The Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary is a
wildlife refuge
A nature reserve (also known as a wildlife refuge, wildlife sanctuary, biosphere reserve or bioreserve, natural or nature preserve, or nature conservation area) is a protected area of importance for flora, fauna, or features of geological or ...
in
Monson, Massachusetts
Monson is a town in Hampden County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 8,150 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area.
The census-designated place of Monson Center lies at the ...
. Founded by Arthur Norcross in 1939, the 8,000 acre wildlife refuge was established to preserve, protect and propagate native
flora
Flora is all the plant life present in a particular region or time, generally the naturally occurring (indigenous) native plants. Sometimes bacteria and fungi are also referred to as flora, as in the terms '' gut flora'' or '' skin flora''.
E ...
and
fauna
Fauna is all of the animal life present in a particular region or time. The corresponding term for plants is ''flora'', and for fungi, it is '' funga''. Flora, fauna, funga and other forms of life are collectively referred to as '' biota''. Zoo ...
. The refuge is part of the Norcross Wildlife Foundation, which awards loans and grants, and has helped preserve over 33,000 acres since 1939.
Natural history
Much of the refuge is part of the
Quinebaug Highlands, which in turn is part of the Eastern New England Uplift.
Trails and recreation
The sanctuary has 2.5 miles of trails. The refuge offers programs throughout the year.
References
External links
Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary- official site
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Nature reserves in Massachusetts
Nature centers in Massachusetts
Protected areas established in 1939
1939 establishments in Massachusetts