Mass Audubon, Trustees, Closing Their Outdoor Facilities

Two organizations that have been providing an outdoor respite for Massachusetts residents feeling cooped up because of the coronavirus pandemic are closing their doors to visitors on Tuesday.

Mass Audubon and the Trustees of Reservations both announced that they are shutting down their outdoor facilities in line with Gov. Charlie Baker’s order requiring all nonessential businesses to close for two weeks and the state Department of Health’s stay-at-home advisory.

“We know how important it is to get out in nature, and there is nothing we like better than seeing people enjoying our trails,” Mass Audubon President Gary Clayton said in a statement. “But the health and safety of the residents of Massachusetts and beyond must take priority.”

He encouraged people to enjoy the outdoors, just close to home.

The Trustees said their agricultural facilities will remain in operation in compliance with state guidelines for the care of animals and the production and distribution of food, but they will be closed to visitors.

Mass Audubon operates 60 wildlife sanctuaries across the state, including Broadmoor in Natick and Ipswich River in Topsfield.

The Trustees of Reservations operates dozens of facilities, including Crane Beach in Ipswich and World’s End in Hingham.

Nine Massachusetts residents have died of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, and more then 750 people have confirmed cases, according to state Department of Health numbers released Monday.