How to Get Involved with Mass Audubon

You can get involved with Mass Audubon in four main ways: become a member or supporter, visit a wildlife sanctuary and join its programs and events, take part in advocacy for wildlife and nature, or support the organization through the Mass Audubon Shop. Which path fits you depends on whether you want to give money, give time, or simply get outdoors — and most of these options are open to anyone, from the Berkshires to the Cape.

Join as a member or supporter

Mass Audubon describes itself as having more than 160,000 members and supporters, and membership is the most direct way to back its work. The organization protects over 41,000 acres of land across Massachusetts, so a membership supports land protection, wildlife conservation, and keeping nature accessible to all.

• Best for: people who want ongoing, low-effort support.
• What to expect: membership is presented on the site as a way to join the community of supporters; the homepage includes a "Join Today" call to action.
• Check before committing: current membership levels, benefits, and any cost are set by Mass Audubon — confirm them on the membership page rather than assuming a price.

Visit a sanctuary and join programs

Mass Audubon manages 114 wildlife sanctuaries across the state. Visiting one is the simplest way to participate, and many sanctuaries host public programs and events.

Find a sanctuary near you

1. Go to the "Find a Place to Explore" section of the site.
2. Use the sanctuary finder: search by name or location, or browse the map from the Berkshires to the Cape.
3. Select a sanctuary to see what it offers.
4. Expected result: a specific sanctuary page with directions and local information.

Attend programs and events

The site lists "Upcoming Programs & Events" and seasonal highlights. Examples drawn from the homepage include:

• Fall festivals and Halloween events — moonlit walks with costumed characters, hayrides, pumpkin carving, and live music for all ages.
• Duck Derby 2026 at Allens Pond — a long-running Southeast Massachusetts conservation tradition, running for more than 20 years.
• Tunes and Tales on the Trails at Wellfleet Bay — a family event combining trail exploration with music and storytelling.
• Hey Day Festival at Wachusett Meadow — live music, hay rides, and family activities celebrating agricultural history.
• 2026 State of Wellfleet Harbor Conference — updates on harbor conditions and results from local studies and surveys.

Common snag: event dates, registration requirements, and any fees are set per event. Check the individual event listing before you plan your trip.

Take part in advocacy

If you want to speak up for wildlife and nature, advocacy is a distinct path. Mass Audubon reports 10,000 grassroots advocates speaking up for wildlife and nature, and the site highlights specific campaigns — for example, support for a state measure to dedicate as much as $100 million annually to conserve land, protect clean water, improve outdoor recreation, and build climate resiliency.

• Best for: people who want to influence policy rather than visit a site.
• How to start: look for the advocacy or action section of the site and follow the current campaign.
• Note: the $100 million figure is a proposed annual dedication that Mass Audubon advocates for, not a confirmed appropriation.

Support through the Mass Audubon Shop

The Mass Audubon Shop carries a variety of products, including items that help explain nature. Shopping there is a low-commitment way to support the organization while getting something useful.

• Best for: gifts, books, and nature-related items.
• Check before buying: product availability, pricing, and shipping terms are listed on the shop pages.

Other ways to engage

• School and youth programs: Mass Audubon engages 50,000 students each year through school programs — relevant if you are an educator or parent looking for organized learning.
• Local projects: the site describes community work such as the Chelsea Waterfront Park effort, where Mass Audubon is working with partners to acquire 18 acres of waterfront property and create a climate-resilient park with mixed-income housing and community amenities.
• Learning resources: articles such as "5 Tree Pests That Threaten Forest Health" help you take practical action, like identifying common pests in Massachusetts forests.

Which path should you choose?

Start with the sanctuary finder if you are unsure — it connects you to a place, and from there programs, events, and volunteer-style participation become easier to find.