Tag Archives: news2

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Local business support makes a difference at the Charron Preserve

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The Attleboro Land Trust is grateful for services donated by WB Construction & Development and Ryan Asphalt in the construction of a gravel parking lot and stormwater management system at the Charron Farm Preserve.


WB Construction and Development constructed the gravel parking area and an infiltration basin to manage stormwater runoff.

 

Ryan Asphalt paved the twin driveways leading into and out of the parking area.

Photos by T.A. Charron

The Photographic Legacy of Martha Nickerson

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Martha L. Nickerson was not only the donor of the 48 acres of land that is now the Nickerson Walking Woods Preserve.  Her life was filled with accomplishments.  She held a doctorate in education and served as a school librarian and teacher, not only in Attleboro, but at U.S. military installations around the globe.  On her travels she excelled at photography, capturing what she saw in color slides.  Those images are now in the care of artist Kalliope Amorphous, who first began posting them online in 2014 under the title “A Life in Kodachrome.”  She recently felt a renewed desire to share her appreciation for these amazing photographs.  The expanded online collection, now renamed “Midcentury Archive,” can be viewed at these locations:

https://midcenturyarchive.com/

https://www.instagram.com/midcentury_archive/

https://www.facebook.com/MidcenturyArchive

https://www.pinterest.com/midcenturyarchive/

 

An earlier version of the website can still be found here:

https://marthanickerson.wordpress.com/

 

This post first published 7/23/19

 

Trail Dedicated to Former ALT President Larry St. Pierre

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On Saturday, June 1, a trail at the Handy Street Conservation Area, 109 Handy Street, was formally opened to the public.  The 80-acre preserve was acquired by the City of Attleboro in 2014 in a collaborative project that also involved the Attleboro Land Trust and Mass Audubon.  The trail is named in memory of Larry St. Pierre, who served as president of the land trust from 1991 to 1994 and 1997 to 2001.

The dedication ceremony featured remarks by Mayor Cathleen DeSimone, State Representative Jim Hawkins, Attleboro Conservation Agent Nick Wyllie, and Larry’s sister Linda and brother Michael.  Following the ceremony, Gary Krofta led a guided walk along the trail.

A temporary map of the trail is available here.  The program for the event may be downloaded here.

Mayor Cathleen DeSimone read a proclamation in memory of Larry St. Pierre as his son Joshua and widow Donna looked on.    Image credit: Dick LaCivita

State Representative Jim Hawkins spoke to thank everyone present for their efforts in preserving open space in the City.

Larry’s sister Linda and brother Michael shared some memories of Larry.    Image credit: Ken Salome

Donna and Joshua unveiled the sign while Charlie Adler formally dedicated the trail in memory of Larry.    Image credit: Ken Salome

The sign in memory of Larry explains his deep connection to this part of Attleboro. His grandparents owned a farm nearby on Park Street.    Image credit: Ken Salome

The family of Larry St. Pierre gathered around the sign created in his memory.    Image credit: Ken Salome

In fulfillment of the requirements for the rank of Eagle, Raphaiah Joseph, Troop 314, Foxborough, installed signposts along a new trail extension that will connect the St. Pierre Trail to Locust Street.    Image credit: Ken Salome

Scout Christopher Vallejos, Troop 25, Attleboro, built a boardwalk on a portion of the St. Pierre Trail to fulfill his requirements for the rank of Eagle Scout.    Image credit: Ken Salome

Gary Krofta led a guided walk along the St. Pierre Trail.    Image credit: Ken Salome

Conservation Agent Nick Wyllie (standing next to Gary) represented the Conservation Commission, owner of the Handy Street Conservation Area.    Image credit: Ken Salome

Make Arbor Day Last All Year Long!

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Please note there will be a 1 hour delay in the start of this event. 

The Attleboro Land Trust is excited to once again distribute free trees in honor of Arbor Day. Our goal is to empower individuals to contribute to a healthier environment for generations to come.

The trees will be distributed, while supplies last, at the Attleboro Land Trust table at the Spring Fling, which is being held at Balfour Riverwalk Park in downtown Attleboro on Saturday, April 20.  Originally scheduled to run from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, it will now start at 12:00 noon and end at 3:00 pm.

Both trees selected this year are native species that contribute significantly to our local wildlife habitat. When these trees flower in the spring, they attract pollinating insects, birds, and even bats.  By planting one of these beautiful trees in your yard, you will be supporting the survival of its pollinators, many of which are facing the peril of habitat loss.

Downy Serviceberry (photo credit: Arbor Day Foundation)

The Downy Serviceberry is a fine naturalizing species that is very adaptive to our local soils–on the edges of woodlands, the moist low areas, and the rocky slopes that are found in our area. The tree bears flowers in white drooping clusters at the beginning of spring in late April. Late summer finds small maroon fruit that birds are particularly fond of.  The tree’s fall color is pleasing though it does not last a long time. Arbor Day.org Downy Serviceberry Care Instructions

White/Bur Oak (photo credit: Arbor Day Foundation)

The White Oak/Bur Oak is a stalwart in woodlands as it supports many forms of life, from the soil to the top of the tree, including over 520 different pollinators.  Beginning in May, the flowers attract both nocturnal and diurnal insects, bats, butterflies, and birds, all of which help to produce acorns that are key to the survival of a number of birds and mammals.  Arbor Day.org White/Bur Oak Care Instructions

A huge thank you to the Arbor Day Foundation for providing affordable trees for our Arbor Day handout!

See their bare root planting instructions here:  https://www.arborday.org/trees/planting/bare-root.cfm 

Full Moon Hike

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Join us on Thursday January 25th for a full moon hike at the Deborah and Roger Richardson Nature Preserve. Beginning at 8 pm, ALT board members will lead a moonlit walk through the preserve. Dress warmly, including shoes that are waterproof, and bring a flashlight or headlamp. Walk is a little less than a mile! Short and sweet, but a great opportunity to see the full moon and its beauty!

Meet at parking lot at 577B Wilmarth Street.

Any cancellations due to weather conditions or overcast skies will be posted on our Facebook page.

Dogs not permitted at this event.