Opened in 2022, the sanctuary expands the playscape with additional woodland trails, immersive nature play “rooms,” and tailored plantings and structures that serve as a haven for wild birds—blending ecological functions with a creative play space. The sanctuary’s design emphasizes soft transitions between human interaction and wildlife habitat, encouraging exploration while maintaining habitat sensitivity. Situated within one of the largest nature playscapes in the United States, the sanctuary enhances the environmental narrative of Wesselman Woods—a magnificent 240-acre old-growth forest. Wesselman Woods received designation as a National Natural Landmark in 1973.

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