Last spring, we asked for your help to raise the $3.6 million needed to turn a 481-acre former cranberry farm in Plymouth into a wildlife sanctuary for all to enjoy. And so many of you responded with enthusiasm and generosity.

Sanctuary Director Lauren Kras

Since that time, we officially purchased the property, welcomed the sanctuary’s inaugural director, created trails, installed signs, and added a parking lot. In January, the ribbon was figuratively cut on Tidmarsh Wildlife Sanctuary. And that is just the beginning, thanks to the leadership of Lauren Kras, Sanctuary Director.

Lauren comes to Mass Audubon from New Hampshire where she served as the President of the Seacoast Chapter of NH Audubon and Conservation Easement Steward at the New Hampshire Forest Society. An avid birdwatcher, conservationist, photographer, and hiker, Lauren holds a Master of Science degree in Plant Biology from the University of New Hampshire where she studied rare, threatened, and endangered plant species.

Alder in bloom at Tidmarsh

Putting her skills to work immediately she began the sanctuary’s sandplain restoration, opening more trails, and working with members of the community to share this beautiful sanctuary and programs with people of all ages and abilities.

See the progress for yourself this spring. In addition to Statewide Volunteer Day projects and weekly Herring Walks with Living Observatory, there will be a family-friendly Open House on Saturday, June 2. The Open House will provide opportunities to explore on your own, join a guided walk, meet the Tidmarsh team, and watch for herons and kestrels soaring overhead.