Supporting over one million bees with 17 hives and home to our Backyard Beekeeping classes, the sanctuary’s apiary is causing quite the buzz! With over 12,000 square feet of eco-type and pollinator friendly plants growing in the sanctuary gardens, we’ve created an optimum environment for their success and well-being. Whether teaching budding beekeepers or educating the community about protecting and nurturing these special creatures, the sanctuary’s apiary is making a difference to our most fragile pollinators.
Certified Wildlife Habitat
Once farmland supporting Fairfield State Hospital, the sanctuary’s 34-acre property lay untouched for 19 years, becoming overrun with invasive species and woodland growth. Since acquiring the land in 2014, the sanctuary has focused on ecological restoration—reviving four-acres of meadows and establishing 12,000 square feet of native pollinator habitat. Today, this certified National Wildlife Federation habitat provides essential refuge for birds, insects, and small mammals.
Monarch Waystation
Housed within the sanctuary community gardens, is our official Monarch Waystation. The monarch butterfly is the only butterfly known to make a two-way migration as birds do. Since monarchs cannot survive the cold winters of northern climates, they must travel south for the winter making them the only butterfly to make a two-way migration as birds do. Using a combination of air currents and thermals to travel long distances, some fly as far as 3,000 miles to reach their winter home in Mexico.
To support this now engaged species, housed within the sanctuary community gardens, is a certified Monarch Watch Monarch Waystation.
By creating, conserving and protecting monarch habitats, the sanctuary is doing our part to help these beauties survive their migration and thrive in the natural world.
Learn more about Monarch Waystations by clicking the image below.
Certified Firefly Habitat
In the quiet darkness of the sanctuary’s woodlands, fireflies have found a safe haven to call home. Thanks to our dedicated efforts to preserve the natural landscape and protect the night skies from light pollution, the sanctuary has earned recognition as a certified firefly habitat.
By creating, conserving, and safeguarding these environments, the sanctuary plays a vital role in helping fireflies thrive. Light pollution poses a serious threat to these magical insects, interfering with their bioluminescent signals used for mating. When artificial lights overpower their glow, it becomes difficult for them to find mates and reproduce. As natural habitats continue to vanish, undisturbed places like forests, wetlands, and meadows—where fireflies flourish—are becoming increasingly rare.
Birding Area
Nestled in the sanctuary’s serene setting, our bird watching station offers a peaceful escape into the world of feathered wildlife. As a certified wildlife habitat, the sanctuary is dedicated to supporting migrating and native birds with the high-quality seeds, safe shelter, and nesting support they need to thrive.
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious beginner, this is the perfect spot to observe a wide variety of birds in their natural habitat. Equipped with benches and unobstructed viewing, our birding area provides everything you need for a relaxing and educational experience. Bring your binoculars, a field guide, and a sense of wonder—you never know what species you might spot!
Come connect with nature, listen to the melodies of the wild, and enjoy the beauty of birds in flight.
