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, which began in June.
Members of the public are invited to participate in the project as Volunteer Observers by visiting the Preserve on their own and reporting what they observe. Professor Knowlton and her team of Wheaton students have already identified many species of plants and animals observed over the summer. However, one goal of the study is to record seasonal changes in the Lawrence Preserve ecosystem, so it would help to have more eyes and ears at the site throughout the remaining nine months of the study. You, as a citizen scientist, might encounter an elusive bird, mammal, or amphibian that no one has yet seen.
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, you need 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.