Laney Wilder is the executive director for the Concord Land Conservation Trust and an enthusiastic botanist. She holds a master’s degree in plant biology and conservation, with a focus on rare species and land stewardship. Laney is passionate about protecting and caring for natural and historical lands in light of our changing landscapes and connecting people with nature.

A Stroll Along Concord River: The Ecological and Historical Significance of October Farm Riverfront

May 15, 2021

Laney Wilder

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Concord’s October Farm Riverfront is a special place. Its 80 acres include more than a mile of river frontage, where the Concord River makes its great bend and turns to the north around Ball’s Hill. More than 100 years ago, noted ornithologist William Brewster purchased this land to save it from the developer’s axe, but it was not finally protected in perpetuity until 2016, when the Concord Land Conservation Trust and the Town of Concord teamed up to acquire the property with the generous support of many private donors and town and state funds.

The Summer Issue is Here!

As our nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this issue explores the people, ideas, and stories that continue to shape its legacy. Inside, Professor Robert A. Gross offers fresh perspective in “A Referendum on Independence,” while a special foldout guide, “Following in Thoreau’s Footsteps,” invites you to explore the landscapes that inspired him. Discover an unexpected connection in “A Tale of Two Authors,” revisit the moving story of “A Hawthorne Homecoming,” and enjoy summer events, arts, and ways to experience Concord firsthand.

The Alcott Archives: A Door to Discovery and Joy

At the library’s public unveiling of the collections on March 28, 2026, renowned Alcott scholar Daniel Shealy observed that the new holdings encompass “numerous unpublished letters, hundreds of books, complete manuscripts, important presentation copies of books—most of them first editions—ephemera, photographs, first appearances of tales in periodicals, obscure and rare printings of books, and even unpublished journals.” According to Professor Shealy, the collections as a whole are “almost breathtaking in [their] scope and importance.”

A Commentary on Lucy Worsley Investigates: The American Revolution

Lucy Worsley, a historian and television presenter, is recognized for presenting complex historical topics in an accessible manner while maintaining their nuances. In the series Lucy Worsley Investigates, she undertakes the challenging task of explaining the ideological, political, and human dimensions of the American Revolution to a general audience. The series also addresses the significant chronological and military complexities of the conflict. This documentary is ambitious and frequently engaging, particularly in its examination of the intellectual and cultural origins of the Revolution.

Laney Wilder

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A Stroll Along Concord River: The Ecological and Historical Significance of October Farm Riverfront