Sometimes, a quick look is all you need to know when something's good. Regrettably, we didn't have…read morea lot of time to spend at this nature center, but what we saw was memorable natural beauty. It's 47 acres of trails, and an education center, with all sorts of critters inside the center. We saw one social, white, ring necked dove, two adorable, sleepy chinchillas, a rabbit, two guinea pigs, one nipping hamster we were warned to keep our fingers away from and assorted lizards including a bearded dragon, a tortoise and large iguana--all participants in the education talks the rangers give to the children who visit. The animals are well cared for, and were donations from people who couldn't keep them any longer. Super describes the rangers here--super helpful, super friendly. and super enthusiastic about their jobs! One of the rangers was very well versed in his birds too. There are five trails, much better marked than the Edith Read Sanctuary we were heading too, and magnificent trees and bushes all around. Wear hiking boots or sturdy shoes. The main road is paved but the trails do have twigs, plant growth, rocks etc. The ruins of stone houses and structures along the trail are interesting enough and worth exploration. Unfortunately, Rye had a dry summer so the ponds there were all dried up, bad for the birds and us. We missed the migration of many of the birds and while we saw some woodpeckers, we didn't stay long. This wooded nature center isn't far from town, and well worth a stroll through, especially this time of the year when the foliage is starting to turn all glorious crimsons and gold.
I'm surprised this place hasn't been reviewed. It's clean, safe, and a verdant retreat of tranquility, despite the many groups of happy, chattering school kids we saw. There's enough acreage to find a quiet spot! But maybe because so much of Rye is pretty, the denizens here probably just take these lovely woods for granted. I'd definitely return for a longer hike next time. Note that the main road is dual usage, so if you are birding, watch for the cars! Walking, this place is perhaps a 20 minute walk from the town center. A visit might not having you spouting evocative prose like Thoreau, but you will find much to cherish here.