Tag Archives: completed-projects

New Garden Compost Unit Assembled by Point32Health Volunteers

Posted on by

A group of Point32Health volunteers assembled a new compost system at the Attleboro Community Garden during the company’s annual volunteer week.

The compost system is an important part of the garden, it serves as a way for both gardeners and the community to recycle food waste and plants. This is a three bin compost, where raw materials are chopped into small pieces and given time to decompose in the first bin (left side). Worms, bugs and microbes feast on the material, breaking it down into small pieces. The middle bin is where the compost material has a chance to heat up and ‘cook’ the material. This is the stage where visually the most transformation happens, leaves, plant stalks, spoiled vegetables all are broken down and begin to look like soil. Finally, the third bin (far right) is where the compost is sifted to remove large pieces of material, rocks and other materials. Producing healthy soil that gardeners can re-use in their plots to fuel plant growth.

Work started months in advance, with the support from Phil at the Attleboro Land Trust and garden committee member Monica, designing and purchasing supplies for the new system. Many gardeners supported the efforts of disassembling the existing compost system, which was nearly 10 years old and had served its time well. The work of Point32Health volunteers was important as many hands were needed to assemble the compost bins. From the assembly of the wood frame, to attaching galvanized wire, all hands were busy. Many trusted advisors supported this project, both from the Attleboro Land Trust and active community gardeners the ensure the project went smoothly.

Gardeners are already using the new compost system. Soon, the finishing touches will be completed, including educational signs and lids to complete the project.

Feel free to stop by the community garden to see this completed project at the corner of Riverbank Road and Mechanic Street.

 

 

Another Eagle Project Benefits the Attleboro Land Trust

Posted on by

The Attleboro Land Trust recently benefitted from the completion of an Eagle project by Scout James Schwab of Troop 25 in Attleboro.  James and his crew constructed three bulletin boards and installed one at each of these properties:  the Leach Sanctuary, the Anthony Lawrence Wildlife Preserve, and the Nickerson Walking Woods Preserve.  The bulletin boards will be used to post trail maps, trail regulations, and other information about the properties.  We appreciate the hard work that went into this project.

James Schwab and crew installing a new bulletin board at the Leach Wildlife Sanctuary.    Image credit: C. Adler

Eagle Candidate Closes the Loop at the Colman Reservation

Posted on by

For almost three decades, the trail at the Colman Reservation was an “out and back” trail.  Visitors entering the property from the parking lot on Steere Street could walk to the Giant Hemlock, or further, but to get back to parking lot they had to turn around and go back they way they came.  All that has changed with the completion of a new section of trail that makes it possible to hike a loop that begins and ends at Steere Street.

The design and clearing of the trail was spearheaded by Dave Rolince, who volunteers as a site steward for the Colman Reservation.  Because the new trail crosses wetlands, several boardwalks were necessary.  Starting in the fall of 2021, Scout Zachary Dorrance of Troop 25 carried out an Eagle project that involved constructing the boardwalks.

Zachary assembled a crew of volunteers that did the bulk of the construction work last November.  He returned with his crew in April to finish the boardwalks and make other trail improvements.  Zachary also organized a fundraiser to cover the costs of materials for the project.

The Attleboro Land Trust is grateful to Zachary and his volunteers for the hard work they put into this much-appreciated improvement to the Colman Reservation.

Eagle project enhances three ALT preserves

Posted on by

Eagle candidate Felicity Norlin of Troop 1846 recently completed an Eagle project that involved construction of bulletin boards at the trail entrances for three Attleboro Land Trust nature preserves.  Felicity is shown in the center of the above photograph surrounded by her volunteer crew of Scouts, adult leaders, family, and friends, at the entrance to the Joseph and Margaret O’Donnell Nature Preserve.

A second bulletin board, shown above, was installed at Vaughan Memorial Forest.  The third bulletin board was installed at the Colman Reservation.

Bulletin boards have been on the land trust wishlist for a while and we thank Felicity and her crew for fulfilling this need.

Cleaning up after a storm

Posted on by

Severe winds have taken their toll on land trust properties in recent years, and we are surveying our lands now for any damage that might have been caused by Tropical Storm Isaias. Thanks to site steward Alan Henry, we already have one report of a downed tree blocking the Charlie Wyman Loop Trail on the Richardson Nature Preserve.  Volunteers will be clearing the trail in the next few days.

If you would like to help keep our conservation lands well managed, there are plenty of opportunities for volunteers.  Contact us to find out more.

Sensata Team Makes a Difference at Richardson Preserve

Posted on by

A team of Sensata employees returned to the Richardson Preserve on May 23 to install 270 linear feet of split-rail fencing.  This completes a boundary fencing project begun by the same team last year.

The Attleboro Land Trust appreciates the hard work of Sensata employees Tom Simbron, Tyler Hanna, and Harshad Tadas in completing our fencing project and the commitment of
the Sensata Corporation in making projects like this possible.    Image credit: C. Adler

Sensata employees completed the final phase of a boundary fencing project on May 23.    Image credit: C. Adler

The Attleboro Conservation Commission provided funds to purchase the materials for this project.  Generous support was also received from National Fence of Attleboro and Liston Portables.

Mother Nature Reminds Us Who Is In Charge!

Posted on by

Although we thought we had completed the boardwalks at the Richardson Nature Preserve a year ago, last winter’s storms told a different story.  You may remember that one storm took out the Wilmarth Street bridge over Chartley Brook.  Freezing, thawing, and flooding all took their toll on one of our boardwalks.  Repairs were made in the spring.  On December 1, a volunteer crew completed additional work to raise the boardwalk by six inches.  The crew consisted of (from left to right) Charlie Adler, Phil Boucher, Bruce Ingram, Bill Lewis, Dick Cheyne, and (not pictured) Russ Pray and Jim Keiper.  Since then, further structural support has been added.  We have our fingers crossed that we will get through this winter without any further difficulties.  Mother Nature, of course, will have the last word!

Another Milestone Accomplished at Richardson Preserve

Posted on by

Many hands combined to help the Attleboro Land Trust complete a new split rail fence on the Richardson Preserve just in time for the Opening Celebration on June 9.

With the support of Sensata Technologies of Attleboro, four Sensata employees managed to complete the installation of more than 400 feet of split rail fencing along the western boundary of the property on May 31.  This is yet another outstanding accomplishment in an ongoing partnership with Sensata.

Local businesses National Fence of Attleboro and Norton Equipment Rental were generous in their support of the project.  The Attleboro Conservation Commission provided funds to purchase the materials.

Even with a powerful auger, the team had to stop many times to dislodge some heavy boulders.    Image credit: C Adler

Richardson Boardwalks Completed

Posted on by

Thank you, Sensata Team, for volunteering your skills and energies over two days of hard work to build three new boardwalks at the Richardson Preserve on October 12 and 19. Your efforts will enable us to open new trails that will be enjoyed by the public for years to come.

Sensata team constructs boardwalk at Richardson Preserve    Image credit: C Adler

Boardwalk construction in progress    Image credit: C Adler