The McLane Center in Concord is open Wednesdays-Saturdays from 11am-5pm (closed Sundays-Tuesdays). The Nature Store, Reptile Room, and Raptor Mews are also open to visitors. Trails and pollinator gardens are open from dawn to dusk daily.
Visit Us
Come and visit us at 84 Silk Farm Road in Concord, NH. Have a question or want to register for a program?
Call (603) 224-9909 or email nha@nhaudubon.org.
Regular Center Hours
Sanctuary trails are open dawn to dusk daily. The raptor mews are accessible through the center courtyard and also open dawn to dusk.
The center is open to visitors Wednesday–Saturday, 11am–5pm. It is closed on major holidays. There is no admission charge, but donations are always welcome.
Snow Closings
McLane Center closes for inclement weather when the Concord School District closes. For updates on closures, visit WMUR.
Groups
If you are a group of 5 or more and wish to use our center/property to meet, you must let our staff know in advance. Please contact our Director of Operations, Lauren, at 603-224-9909 x330 or by email.
NH Audubon’s McLane Center (formerly known as the Silk Farm Center) is the organization’s longest established center. In addition to being a program center, the building is home to NH Audubon’s central operations. It is located on the Silk Farm Sanctuary in Concord.
About the Center’s Green Building
In spring 2006, a major expansion of the Center was completed. This wing and the previously existing building were renamed in honor of the late state senator Susan McLane. Susan was a longtime NH Audubon member and trustee and served as board chair for several years. She was well known for her commitment and contributions to the state’s natural environment and children. The new wing is a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certified building through the U.S. Green Building Council and incorporates a multitude of green construction practices and materials.
The McLane Center offers year-round environmental education for all ages including school and youth group programs, summer and vacation camps, family programs, preschool and home school programs, and adult education opportunities. The Center has exhibits, live animals (including a Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Barn Owl, and Barred Owls), picnic areas, several miles of hiking trails, function rooms (see Facility Rentals), and a Nature Store that stocks bird feeders, optics, bird seed, books, clothing, jewelry, gifts, and more.
Store Hours
Wednesday-Saturday: 11am-5pm
Trail Guide
Silk Farm Wildlife Sanctuary
Snowshoe and Binocular Rentals
We offer snowshoe and binocular rentals to visitors during our regular business hours.
Snowshoes can be rented when 6 inches or more of snow is on the ground. Binoculars can be rented in all weather conditions. All rentals are on a first-come, first-served basis for use on McLane Center property only and must be returned by closing the day of rental. Adult and youth sizes are available for all gear. How-to handouts and trail maps are included.
Snowshoes rentals: $10/member, $15/non-members
Binocular rentals: FREE for members, $5/non-members
For large groups, please contact our Education Team (Shelby Morelli at McLane smorelli@nhaudubon.org and Slater Roosa at Massabesic sroosa@nhaudubon.org). Guided tours at YOUR location are also available!
Photos, from the top: McLane Center, by Julie Klett; Barred Owl, by Mark Karl; Blackburnian Warbler, by Len Medlock.
