Learn more about the Lawrence Preserve Study at the Attleboro Public Library on October 7
Several volunteers look on as biology professor Jessie Knowlton demonstrates how to use the iNaturalist app to record observations at the Anthony Lawrence Wildlife Preserve.
The Attleboro Land Trust’s Anthony Lawrence Wildlife Preserve is currently the focus of a one-year scientific study of its ecosystem. Jessie Knowlton, Associate Professor of Biology at Wheaton College, is leading the study, which began in June.
Professor Knowlton and her team of Wheaton students have already identified many species of plants and animals observed over the summer. The study will continue through fall, winter, and spring. You are invited to help as a Volunteer Observer by visiting the Preserve once in each season on your own and reporting what you observe.
To find out more about how the study is being conducted, and how you can help, you are invited to attend a free Orientation Session to be held on Monday, October 7, at 7:00 pm at the Attleboro Public Library, 74 North Main Street, Attleboro.
This project is made possible by a Giving While Living Grant from the Woodard & Curran Foundation.
It’s not too late for you, or your child, to play a part in our scientific study
The Attleboro Land Trust invites you to participate in a one-year scientific study of the Anthony Lawrence Wildlife Preserve. Jessie Knowlton, Associate Professor of Biology at Wheaton College, is leading the study, which began in June.
Professor Knowlton and her team of Wheaton students have already identified many species of plants and animals observed over the summer. The study will continue through fall, winter, and spring. You are invited to help as a Volunteer Observer by visiting the Preserve once in each season on your own and reporting what you observe. As a citizen scientist, you might spot a rare bird or other animal or plant that no one else has seen.
You may submit observations in the form of photos, videos, drawings, notes, or audio recordings. If you are tech savvy, you may upload photos using a free cell phone app called iNaturalist. Photos submitted may be viewed at the iNaturalist website.
At the conclusion of the study, a final report will include recommendations for maintaining and protecting the Preserve’s ecosystem, and for engaging the public in stewardship of the property.
If you or your child would like to sign up as a Volunteer Observer, use the online form on this website or email attleborolandtrust@gmail.com. If you are under 18, ask an adult partner to co-sign your application and go with you on your site visits.
This project is made possible by a Giving While Living Grant from the Woodard & Curran Foundation.
302 Species observed at the Lawrence Preserve
Our scientific study of the Anthony Lawrence Wildlife Preserve has documented 302 different plants and animals since observations began on June 6. These results can be viewed on the iNaturalist website, where our project is named “A Year in the Life of the Lawrence Preserve.” Eighteen members of our project have uploaded photos of their observations using the iNaturalist app on their cellphones. Participants include project leader Jessie Knowlton, several of her students at Wheaton College, and some of you!
The study will continue until June 2025, and we expect many more species to be identified as the seasons change.
To view our project on iNaturalist, use this link: www.inaturalist.org/projects/a-year-in-the-life-of-the-lawrence-preserve
To join the project as a volunteer observer, use our online form.