The sanctuary, managed by the Massachusetts Audubon Society, is flanked by the Housatonic River on its southwestern border and contains hiking trails suitable for birdwatching, observing other wildlife, and scenic viewing.

[3] The sanctuary was founded in 1975, when Mrs. Cooley Graves Crane donated her Pittsfield estate to the Massachusetts Audubon Society.

This practice was a source of inspiration for Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr., who named his nearby summer home "Canoe Meadow" in homage to these activities.

Sacred way Trail loops through the southwest portion of the sanctuary and is sometimes flooded from heavy rains and beaver activity.

[7][8] The second project is ongoing and involves cleanup of toxic PCB contaminants from the adjacent Housatonic River and the sanctuary grounds itself.