Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, a Massachusetts Audubon Property
One of Mass Audubon’s largest and oldest sanctuaries throughout the Commonwealth, the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary had approximately 2000 acres, 12 miles or maintained trails, and access to the Ipswich River.
There is a Visitor Center, Restrooms, and canoes and kayaks are available to rent, with personal flotation devices and some orientation prior to paddling. In addition, there is a rustic campsite and a very rustic cabin available for members to use, for a small fee, on an island in the river, on the property. The Sanctuary offers many adult and family nature-based programming, year- round, as well as summer and vacation camps for kids.
In spring, volunteers harvest maple sugar -- a tradition for about 25 years. Syrup can be purchased in the Visitor Center, along with books, maps, and other necessities.
The Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary is located at 87 Perkins Row Topsfield, MA 01983, off Rt 97, not far from Rt 1. They offer FREE ADMISSION to the Sanctuary for current Topsfield residents, whether or not they are members.
For more information:
Laura Coulbourn
Operations Manager
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
Mass Audubon
87 Perkins Row
Topsfield, MA
978-87-9264
www.massaudubon.org/ipswichriver
Sample of Upcoming Events. Check out these and more at www.massaudubon.org/ipswichriver
Terrific Toddlers Fridays: Springtime Seedlings
Friday, May 15, 9:30–10:45 am
Go on a scavenger hunt through the gardens to find seedlings, flowers, and trees while learning how plants grow in spring. Children will make native seed balls to take home and plant. Registration is required; ticketed event.
Nature in Your Neighborhood: All About Birds - Ipswich
Thursday, May 21, 8:00–10:00 am
Join a guided birdwatching walk to learn about migration, breeding behavior, and how to identify birds by sight and song. Observe birds in their spring plumage while exploring the area. Free event; registration is required.
Family Paddle at Dusk
Saturday, May 23, 5:30–8:30 pm
Canoe along the river at dusk while searching for wildlife like muskrats and beavers and learning to spot signs such as lodges and chewed trees. Certified instructors provide basic canoeing instruction before launching. Registration is required; ticketed event.
Sample of Upcoming Events. Check out these and more at www.massaudubon.org/ipswichriver
Terrific Toddlers Fridays: Springtime Seedlings
Friday, May 15, 9:30–10:45 am
Go on a scavenger hunt through the gardens to find seedlings, flowers, and trees while learning how plants grow in spring. Children will make native seed balls to take home and plant. Registration is required; ticketed event.
Nature in Your Neighborhood: All About Birds - Ipswich
Thursday, May 21, 8:00–10:00 am
Join a guided birdwatching walk to learn about migration, breeding behavior, and how to identify birds by sight and song. Observe birds in their spring plumage while exploring the area. Free event; registration is required.
Family Paddle at Dusk
Saturday, May 23, 5:30–8:30 pm
Canoe along the river at dusk while searching for wildlife like muskrats and beavers and learning to spot signs such as lodges and chewed trees. Certified instructors provide basic canoeing instruction before launching. Registration is required; ticketed event.