Although we initially entertained the possibility of trying raise money to purchase the property ourselves, we eventually decided to support the city's purchase of the property. We also began to look around the city to see what other areas ought to be protected. Our first gift In 1993 Adele B. Colman donated 77 acres of land on Steere Street to the Attleboro Land Trust. The Colman Reservation, which is also accessible from Dorrance Street, is about half forested wetland and half upland forest. Some natural features of particular interest are a 200-year old hemlock tree and a glacial erratic boulder about 15 feet in diameter.
Trails criss-cross the area.
Our plans for the reservation are to upgrade the trail system, including boardwalks across some of the wet terrain. We are also creating a parking area on the property, so that visitors can park and use the trails. In 1994 Anthony Lawrence donated a 48-acre parcel to our organization. The Lawrence Wildlife Preserve abuts the Hill Roberts Elementary School site in South Attleboro. The property is accessible from the end of Hope Avenue, which runs off Newport Avenue across from the South Attleboro American Legion.