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.

Would you like to be a volunteer observer?

The Attleboro Land Trust invites you to participate in “A Year in the Life of the Lawrence Preserve”, a one-year scientific study of the Anthony Lawrence Wildlife Preserve.  Jessie Knowlton, Associate Professor of Biology at Wheaton College, is leading the study and providing guidance to participants.

Volunteer Observers are asked to visit the Preserve on their own at least once in each of the four seasons and to report what plants and animals they observe.  These reports may include notes, sketches, photographs, and audio or video recordings.  The volunteer reports will be reviewed every three months and combined with the observations of Professor Knowlton and her students.  The data will then be summarized and made available to the public.

The study began in June and will end on June 21, 2025.  A final report will include recommendations for maintaining and protecting the Preserve’s ecosystem, and for engaging the public in stewardship of the property.

There is still time, if you or your child would like to be a Volunteer Observer.  You may sign up by email to [email protected], or by using the online sign-up form on this website.  If you are under 18, you must have an adult partner to accompany you on your site visits and to co-sign your application.

This project is made possible by a Giving While Living Grant from the Woodard & Curran Foundation.