Attleboro Springs Opens to the Public

One hundred and seventeen acres of the La Salette Shrine off Park Street was opened to the public as a wildlife sanctuary on October 2, 2010, thanks to the generosity of the La Salette community and a strong collaboration among local officials and conservation leaders.

A partnership involving the City of Attleboro, Mass Audubon, and the Attleboro Land Trust began working with La Salette in 2006 to protect the property and provide for its future. The land is now permanently protected by a conservation restriction held by the City of Attleboro and the Attleboro Land Trust. Mass Audubon will manage this diverse landscape, which will be known as Attleboro Springs Wildlife Sanctuary at La Salette, while the Missionaries of La Salette will continue to own the property.

The property contains upland oak woods, red maple swamps, streams, vernal pools, a field, and a pond. The quality of its wildlife habitat led the Commonwealth to designate the property several years ago as among the most important for preservation of the state’s biodiversity. Notable wildlife include spotted turtles, several species of dragonflies and damselflies, a variety of amphibians, and forest-interior birds such as the wood thrush and ovenbird. Several trails wind through the property and allow exploration of the property's diverse natural and historical features.

Mass Audubon recently completed trails, bridges, and boardwalks to make the property more accessible for the public’s enjoyment.

Father John Sullivan spoke on behalf of the La Salette community at the opening of Attleboro Springs.  He emphasized the divine inspiration to be found in nature within the sanctuary. photo: Charlie Adler

Following the official opening of Attleboro Springs, a ceremony was held in memory of Don LeStage, past president of the Attleboro Land Trust and a key player in planning and organizing the community effort that led to the permanent conservation of the property. Here Ted Leach, current president of the land trust, unveils a granite bench with an inscription in honor of Don, while Linda LeStage, accompanied by family and friends, looks on. photo: Charlie Adler

 

Granite bench with inscription in memory of Don LeStage. photo: Charlie Adler

Visitors enjoying a puddingstone outcrop near one of the trails at Attleboro Springs. photo: Charlie Adler

Attleboro Springs Wildlife Sanctuary is located at 947 Park Street in Attleboro, just behind La Salette. Take Rt I-95 to exit 5 (Rt 152). Turn left off the exit ramp and take a right onto Rt 152 south. After 1.5 miles at the center of town, turn left onto Park Street. Follow Park Street for 1.5 miles; road will curve right. Pass the La Salette Shrine and take your next right at the stone gatehouse. The sanctuary is located at the end of the boulevard.