Sherwood Island Nature Center
The Sherwood Island Nature Center is a small seasonal nature centre on the east side of Sherwood Island State Park, between East Beach and the salt marsh nature trail. DEEP lists it as open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in season. Inside are exhibits on the park's wildlife, live animals and staff who lead nature walks; outside, a nature trail with numbered stops runs along the salt marsh.
Nature Center at a Glance
What Is Inside
DEEP describes the Nature Center as the place to learn about Sherwood Island's ecosystem: the hundreds of species of amphibians, mammals, birds, fish, mollusks and insects that live in the park. It offers:
- Displays and exhibits on the park's habitats, from beach to salt marsh to coastal woods
- Live animals you can see up close
- Staff and volunteers to answer questions
- Hands-on activities, especially for children
- Guided nature walks, and talks on the area's environment and history
The centre opened for the first time in 2009, according to the Friends of Sherwood Island, the volunteer group that supports it.
When It Is Open
The Nature Center is seasonal: DEEP lists Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed Mondays and Tuesdays and outside the season. DEEP does not post exact opening and closing dates for the season, so if you are planning a visit around it in spring or fall, call the park office at (203) 226-6983 or check the Friends of Sherwood Island website. The park itself is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset (hours).
How to Find It
Follow the park road to the east side and park in the East Beach lot. DEEP places the Nature Center between East Beach and the salt marsh nature trail; its park map shows the nature trail with numbered stops and a viewing platform over the marsh. The East Beach bathhouse and restrooms are a short walk away.
The Salt Marsh Nature Trail
The nature trail starts by the Nature Center and follows the edge of the salt marsh. This is where the freshwater of New Creek and Mill Creek mixes with the salt water of the Sound, and DEEP's fishing notes describe the estuary as teeming with marine life. Look for fiddler crabs on the mud at low tide, egrets in the creeks and ospreys overhead. The walk is flat and short; see walking trails for the other paths in the park.
Birds and the Purple Martins
Sherwood Island is an eBird hotspot, and DEEP links its species list from the Nature Center section. DEEP also links a video about the park's purple martin colony, North America's largest swallow, which nests in the white gourd houses set up for it. More on what to look for, and when, is on the bird watching page.
Visiting With Children
The Nature Center works well with a beach day: swim at East Beach in the morning, then come in out of the midday sun. Combine it with a picnic at the reservable East Beach shelter or a kite on the open lawn.
The Friends of Sherwood Island
The Friends of Sherwood Island is the nonprofit that supports the park and the Nature Center. It recruits volunteers and runs programmes; contact info@friendsofsherwoodisland.org to help.
Sherwood Island Nature Center FAQ
When is the Sherwood Island Nature Center open?
Seasonally, Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., according to DEEP. It is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Where is the Nature Center at Sherwood Island?
On the east side of the park, between East Beach and the salt marsh nature trail. Park in the East Beach lot.
Does the Sherwood Island Nature Center cost money?
DEEP lists no separate admission charge. The only cost is park parking, which is free for Connecticut cars.
Does the Nature Center have live animals?
Yes. DEEP says visitors can encounter live animals there, along with exhibits, activities and nature walks.