Hidden Gem: Oak Knoll Wildlife Sanctuary

Set on 42-acres of land on Park Street, just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the busy downtown, is Attleboro's hidden gem. 

Residents and visitors whiz past it on their way to the city's well-known tourist attraction, , and some many not realize what adventures are tucked away at the at 1417 Park St. 

Oak Knoll is free, open to the public and has something for everyone. 

Anyone can take a walk through the Sanctuary's nature trails. Those who do are encouraged to be on the lookout for the wildlife at Oak Knoll including foxes, red-winged blackbirds, cottontail rabbits, yellow-rumped warblers and downy woodpeckers. Also expect to see a few basking turtles and paddling mallard ducks on Lake Talaquega.

Inside there is plenty to learn about nature and its habitat including what happens when you take wildlife out of its habitat. A good example of that can be seen with the turtle tank. The special turtles found inside were rescued by Sanctuary employee Michelle Jordgensen, who has worked at the Sanctuary since 2005. Jordgensen rescued Pudgey and Musky, a musk turtle and Pudgey and created the turtle tank.

Children and adults can participate in the many free and for fee classes offered at Oak Knoll including an a class about birds and how to plant a garden. 

"We have a lot of success with our evening programs," said Oak Knoll Director Tara Henrichon. "I think that people love being able to be outside, at night, with a guide – it gives people a chance to see a side of our Sanctuaries that they don’t often see since we are closed dusk til dawn."

Oak Knoll offers public and school programs, scout and homeschool programs throughout the year and its programs are seasonally based, according to Henrichon. "We typically offer 2-3 evening public programs per month, school programs around the year (with our busiest season being spring), and scout and homeschool programs throughout the academic year."

Along with activities, classses and adventures, the Sanctuary also offers birthday parties and during the summer, Oak Knoll partners with the the Hockomock YMCA in North Attleboro to offer four weeks of outdoor-based programming for children in first through sixth grade. 

Oak Knoll is also known for its involvement in the community. Staff provide outreach programs to schools throughout the community and provide year-round science curriculum for area preschools and child care centers.

The site has always been an attraction for kids and adults to visit, laugh and play as the site was once home to

A few things to take note of before leaving the house with your passport to Attleboro's hidden gem:

• Stay on the designated areas to avoid poison ivy or ticks
• Picnic in designated areas only
• Do not feed the animals
• Do not smoke on the grounds
• Do not pick plants or crops without permission
• No pets are allowed
• Hunting, fishing or trapping is not allowed