Author Archive: JR Johnson-Roehr

Group of people in summer clothes standing near trees.

Beholding the Beauty of Trees

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Recently, Attleboro Land Trust board member and horticulturalist Phil Boucher led a group of enthusiastic learners on a “Beholding the Beauty of Trees” walk at Richardson Nature Preserve. The group heard about Red/Black and White Oaks, the suffocating threat of bittersweet vine, and how trees of different species may communicate with and support each through their root systems. Many thanks to Phil for generously sharing his time and knowledge, it was so fun to hear his stories about the evolution of the site’s gardens as well as learn more about the native roots and branches!

Please join us for one of our upcoming nature walks! Check our our schedule of events here.

Phil Boucher holding a tree branch.

Phil Boucher shows off the trees at Richardson Nature Preserve.    Image credit: Catherine Johnson-Roehr

Richardson Nature Preserve.    Image credit: Catherine Johnson-Roehr

Man and woman admiring conifer trees.

Beholding the beauty of trees at Richardson Nature Preserve.    Image credit: Catherine Johnson-Roehr

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Orange butterfly in green plants.

Meet Us Outside!

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The Attleboro Land Trust has organized several summer and fall outings. Please join us for one or more of these free events to learn more about the natural world nearby!

Nature Walk through the Lawrence Wildlife Preserve

Naturalist Gary Krofta will guide us through this South Attleboro property along the Seven Mile River, home to red-winged blackbirds, cattails, and colorful wildflowers. Join us for this FREE event on Saturday, August 15, 2026, 9:00 to 10:30 AM (rain date August 16,1:30 PM). Meet at Lawrence Wildlife Preserve, 45 Hope Avenue, Attleboro. Note: street parking is available, but please do not block driveways or mailboxes.

Introduction to Birdwatching
Have you ever wondered which birds make the sounds you hear in the woods or who comes to your birdfeeder? JR Johnson-Roehr will show us how to identify native birds and migratory species on their autumn travels. Note: bring binoculars if you have them. Join us for this FREE event on Saturday, September 19, 2026, 7:30 to 9:00 AM (rain date September 20, same time). Meet at Richardson Nature Preserve, 577B Wilmarth Street, Attleboro.

Wetlands at Attleboro Land Trust property showing mossy rocks and log in shallow water

Attleboro Land Trust Supports 50-Foot Wetland Protection Zone Ordinance

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Recently, the Board of Directors of the Attleboro Land Trust voted unanimously to endorse the revised city ordinance on wetlands, extending the “no disturb zone” from 25 feet to 50 feet. The Board considers this a crucial step in reaching a sustainable strategy for balancing development with the protection of natural resources in Attleboro, where rapid development has adversely affected the wetlands that are critical to the city’s natural environment.

Current studies indicate that a 25-foot buffer is too narrow to effectively remove sediment and pollutants or provide adequate wildlife habitat, particularly on steep slopes, in areas with silty/clay soils or a lack of vegetation, or where runoff is highly polluted. Increasing the buffer to 50 feet, as proposed in this ordinance, will most certainly enhance water quality and wildlife habitats in Attleboro’s wetlands.

Letter from ALT to City Council in Support of Change to Wetlands Ordinance

A Successful Clean-Up at the Charron Farm Preserve

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A determined group of volunteers gathered at the Charron Farm Preserve to do some maintenance brush and briar clearing at the edge of this heritage hay field. Armed with loppers and ladders, saws and pruning shears, we tackled the thorny overgrowth encroaching on the perimeter walking path. The weather was ideal for working outdoors, and we (as well as a passing flock of turkeys) enjoyed a morning full of sunshine. And shout out to Ted Charron for carrying out the brush with his farm equipment.

Thank you to our dedicated volunteers! If you’d like to join us on a similar project, keep an eye on our volunteer opportunities, and please consider joining the Attleboro Land Trust. The Charron Farm Preserve isn’t open to the public yet, but it should be soon. Stay tuned!

A briar-free walking path at Charron Farm Preserve.

All clear!    Image credit: Ken Salome, Karole Nicholson

A graphic showing various volunteer activities, butterflies and red flowers

Intro to the ALT and Update on Current Projects – April 8

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With the coming of spring, the Attleboro Land Trust is busy with trail maintenance and other projects on its 504 acres of conservation land. On Wednesday, April 8, 2026, Charlie Adler will provide an update on what the land trust is doing and how you can help. The presentation will be at the Attleboro Public Library, 74 Main Street, Attleboro, at 7:00 pm. There will be plenty of time for questions, and an opportunity to sign up to help with all facets of the organization, including educational activities for families, fundraising, boundary monitoring, habitat restoration, and saving more land.

World Water Day Bungay River Cleanup

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Friends of the Ten Mile River Watershed and the Attleboro Council on Human Rights will once again be teaming up for a cleanup in celebration of World Water Day. Volunteers will meet in the parking lot of CVS on North Main Street in Attleboro on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 9:00 AM  and will clean along the Bungay River. Participants should wear gloves and long sleeves. Trash bags will be provided. Plan on doing some walking along the waterway. The Bungay River is one of the major tributaries to the Ten Mile River and is a natural resource for the Attleboro area. The cleanup should take less than 2 hours. We hope to see you there!

Keep Attleboro Beautiful 9th Annual Cleanup

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Keep Attleboro Beautiful logoJoin Keep Attleboro Beautiful on April 18, 2026, for the 9th annual community cleanup! Bring your family, friends, and neighbors to help give the city of Attleboro a thorough spring cleaning! To participate, fill out the registration form on the Keep Attleboro Beautiful site—one form per volunteer. Groups are also welcome to register.  To register your group, please contact the organizers at KeepAttleboroBeautiful@gmail.com.