The Connecticut Audubon Coastal Center at Milford Point is a vibrant coastal refuge that offers outstanding birdwatching and environmental education opportunities along Long Island Sound. It provides visitors with immersive access to salt marshes, beaches, and tidal wetlands.
Located on a peninsula along the coastline of Long Island Sound in Milford, Connecticut, the Connecticut Audubon Coastal Center at Milford Point spans approximately 150 acres of diverse coastal habitats, including salt marshes, dunes, tidal wetlands, and sandy beaches. This wildlife sanctuary is recognized as a key site for migratory shorebirds and waterfowl, making it a prime destination for birdwatching year-round. The center operates as an environmental education facility focused on coastal ecosystems and conservation, offering interactive exhibits, guided walks, and seasonal programs to engage visitors of all ages. The sanctuary's habitats support a wide range of bird species such as piping plovers, least terns, herons, and egrets, along with other wildlife including river otters and various marine life. Visitors can explore multiple trails and boardwalks that provide stunning views of the salt marsh and Long Island Sound, with interpretive signage enhancing their understanding of the ecology of coastal Connecticut. Additionally, the center plays an active role in protecting endangered shorebirds, working closely with conservationists to monitor and manage nesting areas. The combination of habitat preservation, public education, and recreational opportunities makes the Coastal Center a cherished destination for residents, birders, nature photographers, and families. Easy access from nearby urban areas ensures it remains a popular site for short visits or full-day explorations of coastal natural history.
Observation decks and boardwalks overlooking salt marshes and Long Island Sound
Seasonal nesting sites for endangered piping plovers and least terns
Interactive environmental education center with live exhibits
Quiet beach access with opportunities to observe migratory shorebirds
A raised wooden walkway that allows visitors to venture safely over the salt marsh, offering close-up views of marsh plants, birds, and aquatic life.
Protected sandy beach areas where this threatened shorebird species nests each year, monitored closely by staff and volunteers.
Indoor space featuring live animals, educational displays, and hands-on learning opportunities about coastal ecology and conservation.