The Meriden Bird Club was founded in December 1910 to advocate for bird protection in response to wasteful exploitation of birds for years for food, by egg collectors, and especially by a large feather trim industry for clothing/hats. In 1911 the Club became the first in the nation to own and maintain a sanctuary for birds thanks to a gift from Helen Woodruff Smith that enabled the purchase of the Watson Farm.

Several paths wind through this 32-acre bird sanctuary amongst tall towering pines which provide much of the forest cover. Microbursts and ice damage have changed the dynamics of the forest in the past decade. Some areas are now receiving more sunlight in recent years which has stimulated a variety of new undergrowth to take root. A large stone birdbath and various memorial plaques are located near the entrance.

The primary trail is marked with blue blazes and is named after the founder of the Meriden Bird Club, naturalist and author, Ernest Harold Baynes. Duncan Trail, named after another former key club officer, Annie Duncan, is marked with green blazes. Ira’s Trail, marked with yellow blazes, recognizes Mr. Townsend’s love for trails and dedication to the past maintenance of these trails. Red-blazed trails run from a grazed meadow to the back of the property where two steeper sections of the trail are located.

The TrailFinder website has a description and map of a hike at Helen Woodruff Smith Bird Sanctuary.