This beautiful 162-acre property in West Hartland, Connecticut is permanently protected thanks to the generosity of Edith and Anna Pasquariello and the Pasquariello family. Thank you to the Pasquariello's for creating a lasting legacy for birds and other wildlife! Audubon manages the property as a wildlife sanctuary in accordance with the wishes of the family.

The property encompasses two parcels, which are located in the heart of the Barkhamsted forest block—one of the largest blocks of unfragmented forest remaining in Connecticut. The property is nearly surrounded by large areas of protected forest lands owned by the Metropolitan District Commission and state parks and forests. The area is also a focus for New England cottontail conservation efforts.

Pasquariello Audubon Sanctuary supports a diverse array of bird species that are typical of northern hardwood/conifer forests, including Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Hermit Thrush, Black-throated Green Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Canada Warbler, and Blackburnian Warbler (which is especially common on the property). The sanctuary underwent a full habitat assessment in 2015 as part of Audubon Connecticut’s Forest for the Birds Program, which documented a large number of breeding neotropical birds and other wildlife including moose, black bear, and numerous amphibians, such as red efts, red-backed salamander, and spring peeper.

Sadly, Anna Pasquariello passed away on March 31, 2012, but told her nephew that ensuring the permanent protection of her beloved property was one of the happiest moments of her life. Anna is sorely missed, but the memory of her generous spirit lives on in the forest she loved.

The sanctuary is managed as a wild area, and human encroachment is discouraged. For permission to access the property, please email sharonauduboncenter@audubon.org.