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There are about 200 state parks and
forests in Massachusetts, most open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The
larger, staffed parks have been charging $2 per car for day use, with
season passes available for $15. In state-managed areas, pets must be on
leashes and are not allowed at all in bathing areas. Permits are
required for off-road vehicles. For more information on state parks in
general, including maps of handicapped-accessible facilities, call the
Department of Environmental Management, Division of Forests and Parks,
at (617) 727-3180. The state also manages 13 wildlife sanctuaries and
more than 70 wildlife-management areas, totaling about 90,000 acres.
Most of these areas are open to the public. For more information, call
the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, Field
Headquarters, at (508) 366-4470. For hunting and fishing licenses, call
(617) 727-3151. Licenses are also available at all city and town clerk
offices and at some sporting-goods stores. The Massachusetts Audubon
Society maintains 32 wildlife sanctuaries and nature centers throughout
the state, totaling 22,000 acres. The staffed areas offer nature
programs and guided walks. Audubon-run areas prohibit hunting, dogs,
alcohol, collecting (take that frog out of your pocket, kid), fires,
vehicles, and picnicking outside of designated areas. There's usually a
fee to enter. For more information, call (781) 259-9500. The Trustees of
Reservations oversee 76 properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and
ecological significance throughout Massachusetts. Most are open
year-round, daily from sunrise to sunset. Camping and motorized vehicles
are prohibited except on Martha's Vineyard, where oversand vehicles are
allowed by permit only. For more information, call (978) 921-1944. Note:
the hours, facilities, visible wildlife, and any other information in
these listings is valid through Labor Day only. Also, many of these
places have the right to exclude large groups (generally, 25 or more)
that show up without reservations.
Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University
Beaver Brook Reservation
Belle Isle Marsh Reservation
Blue Hills Reservation
Blue Hills Trailside Museum
Boston Harbor Islands
Franklin Park
Franklin Park Zoo
Habitat Education Center and Wildlife Sanctuary
Quincy Quarries
Stony Brook Reservation
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