Charron Farm Preserve to Open on October 10

Posted on September 25, 2026September 25, 2026 by JR Johnson-Roehr

The Attleboro Land Trust is pleased to announce the opening of its newest property, the Charron Farm Preserve on Morse Avenue in Attleboro. The public is invited to attend the dedication ceremony on Saturday, October 10, at 1:00 PM. The rain date will be October 11. The preserve was generously donated to the land trust in 2023 by members of the Charron family. Following a brief formal program, attendees will have the opportunity to take a guided walk of the newly opened trail.

The Attleboro Land Trust is a non-profit organization that preserves 740 acres in the Attleboro area through direct ownership or conservation restrictions. The Charron Farm Preserve encompasses 12 acres and now includes a hiking trail around a hay field and former farmland. It is a key acquisition that has the potential to connect additional public conservation acreage, while it provides an opportunity for outdoor recreation in the city and further promotes species conservation and a healthy environment.

The Charron property represents agriculture in the Attleboro area across the twentieth century. It was typical of small family farms that grew a variety of crops and livestock and witnessed the arrival of such modern conveniences as electricity and tractors. Many farms were run by intergenerational households with members who also worked in Attleboro industry; the donors’ father, Theodore Henry Charron, was a tool and die maker. In 1959, parts of the farm were leveled to provide gravel for the construction of Interstate 95.

Directions: From downtown Attleboro, take County Street south for 3.8 miles. Turn right onto Read Street and drive 1/2 mile. Turn left onto Morse Avenue and drive 1/4 mile. Turn into the gravel parking area on your right.

Any cancellations due to weather will be posted at attleborolandtrust.org.

A Successful Season

Posted on September 20, 2026September 25, 2026 by JR Johnson-Roehr

The Attleboro Land Trust concluded its summer series of outdoor events on Saturday with a birding walk at Richardson Nature Preserve. Led by ALT Board member JR Johnson-Roehr, a group of 19 gathered in the early morning to scout the meadows, woods, and gardens for late-season birds. Their efforts were rewarded with great looks at a trio of Downy Woodpeckers, a garrulous group of Gray Catbirds, the nimble movements of a White-Breasted Nuthatch, a Mourning dove imitating a puff-ball as it warmed itself on a sunlit branch, and the frequent vocalizations of local Blue Jays. Perhaps the best moment of the day was witnessing the flight of a large flock of Common Grackle as the black birds came together for a fall migration flight.

Early morning birding advice. Image credit: Catherine Johnson-Roehr

Learning about birds and trees. Image credit: Kate Viens

Black and white back of downy woodpecker.

Downy Woodpecker. Image credit: Paul Viens

White-Breasted Nuthatch. Image credit: Paul Viens

ALT Vice President and horticulturist Phil Boucher, who started off our summer events with a well-attended tree walk at Richardson Preserve, also joined the group. He provided details about history of the property and answered questions about the trees as we scoured their branches for birds.

Phil Boucher talks about trees. Image credit: Catherine Johnson-Roehr

Tufted Titmouse. Image credit: Paul Viens

In August, naturalist Gary Krofta led a guided walk through the Lawrence Wildlife Preserve in South Attleboro. Because of the dry weather, attendees were able to explore deep into the marsh. After circumambulating the wooded section of the preserve, 22 intrepid adventurers joined Gary on a journey into shoulder-high grasses and over uneven ground to explore the shifting habitats along the Seven Mile River.

Gary Krofta shares some words about sassafras. Image credit: Kate Viens

A group of people heading into tall grass.

Heading into the marsh at Lawrence Wildlife Preserve. Image credit: Kate Viens

We hope you were able to enjoy one of these outings with us! Keep an eye on our events calendar and look for an announcement about our annual meeting to arrive soon.

A place to rest at Richardson Nature Preserve. Image credit: Catherine Johnson-Roehr

Group of people in summer clothes standing near trees.

Beholding the Beauty of Trees

Posted on August 1, 2026August 1, 2026 by JR Johnson-Roehr

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

Richardson Nature Preserve. Image credit: Catherine Johnson-Roehr

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

Trail Camera Observations at the Lawrence Preserve

Posted on July 20, 2026August 5, 2026 by caa

These are some observations recorded on video by a team of students from Wheaton College during “A Year in the Life of the Lawrence Preserve.” This study, led by Associate Professor of Biology Jessie Knowlton, ran from June 2024 to June 2025, with the support of a grant from the Woodard & Curran Foundation.

For better viewing, each video can be expanded to full screen.

Bobcat

Deer

Family of fisher cats

Meet Us Outside!

Posted on July 10, 2026August 1, 2026 by JR Johnson-Roehr

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.

Summer Color

Posted on July 12, 2025July 31, 2025 by caa

Rhododendron thicket, Deborah and Roger Richardson Nature Preserve, 6/28/22

Deborah’s Garden, Deborah and Roger Richardson Nature Preserve, 7/14/18

Baltimore checkerspot (Euphydryas phaeton)

Lower Hayfield, Deborah and Roger Richardson Nature Preserve, 6/26/16

Great spangled fritillary (Speyeria cybele)

Lower Hayfield, Deborah and Roger Richardson Nature Preserve, 6/26/16

Common evening primrose (Oenothera biennis)

Lower Hayfield, Deborah and Roger Richardson Nature Preserve, 7/16/16

Bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare) alien

Anthony Lawrence Wildlife Preserve, 8/31/13

Spotted Joe-Pye weed (Eutrochium maculatum)

Anthony Lawrence Wildlife Preserve, 8/31/13

Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

Shaw-Denham Memorial Forest, 8/20/13

The Month of May

Posted on May 16, 2025July 12, 2025 by caa

Peony at Richardson Preserve, May 2021.

Trillium at Richardson Preserve, May 2021.

Pink lady’s slipper (Cypripedium acaule) at Vaughan Memorial Forest, May 2014.

Violets at Vaughan Memorial Forest, May 2014.

Dogwood at Colman Reservation, May 2014.

Bluet (Houstonia caerulea) at Leach Sanctuary, May 2014.

Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor) at Lawrence Preserve, May 2009.

Wild oats or sessile bellwort (Uvularia sessilifolia) with wood anemone (Anemone quinquefolia) in background at Lawrence Preserve, May 2007.

Annual Meeting on November 19 to Feature Wildlife Observations

Posted on November 7, 2024November 12, 2024 by caa

Wheaton Professor Jessie Knowlton, with her students at the Anthony Lawrence Wildlife Preserve

You are invited to attend the 35th annual meeting of the Attleboro Land Trust:

Tuesday, November 19
Murray Unitarian Universalist Church
505 North Main Street, Attleboro

The meeting will begin at 6:30 pm with the traditional social gathering with light refreshments, followed at 7:00 pm by the business meeting and keynote address.

We are excited to have Jessie Knowlton, Associate Professor of Biology at Wheaton College, deliver our keynote: “A Year in the Life of the Lawrence Preserve.”

Professor Knowlton will be discussing the one-year scientific study of our Anthony Lawrence Wildlife Preserve that began this summer and share the observations that her team from Wheaton and our local “citizen scientists” have made to date. Her presentation will include photos and video from a remotely-triggered wildlife camera, including deer, wood ducks, a coyote, and a bobcat.

This project, which will lead to recommendations for protecting the Lawrence Preserve ecosystem, is supported by a Giving While Living Grant from the Woodard & Curran Foundation.

The annual meeting is open to the public, so please bring a friend. Only members of the Attleboro Land Trust may vote during the brief business meeting.

If you have donated $25 or more in the past year, you are automatically considered a member. If you have donated $50 or more in the past year, two adult members of your household are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. Members should have received a notice of the meeting by U.S. mail. If you donate now, your membership will not expire until December 31, 2025.

Learn more about the Lawrence Preserve Study at the Attleboro Public Library on October 7

Posted on September 23, 2024October 20, 2024 by caa

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

Posted on August 31, 2024November 14, 2024 by caa

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. More information is available on the project page.

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.