forests, meadows, and wetlands. Get your binoculars and field guides ready because this site offers a great variety of wildlife. The forest is home to owls, wild turkeys, woodpeckers, hummingbirds and warblers. Watch for river otters, painted turtles, and great blue herons at various times throughout the year. On your canoe ride to Perkins Island notice that aquatic and migratory birds are especially abundant. As you walk along the gorgeous boardwalk that weaves through the lily-pad-laden wetlands, the sound of bull frogs and gently rushing water will soothe your senses. On a hot summer’s, day the Rockery is a great place to rest in between hiking as the temperature cools drastically. Climb the drumlin and esker, landscape features created by a glacier 15,000 years ago. Huge rocks and exotic trees and shrubs that were part of a former arboretum provide an adventurous walk along the Rockery Trail. Members can camp on Perkins Island or rent Mass Audubon's rustic cabin.