The Fairfield Nature Center
& Larsen Sanctuary
Fairfield Nature Center
Hours & Admission
- Monday - Saturday 10am - 3pm
- Closed Sunday
- Trails open dawn to dusk, year round
On This Page
Overview
The Fairfield Nature Center is a hub of environmental education activities and events throughout the year. The Center has live education animals, exhibit areas, and a Nature Store with a wide variety of birding and nature-related merchandise. The property features our newly renovated Birds of Prey Compound, a pollinator garden and trail-head access to the 155-acre Roy and Margot Larsen Wildlife Sanctuary. The Sanctuary offers visitors seven miles of walking trails featuring streams, ponds, forest, and fields with diverse plant and animal communities, and also includes the mile-long Edna Strube Chiboucas Special Use Trail.
At a Glance
- 155 Acres
- 195 Bird Species
- 7 Miles of Trails
- Birds of Prey Compound
- Hawk Watch Platform
- Nature Store
- Indoor Ambassador Animal Exhibits
Trails & Terrain
Seven miles of trails and boardwalks, including the mile-long Chiboucas Special Use Trail, designed for stroller and wheelchair accessibility.
Habitat
Mixed hardwood forest with shrub habitat, ponds and wetlands.
About Our Center
The Fairfield Nature Center is a place where nature comes to life and every visit offers something new to discover. Nestled in a beautiful natural setting, the center invites guests of all ages to explore, learn, and connect with the outdoors.
With 7 miles of scenic trails, visitors can hike through diverse habitats, enjoy peaceful woodland walks, observe native plants and wildlife, and experience the changing beauty of the seasons. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a more adventurous trek, the trail system provides something for everyone.
Inside the center, guests can browse the Nature Store, featuring nature-themed gifts, field guides, educational toys, and unique items inspired by the outdoors. It’s the perfect place to find a meaningful souvenir or a special gift for nature enthusiasts.
One of the highlights of the Fairfield Nature Center is the Bird of Prey Compound, where visitors can observe magnificent raptors up close. These impressive birds provide an unforgettable opportunity to learn about conservation, adaptation, and the important role birds of prey play in our ecosystem.
The center is also home to a variety of live animal ambassadors. These resident animals help educate visitors about wildlife and environmental stewardship, offering engaging, hands-on learning experiences that inspire curiosity and respect for the natural world.
Whether you're hiking the trails, meeting animal ambassadors, or exploring the nature store, the Fairfield Nature Center is a destination where adventure, education, and conservation come together.
Roy and Margot Larsen Wildlife Sanctuary
The Sanctuary offers visitors seven miles of walking trails featuring streams, ponds, forest, and fields with diverse plant and animal communities, and also includes the mile-long Edna Strube Chiboucas Special Use Trail. The Larsen Sanctuary has been birded intensively for several decades. Birders have observed almost 200 species there, including Connecticut rarities such as Prothonotary Warbler and Least Bittern; occasional winter visitors such as Red Crossbill and Pine Siskin; forest nesters such as Scarlet Tanager and Red-eyed Vireo; and about two dozen warblers, mostly during migration.
Wildlife
The Larsen Sanctuary is one of three Connecticut Audubon preserves that harbor known populations of the rare New England cottontail rabbit (the Croft Preserve in Goshen and the New York portion of Deer Pond Farm are the others). The New England cottontail is a habitat specialist, unlike the more common eastern cottontail, and requires areas of thick shrubs and tangles. The two species of rabbit are almost identical looking. If you encounter a rabbit at Larsen in shrubby areas far from the Center buildings, there’s a good chance you will have seen the New England cottontail.
Trail Rules
Walkers and birders welcome
on designated trails only
Trails open dawn to dusk
For the protection of our wildlife,
the following are prohibited:
- Dogs, horses, bicycles
- Motorized vehicles or Drones
- Hunting, Trapping, or Fishing
- Collecting of any kind
- Littering, Camping, or Fires
844-WAXWING (844-929-9464)
