NATURE: MASSACHUSETTS: Worcester/MetroWest

Worcester/metrowest

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.

Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary

Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary

Charles River Peninsula

Cochituate State Park

Cutler Park Reservation

Doane's Falls

Douglas State Forest

Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary

Dunn Pond State Park

Elliott Laurel Reservation

Garden in the Woods Nursery

Great Brook Farm State Park