The Claire Birtz Wildlife Sanctuary is nestled between Tipton Rock Road, Morse Pond and the Connecticut State line in Southbridge, Massachusetts. The trails wind along the shore of Morse Pond, through stands of beech trees, hemlock, and mixed forest habitats. There are old stone walls and the experience of history and nature at the site is inspiring.
The trailhead and parking is ocated off of Rt. 169 (North Woodstock Road) on Tipton Rock Road, in Southbridge. Use GPS address 444 Tipton Rock Road. Please beware that sections of Tipton Rock Road are impassable! Do not approach from Blackmer Rd. or Lebanon Hill. Take Rt. 169!
Have a canoe or kayak? You can access Morse Pond from North Woodstock Road (Route 169 – south of Tipton Rock Road intersection and just north of the state line.) Please note that Morse Pond is for non-motorized use only.
Ms. Claire J. Birtz was an art teacher in the Town of Southbridge school system for many years. Upon her death in 2000, at the age of 92, Ms. Birtz bequeathed a gift to Southbridge for beautification of the town. One way her gift could be used was to acquire land in order to protect habitat for wildlife.
Ms. Birtz supported various conservation organizations during her lifetime. Through a partnership between Opacum Land Trust, The Trustees of the Claire Birtz Estate and The Town of Southbridge, The Claire Birtz Wildlife Sanctuary became a perfect representation of her passion for wildlife and nature. In keeping with Ms. Birtz’ wishes, the property is open to the public for activities that bring people closer to nature, such as bird-watching, painting, drawing, and kayaking.
More photos and a downloadable trail map will be available soon.
A video from our friends at The Last Green Valley, as part of Walktober.
If you would like more information, please call 508-347-9144 or e-mail us at info@opacumlt.org.