r/AttleboroMA

Capron Park Zoo - We are so very grateful to be the recipient of this donation from the New England Herpetological Society! NEHS is a nonprofit dedicated to conserving reptiles and amphibians, advancing herpetological education, and fostering a welcoming community for both lifelong enthusiasts and those newly curious about the natural world. Founded in 1972, NEHS has grown over 50 years into a regional organization, supporting herpetology through field events, educational programs, research and conservation grants, resources, and advocacy for responsible practices that protect native species and their habitats.

"DeSimone said rising health insurance costs — up 8.4% — are the primary driver of the deficit. Health insurance expenses are tied to full-time employees."

"The city currently pays 75% of each employee’s insurance premium, with employees covering the remaining 25%. She told the council six or seven full-time employees will be let go."

"Mayor Cathleen DeSimone says layoffs are planned as the city faces a $2.5 million budget deficit."

"She declined to name the affected departments or positions, saying the city must wait until impacted employees are notified." Reported By Rhianwen Watkins rwatkins@thesunchronicle.com

Attleboro’s first Miyawaki Forest -"The effort has been a long time coming, ever since Rob Moir, a Cambridge-based environmental scientist and executive director of the non-profit Ocean River Institute, approached the city with the idea in 2024."

"Roughly 550 saplings spanning 50 species were planted Friday and Saturday, including oaks, chestnuts, red maples, birches, cherry trees, crabapple trees, holly trees, and mountain ash, among several others."

"On Friday, the high school students were tasked with finding the tagged saplings and transporting them on wheelbarrows back to the field."

“It was bubbling,” said Mike Davis, Attleboro Sustainability Commission chair. “All these people kept showing up, I just didn’t expect it ... I figured there’d be about 10 of us working into the night.”

"Another motivation for Moir in implementing more forests around the state, is to help protect North Atlantic right whales, an endangered species off the Gulf of Maine, where contaminated water is severely diminishing phytoplankton, their main food source. Even though Attleboro is not a coastal area, runoff from the city can still make its way to the ocean, he said." Reported By Rhianwen Watkins rwatkins@thesunchronicle.com