Sports
A Lazy Summer Hike At The Nature Center
Pack a picnic lunch and take a leisurely hike through the Brookfield Nature Center.
Hiking and lazy don't typically go together, but on a long summer day, a short relaxing hike with lots of spots to stop and soak in the beauty is sometimes just what you need. Offering a terrific little hike with easy terrain that even young kids can handle, the Brookfield Nature Center will not disappoint even the laziest visitors.
The center encompasses 16 acres of forest, field and stream, providing plenty of diversity for bird watching, butterfly chasing or simply enjoying the serenity of nature.
Nestled off of Obtuse Hill Road (Route 133), this quiet spot could easily be missed. After turning down the narrow driveway, it feels as if you are arriving at someone's house for a visit. Drive past the white house and park in the area near the maintenance garage.
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Just past the stone wall entrance there is a small apple orchard, a bench and a picnic table. There is also an information kiosk that offers a map of the property. Don't be concerned if you miss it, just head down a path and see where it takes you. The trails are short and sweet and loop around so you can't get lost for very long. The first trail can be accessed just past the apple orchard and will take you through the meadow, full of wild flowers, bordered by forest and rocks. The second trail, accessible to the right just past the maintenance garage, will take you for a short walk through the woods and out to the Old Field.
Keep your eyes open for wildlife. The grassland fields are carefully maintained to provide safe nesting sites for bobolinks and other ground nesting birds. The tall grass is a haven for small furry animals like rabbits and chipmunks, and butterflies can easily be spotted fluttering around the flowers.
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Merwin Brook runs through the northwest section of the Nature Center (near the Old Field), flowing through a wooded wetland area, with a variety of trees surrounding it, including White Ash, Elm and Maple.
The park is open to visitors from sunrise to sunset. There is no camping, hunting or fires allowed on the property. Please leave only footprints. The Brookfield Nature Center is owned by the Town of Brookfield and managed by the Brookfield Conservation Commission.
