The Nature Center
in Groton State Forest
The Groton Nature Center is the interpretive area for all of Groton State Forest. Daily programs are scheduled from mid-June to Labor Day. There is a large Interpretive Center/Museum and a self-guided nature trail. The Nature Center parking lot is also the trailhead for a number of trails throughout Groton State Forest. In the winter, the parking lot is plowed for skiers and snowshoers.
The Nature Center is staffed by a full time Naturalist who conducts programs of interest to people of all ages throughout the summer. The Nature Center and its programs are open to the public free of charge.
Programs During the summer, the programs for each week are listed in bulletins posted on this web site as well as at the Nature Center, at the Forest Country Store, and at all Groton State Park campgrounds. Copies of the weekly program list can also be picked up at the Nature Center. Programs are conducted between the last week in June through Labor Day weekend.
Current Nature Center Program Schedule
Literature Of interest are the free brochures and maps at the Nature Center relating to the Lake and State Forest. These include Forest Trail maps, a self guided tour of the Nature Trail, and “Groton State Forest History Guide”. These are usually available outside the Nature Center in a literature rack.
Displays The Center itself is a natural history museum for Groton State Forest, containing displays about our geology, historical pictures as well as a collection of mounted birds and animals. There are also displays on the Peacham Bog, Amphibians and Reptiles, Ferns, the Logging Era, Animal Facts, and Bears. In addition to the displays, books and magazines, the naturalists are in residence when they are not conducting programs. They usually know what is going on with the local bears, porcupines, loons, pileated woodpeckers and interrupted ferns.
 Wintertime |
Hours The Center is open every day during the summer, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. starting the last week in May.
Trails For information on the trails originating at the Nature Center, see the Hiking Information.
Directions: US 302 West out of Groton 2 miles - turn right on VT 232
5 miles on VT 232 - turn right on Boulder Beach Road (Big Green Stillwater sign in the summer)
1.7 miles on Boulder Beach Road to the Nature Center on the left.
Telephone number 584-3827
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