This ride takes you on some of Boston's best off-road bike paths to the Boston Nature Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, a forested ecological refuge five miles south of downtown. This forest is one of 60+ natural sanctuaries managed by Mass Audubon, New England's primary conservation organization.

While Mass Audubon is primarily concerned with conservation and education, these sites can also serve as natural laboratories for ecological science, and a formal pipeline allows scientists to apply for research permits. While we're not aware of any active research at Boston Nature Center, We project that the site will be of growing scientific importance for studying the effects of climate change near urban epicenters.

Among Mass Audubon's many sites, Boston Nature Center is noteworthy because of how close it is downtown Boston. (This blending of urban and ecological was even the subject of an MIT urban planning thesis back in 2001). Mass Audubon also offers training programs across their many sanctuaries, like the Field Naturalist Certificate, the Birder’s Certificate, and the Conservation in Action Certificate. These offerings provide hands-on scientific mentorship in field research, habitat monitoring, and environmental advocacy, making them suitable for a broad audience. Mass Audubon also run various 'community scientist' programs across their sites, which encourage visitors to report nature and bird sightings of interest at the Boston Nature Center.

Begin your ride by navigating onto the Emerald Necklace Trail, a beautiful off-road path through leafy neighborhoods and open spaces. As you pass by Jamaica Pond, take a right onto Eliot St, which becomes South St. This stretch carries you through the heart of Jamaica Plain (JP), with optional stops at the Arnold Arboretum or at one of many shops in downtown JP. Navigate onto Walk Hill Way, which requires very briefly merging onto Hyde Park Ave. Hyde Park Ave doesn't have bike infrastructure, so you might choose to ride on the sidewalk. Then, it's just a short distance until you arrive at Boston Nature Center. Bike racks are conveniently located by the front doors.

We applaud Boston Nature Center for including cycling as an option on their directions page. This eco-friendly option ought to be featured more prominently!

For the return journey, retrace your path back to Washington street, where you can merge on to the Southwest Corridor Bike Path, which will take you back to downtown Boston, all off-road!

The Boston Nature Center (BNC), part of Mass Audubon and located in Mattapan, has transformed from the grounds of the former Boston State Hospital into a thriving urban wildlife sanctuary. Opened in 2001, the BNC now spans 67 acres of meadows, wetlands, and woodlands. It features sustainable design in its George Robert White Environmental Conservation Center and supports community gardening, environmental education, and urban biodiversity in the heart of Boston.

Boston's Emerald Necklace, designed by Frederek Olmsted (of Central Park fame), is one of Boston’s most treasured historic parks. Olmsted Park, a wooded gem within this green parkspace, offers scenic views of Ward’s, Willow, and Leverett Ponds.

While more of a visitor center than a laboratory, make sure to visit the George Robert White Environmental Conservation Center, one of the most sustainable buildings in Boston, where you’ll find a rotating selection of exhibits.

And remember - the whole sanctuary can be understood as a natural laboratory, especially if you sign up for one of Mass Audubon's ecological certificates referenced earlier, or apply for a formal research permit!