News & Events

Volunteers

Special thanks to this group of volunteers from Alnylam Pharmaceuticals who helped us clear a new trail and build benches overlooking a vernal pool in our Johnson-Henrich Preserve.

This LPS site is a focus of our conservation efforts this year, as it is astride the newly constructed Norton Rail Trail and receives a lot of use. In the Fall, with Alnylam's help we will continue working

on this site and others.

LPS is most appreciative of Alnylam's continued support of our efforts to preserve Norton's undeveloped land and make it accessible to the public through the development of trails and other amenities

including benches.

Without their help we would not have accomplished

all of our goals this year.

Current Projects

Norton High School Volunteers

In partnership with Norton’s Conservation Director, John Thomas; Norton High School’s shop teacher, David Cuddington, and his students; and the Attleboro YMCA, the Land Preservation Society has been working to expand and maintain trails across Norton.

Visit the Edith Read Conservation Area on North Worcester Street to explore Norton’s newest trails featuring boardwalks built by high school volunteers and an anonymous friend of Norton’s outdoor spaces. We are very grateful for this partnership and look forward to sharing more projects expanding access to Norton’s natural resources.

Ongoing Projects

Norton's Rail-Trail

The extension of the World War II Veterans Memorial Trail in Mansfield has finally come to Norton!

The nearly 4-mile long trail being constructed through the woods of Norton will connect with the 1.5-mile Mansfield trail. It will be officially completed in 2025.

While this is not an LPS project, we are pleased with the increased access the trail will bring to the Johnson and Henrich Woods and the Winthrop-Dahl Nature Preserve.

LPS generously provided access through the Winthrop-Dahl Preserve during the early planning of the trail in Norton. This revision to the original plan helps to keep riders and walkers off N. Washington St. for some distance providing a safer and more attractive trail. We plan to add interpretive signs on that segment to help visitors learn more about the plants, animals, etc. in the local ecosystem.

For the most recent updates on the rail-trail expansion, please visit its Facebook page, here.

Norton's Rail-Trail

The extension of the World War II Veterans Memorial Trail in Mansfield has finally come to Norton!

The nearly 4-mile long trail being constructed through the woods of Norton will connect with the 1.5-mile Mansfield trail. It will be officially completed in 2025.

While this is not an LPS project, we are pleased with the increased access the trail will bring to the Johnson and Henrich Woods and the Winthrop-Dahl Nature Preserve.

For the most recent updates on the rail-trail expansion, please visit its Facebook page, here.

Blue Trails

What is a Blue Trail?

Blue trails are publicly accessible waters navigable by canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards.

So What is Happening in Norton?

Norton's latest master plan has determined the development of blue trails as a key to expanding outdoor recreation opportunities within the town. Be sure to stay tuned!

November, 2024

Saturday, November 23, 2024 - RAINED OUT!

Time: 1:00-3:00 PM

Woodward Forest, Norton

— Enjoy a short, self-guided walk along the Woodward vernal pond trail

(maps provided).

— Come by any time between 1-3 PM.

---The route typically takes between 30-60 minutes.

— LPS volunteers will be on-hand along the trail.

— Discover the cultural and natural history of this Norton land.

— Learn about Woodward at the time of the first Thanksgiving.

Or just have a nice walk!

— Leashed dogs are welcome.

— We’ll be serving hot cider!

Woodward Forest begins at Gateway Lane

From Norton Center, take Rt. 140 S for about 2 miles.

Turn left on Old Taunton Avenue. Turn left onto Gateway Lane.

The entrance (trailhead) is at end of the turnaround.

Plenty of parking is available on Gateway Lane.

Should the weather cause cancellation, materials for the self-guided walk

are available below - scroll down.

The Past, Present and Future of Birds

Flight Paths

Prof. Jessie Knowlton presented a fascinating talk on May 19, 2024 at the Annual Joint Norton Historical Society and Land Preservation Society. Here are some of the topics she covered.

Disappearing Species

2.9 Billion birds are gone since 1970.

Some Groups are Disappearing Very Rapidly

Grassland birds are the hardest hit. Their population has been reduced by 53%.

In contrast, Eastern Forest birds have been reduced by 17%.

Some Groups are Increasing in Numbers.

Waterfowl, raptors and turkeys have made gains.

Causes of Bird Mortality

By far, cats are most responsible. They are estimated to have killed over 2 billion birds. Collisions with buildings and vehicles, poisons, and electrical lines have huge impacts as well.

How to Help Birds

Keep cats indoors, make windows safer, don't use pesticides, plant native plants, leash dogs, and buy bird-friendly coffee, chocolate and tea, if possible. Join, donate to or otherwise help LPS of Norton!

Watch The Talk

The entire talk will be available soon thanks to the Norton Media Center. We will link to the video when it is available.

See the Video: the talk starts at the 30 minute point.

News, Events & Projects

Norton High School Students Helping with Signage at the LA Foster Preserve on Taunton Ave

Volunteers