Waltham Land Trust

Spring Bird Walk Along the Charles May 2, 2026

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:51:09 GMT

Join WLT expert birder Emily Szczypek for a Spring bird walk along the Charles River!

27th Annual Charles River Earth Day Cleanup April 25, 2026

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 03:34:19 GMT

Clean up is now FULL. Sign up will go to a wait list for the 27th anniversary of this special event and help remove litter or invasive plants from along the banks of the Charles River!

Annual Free Training for Volunteer Trail Stewards April 18, 2026

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 04:08:11 GMT

Join us for our free, annual training for volunteer trail stewards that covers native/invasive plants and trail sustainability. Cohosted with City of Waltham Ranger Adam Green, the workshop features classroom and “in the field” instruction.

Spring Equinox Fundraiser at Craft Food Hall, March 20, 2026

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 21:25:06 GMT

About twenty people enjoyed tasty food, delicious drinks, and exciting ping pong at Craft Food Hall to celebrate the Vernal Equinox. This was our first event at CFH, and we'll be sure to schedule another one there in the future. Please join us!

Spring Equinox Walk at Prospect Hill Park Event, March 20, 2026

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 20:47:41 GMT

25 folks and one dog celebrated the Vernal Equinox with a chilly walk at Prospect Hill Park. We met at Craft Food Hall and trekked on the "alternate" New Year's Day hike route on the park's west-side to the vista at Little Prospect.

Snakes of New England and the World, March 28, 2026

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 14:35:15 GMT

Over 60 nature lovers of all ages came to Christ Church for a program with Rick Roth the Snake Man and the Cape Ann Vernal Pool Team . We were introduced to many snakes found in New England and the world. Members of the team walked through the audience with them so everyone could see up close and take photos.

Afterwards, brave people who wanted to hold the legless reptiles were given that opportunity.

Many thanks to the Waltham Cultural Council for supporting this event!

Annual Duck Walk Along the Charles River 02/28/2026

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 18:27:08 GMT

EVENT CANCELLED due to path conditions, not weather

Join us for walk along the Charles River trail in search of dazzling waterfowl visiting from northern climes, as well as our resident birds. Possible sightings include Bufflehead, Ring-necked, and Golden eye ducks, Hooded and Common mergansers, Great Blue herons, Red-tailed hawks, and Bald eagles! Bring cameras and binoculars.

Registration is required and space is limited.

Event is now CANCELLED.

The Chateau Fundraiser 2026

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 21:28:46 GMT

Help raise money for saving land, building trails, and outfitting stewards while enjoying food and drinks from The Chateau!

Making Pollinator Gardens Easy! 02/11/2026

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 17:14:45 GMT

If you weren't able to attend this event you can check out this slideshow to learn more about Making Pollinator Gardens Easy !

Jake n JOES Fundraiser Event April 29, 2026

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 11:39:33 GMT

Help WLT earn a little money by enjoying food and drinks at this casual, sports-themed restaurant!

Insects for Beginners Event POSTPONED

Sat, 31 Jan 2026 12:37:57 GMT

To learn more about these fascinating animals, essential to life on earth, join us for a fun and educational program!

Waltham’s Wonderful Birds! 01/29/2026

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 17:16:10 GMT

On January 29th, about 45 people tuned into a WLT Zoom program entitled "Waltham's Wonderful Birds" with local naturalist, Michele Grzenda. Watch the YouTube video and look at Michele's PowerPoint presentation !

The Natural History of the Cornelia Warren Estate

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 17:13:27 GMT

The Natural History of the Cornelia Warren Estate:
Camp Cedar Hill, Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts
by Lesley Sneddon

Now Available!

Camp Cedar Hill is a portion of the former estate of Cornelia Warren . In keeping with her desire to maintain the land for public benefit, Ms. Warren wished to carry this tradition beyond her life by stating so in her will. After her death, the Trustees of Cedar Hill deeded five parcels of the estate among several beneficiaries, including the Massachusetts Girl Scouts (now the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts). To this day, Cornelia Warren’s legacy of philanthropy and social welfare continue to benefit the residents of Waltham and beyond.

19th Annual New Year's Day Hike 01/01/26

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 18:55:09 GMT

A total of 54 hardy environmentalists and two dogs braved the cold winds and icy conditions to carefully hike in Prospect Hill Park to the vista at Little Prospect. 22 left from Craft Food Hall for a longer, more gradual walk through the woods while 32 departed from the South Gate for a shorter but steeper trek. At the top we enjoyed cookies and stunning views of Waltham below and the Boston skyline in the distance. Be sure to join us next year, hopefully in better conditions!

Donate to our year end appeal

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 08:55:06 GMT

Support our work preserving and restoring land for the enjoyment of humans and wildlife. Your donation will also help us expand our trail network in 2026!

Beaver Brook North Hike 12/13/25

Sat, 13 Dec 2025 18:49:59 GMT

A solid group of eight folks and one dog trekked around Beaver Brook North Reservation with WLT Board Director Debbie von Rechenberg and her husband, Moritz. Stops were made at the Met Fern Cemetery and elsewhere. Several bird species were identified. It's a very pretty space to explore!

Bistro 781 Fundraiser Night 12/10/25

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 18:48:51 GMT

Thank Bistro 781 supporting local causes like the Waltham Land Trust by eating dinner there or ordering take out. Let your server or phone representative know that you are participating in the fundraiser and to “flag your check” so that WLT gets 10% of the food sale.

Giving Tuesday 12/02/25

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 18:51:57 GMT

Reclaim the true meaning of “the giving season” by joining people across the world donating to local charities like the WLT on the Tuesday after Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Give through the button below or mail a check dated December 2 to us at WLT, PO Box 541120, Waltham MA 02454.

Chester Brook Corridor South Hike 11/8/25

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 09:00:02 GMT

Learn about the history and nature of the southern part of the Chesterbrook Corridor on a walk through the woods on the Western Greenway Trail past the YMCA and Bishops Forest to Shady’s Pond and back.

Support WLT with a Community Bag Purchase at Hannaford All October

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 15:30:00 GMT

Starting October 1, WLT will receive a $1 donation for every $2.50 reusable Community Bag sold at the 55 Russell Street, Waltham MA , Hannaford store.

These bags are the best pick in the patch this October! When you visit the Waltham Hannaford store this month, get your own pretty blue reusable Community Bag for just $2.50. Every bag sold sends a $1 donation to the Waltham Land Trust.

Western Greenway 5K and 1st ever Monster Dash for Kids! 10/26/2025 at 12:00pm (11:30am for Monster Dash)

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 00:24:00 GMT

Celebrate Halloween with a spooktacular day on the trails! The Waltham Land Trust invites you to celebrate Halloween in the best way possible — moving through nature, in costume (if it’s safe to run in), and helping protect Waltham’s beautiful open spaces.

Since 2013, our Western Greenway 5K has brought together people of all ages to enjoy 3.1 miles of gorgeous fall scenery.

NEW for 2025! ��
Before the main race kicks off, kids ages 10 and under can join our 50-yard Monster Dash at 11:30 am — a quick, fun sprint where every child gets a small treat for participating. Free for children who attend with an adult running the 5K, $5 suggested donation otherwise. Perfect for little ghosts and goblins who want in on the action!

WLT Outreach Table at Farm Day 10/18/25

Sat, 18 Oct 2025 19:32:00 GMT

Celebrate Waltham’s last operating farm while enjoying fun activities, agricultural demos, games for all ages, and live music.

Waltham Land Trust 26th Annual Meeting 11/18/25

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 20:48:00 GMT

Close to 55 Waltham Land Trust supporters, including Mayor McCarthy, participated in our 26th Annual Meeting where WLT ED Sonja Wadman went over highlights from the year and honored Michele Grzenda with the Inge Uhlir Environmentalist of the Year award for her work heading up Save Waltham Wildlife (plus leading several bird walks). Then we heard from Brandeis professors about the oral histories they've collected regarding flooding in Waltham , received an update on the Mass Central Rail Trail and WLT's financial status , plus current WLT members voted on new and returning Board Directors. We finished by enjoying ice cream provided by Toscanini's. Check out the presentation below, as well as the YouTube video of the entire meeting, and join us next year!

Guided History Walk along the Mass Central Rail Trail 10/5/25

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 22:22:00 GMT

Learn about the history of the railway on which the Mass Central Rail Trail now sits from Rick Kfoury, President of the Boston & Maine Railroad Historical Society. Members of the Waltham Historic Society will also share their knowledge. Highlighted stops will include two former station locations, Waltham North and Waltham Highlands (which still stands).

Waltham Land Trust renews commitment to public Hardy Pond access, pond health

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 22:06:00 GMT

BY EMILY SAPERIA ● October 1, 2025 ● The Waltham Times

Over 35 Waltham Land Trust members, local officials and community members gathered at 170 Lakeview Ave. on Saturday to celebrate WLT’s purchase of a new 0.8 acre Hardy Pond-adjacent parcel for conservation and public recreation. The purchase expands Lakeview Preserve , which was purchased by the Land Trust in 2023. The gathering was preceded by a 1-mile WLT-guided tour of Hardy Pond’s Pondside Walkway .

Pre-Sunset Yoga Outdoors at Met State 9/30/25

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 21:08:00 GMT

Stretch and hold in a field at Met State with Jeanne Kelly, a popular yoga instructor at the Waltham YMCA. To get the WLT Member pricing, login when registering for the event. Rain date is October 10th.

Hardy Pond Walk and New WLT Land Celebration 9/27/25

Sat, 27 Sep 2025 21:46:00 GMT

Join us for a 1.5-mile leisurely walk on the Pondside Walkway , starting at 1:30pm, to learn about ongoing stewardship efforts to protect Hardy Pond, enjoying sights of nature along the way. We’ll end at the Land Trust’s Lakeview Preserve at 3:00pm to check out the new land we purchased in June.

Charles River Cleanup with 350 Mass Waltham 9/21/2025

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 22:14:00 GMT

Please join members of 350 Mass Waltham and the Waltham Land Trust as we clean up the Charles River Greenway. This area is a beautiful walking and biking path, and since it does not have any trashcans, can get dirty from time to time.

Outreach Table at Waltham Day 9/13/25

Sat, 13 Sep 2025 17:53:00 GMT

Don’t miss this fun, annual event for all ages with lots of community group tables, kids’ activities, entertainment, and snacks to purchase.

SGAR-free campuses in Waltham

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 21:49:00 GMT

SWW End of summer update September 5th, 2025

We’re happy to report that Waltham’s two universities, Bentley and Brandeis, which between them cover a good deal of green space and border on much more, have both stopped using SGAR poisons on their campuses. Bentley University clarified to us last spring, after several contacts, that they do not currently use SGARs in their bait boxes. More recently, Brandeis University agreed to stop using SGARs on their campus, after lobbying from SWW and from student groups. This is an especially welcome development given that several dead hawks, as well as a dying coyote pup, all found on the Brandeis campus, had tested positive for SGAR poisoning. (See the relevant article in the Waltham Times .)

SWW has since reached out to Brandeis students (some of whom have joined our email list!) regarding the importance of proper trash disposal and management for keeping rats at bay by depriving them of ready food sources. Part of this effort has been to have Brandeis students to take the “CAMPUS CHAMPION PLEDGE” (see the picture).

No feeding the rats

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 21:23:00 GMT

SWW End of summer update September 5th, 2025

We’re happy to note that the City’s new dumpster ordinance , which passed last spring with modifications suggested by SWW members and others, has come into effect as of this June. If you notice a problem dumpster in your neighborhood (overflowing, uncovered, rusted out, etc.), you might consider reporting it to the Health Department (781-314-3305). We have also been pleased to see some new big belly trash/recycling receptacles appearing around Waltham, for example at the newly renovated Logan Park, in addition to those installed earlier on the Waltham Common and on Main and Moody Streets. If there’s a park or playground near you that could use big belly receptacles, you might try reaching out to your Ward Councillor: How do I contact my city councilor .

A Walk In The Park Book is Back In Stock!

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 03:16:00 GMT

A Walk in the Park: A Guide to Plant Communities at Prospect Hill Park, Waltham, Massachusetts by Lesley Sneddon

This book is a nature guide for the non-scientist interested in learning about plants and basic ecology.

Bug Walk at Wellington Fields

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 14:27:00 GMT

Join WLT Stewards, Ranger Adam, and insect enthusiast Linda Graetz for a walk exploring the vital role insects play in supporting life on earth. Together, we’ll observe, describe, and share our finds—come prepared with sunscreen, long pants, sturdy shoes, and curiosity!

Coyote pup found at Brandeis tests positive for rodenticide previously used on campus

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 20:29:00 GMT

BY CYD ABNET ● August 21, 2025 ● The Waltham Times

A young coyote found at Brandeis University on July 25 has tested positive for a significant amount of second-generation anticoagulant rat poisons, two of which Brandeis University has reported using in the past. The coyote was found alive and died while in the care of a wildlife rehabilitator. Before its death, the rehabilitator reported that the coyote had a delayed blood clotting time, which is typical of SGAR-poisoned wildlife .

Sonja Wadman, director of Waltham Land Trust , says that Brandeis has pledged to stop SGAR use on their property. Wadman and the president of Brandeis Students for Environmental Action attended a meeting on May 1 with two Brandeis officials to discuss their SGAR use.

Fundraiser with Sweet Basil

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 17:17:00 GMT

Sweet Basil offers Italian-inspired cuisine, plus fresh and innovative cocktails, teas and beverages!

group table @ 6

WLT Outreach Table at Waltham Farmers’ Market

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 00:24:00 GMT

Stop by our outreach table at the Waltham Farmers’ Market to chat with us while picking up maps, trail guides, and upcoming event sheets. You can also buy the official WLT t-shirt or baseball cap to wear and show your support for our work saving/restoring open space. We have unisex and women’s t-shirt sizes!

Waltham’s green spaces thrive thanks to Waltham Land Trust

Sun, 03 Aug 2025 19:25:00 GMT

In case you missed this article about the Waltham Land Trust last month…

To control rats, save the raptors

Sun, 27 Jul 2025 21:09:00 GMT

By Linda Graetz, Guest Writer ● July 25, 2025 ● The Waltham Times

The death of a majestic bald eagle during the winter of 2023 sent shockwaves through the environmental community and sparked a local movement that continues today. The eagle, known as MK, was the third member of a family that once lived in Waltham’s Mount Feake Cemetery to die from anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning. This was yet again a tragic reminder of how efforts to control rodent populations can have devastating unintended consequences.

Inspired by environmental advocate and journalist Laura Kiesel’s presentation on the dangers of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides to wildlife, four concerned Waltham Land Trust members formed Save Waltham Wildlife that February. The group has an ambitious goal: to reduce and eventually eliminate the use of these deadly poisons throughout the city. SWW’s mission has taken on new urgency as Waltham grapples with what many residents simply call “the rat problem.”

Engaging youth in protecting local wildlife

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 20:58:00 GMT

By Newsroom ● July 25, 2025 ● The Waltham Times

The Waltham Land Trust met last Wednesday at the Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation with teens from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Waltham, Watertown and Newton. The participants were invited to brainstorm ways to engage younger people in the WLT’s work to end the use of rat poison that can harm and kill wildlife and outdoor pets. The meeting was organized by the WPS Institute , a local nonprofit that fosters educational innovation and opportunity in the classroom and beyond.

Lobby Day to Protect Animals from Rodenticides, July 24, 2025

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 14:07:00 GMT

Save Waltham Wildlife, an initiative of the Waltham Land Trust, was thrilled to be part of this exciting day of advocacy at the MA State House, urging legislators to pass H.965 / S.644 , a bill to restrict the use of rodenticides statewide.

Over 200 fellow nature lovers from the Berkshires to Cape Cod attended, with 50+ groups tabling to help spread the word.

We were happy to share our concerns with staff from Rep. Lawn and Rep. Stanley, and were grateful to personally meet with Senator Barrett. All three are co-sponsors of the bill.

See all the pictures on our Flickr !

Brainstorming Session w/Local Boys & Girls Clubs, July 23, 2025

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 14:01:00 GMT

WLT ED Sonja was pleased to present to teens from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Waltham, Newton, and Watertown about our programs.

She asked them to brainstorm answers to this question “How can we engage younger people in our activities, particularly our efforts to end the use of rodenticide in Waltham?” and was very impressed with their ideas!

Many thanks to WPS Institute for inviting us and to the Charles River Museum of Industry & Industry for hosting.

See all the pictures on our Flickr !

Private: Jake n JOES fundraiser

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 23:03:00 GMT

Help WLT earn money by enjoying food and drinks at this fun restaurant with a casual, sports-themed environment and plenty of outdoor and indoor seating.

Follow these instructions when ordering dine in or take out and we get 20% of your sale.

Email Sonja if you’d like to join us at the group table.

Summer Morning Bird Walk, July 19, 2025

Sat, 19 Jul 2025 13:53:00 GMT

Close to 20 people met at Shaw’s on the Charles for a bird walk along the river, led by WLT lead birder, steward, and photographer Emily S. Folks saw and/or heard 21 bird species, plus painted turtles (one of which was sharing a log with eastern amberwing dragonfly), and a blue dasher dragonfly.

This event was co-hosted with Brookline Bird Club and Menotomy-Arlington Bird Club.

See all the pictures on our Flickr !

Lemonade Social at Wellington Fields, July 12, 2025

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 21:49:00 GMT

Over 50 people came to the historic Wellington House property to enjoy lemonade, fruit, cookies, and other delicacies, plus hear updates on projects happening there from WLT leaders and City Councillor Bill Hanley.

Afterwards, many strolled the fields and admired the extensive ecosystem restoration work done by WLT stewards for five years.

Senator Mike Barrett also attended with his wife, Nancy, as did City Councillor Colleen Bradley-MacArther.

We extend our thanks to Wagon Wheel who loaned us pretty potted flowers, and to the City of Waltham for supporting our volunteers.

See all the pictures on our Flickr !

Japanese Knotweed Removal Party, June 21, 2025

Sat, 05 Jul 2025 19:36:00 GMT

Twenty WLT volunteer trail stewards and members of the general public met at Shaw’s on River Street for the first large-scale knotweed removal party in years!

The hard working group removed approximately 35 bags of the nasty invasive plant from the banks of the Charles River.

Many thanks to our leader, Ann McE for organizing and to MA Dept. of Conservation and Recreation for disposing of the bags!

See all the pictures on our Flickr !

Get to Know the Waltham Land Trust

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 16:05:00 GMT

On May 7, Waltham Land Trust Executive Director Sonja Wadman was the featured guest in the League of Women Voters’ Know Your City series. In this engaging conversation, Sonja dives into the heart of the Land Trust’s mission, ongoing projects, and its growing impact on the Waltham community.

Founded in 1999, the Waltham Land Trust (WLT) is an environmental nonprofit dedicated to conserving open spaces, restoring ecosystems, and connecting the community to nature. The idea was born out of frustration that the city was neglecting opportunities to preserve green space. Citizens joined forces to create a city-wide organization—and the WLT was born.

Since then, WLT has:

Trained over 300 trail stewards
Supported native habitat restoration
Advocated for land conservation protections
Launched community programs like Save Waltham Wildlife
Hosted signature events like the Green Space Blues Jam and 5K Trail Run/Walk

WLT thrives because of its passionate volunteers—especially the Trail Stewards who help maintain local trails, remove invasive species, and plant native vegetation. There’s also a core group helping with outreach, mailings, and events. WLT volunteers are truly the lifeblood of the organization.

From informative e-newsletters to hands-on events, WLT keeps the public engaged and informed. The team also advocates for conservation restrictions on city-owned land, ensuring green spaces are preserved for future generations.

WLT has also been instrumental in raising awareness about the dangers of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs), which pose serious threats to local wildlife and pets. Through the Save Waltham Wildlife campaign, they are working with the city and institutions like Brandeis to promote safer alternatives.

Waltham is rich in trails, but many residents don’t know where to go or how to access them. WLT offers printable maps and guides on their website for dozens of open spaces. While many trails are wooded and not ADA-accessible, WLT is working to identify and highlight more accessible options.

Some trail hubs include:

Prospect Hill Park
Mass Central Rail Trail
Charles River Pathway
Beaver Brook Reservation

Sonja shared updates on several exciting projects:

Connecting the Western Greenway to the Mass Central Rail Trail , including a proposed bridge over a waterway near the Lyman Estate.
Lakeview Preserve —WLT’s first owned land on the shores of Hardy Pond, where green infrastructure will reduce runoff and improve water quality.

Held at the historic Stonehurst Estate , the Blues Jam is one of WLT’s biggest fundraisers. Attendees enjoy live music, local drinks, and a silent auction—all supporting land conservation. Discounts are available for members and attendees under 40.

WLT is funded through memberships, donations, grants, and event sponsorships. Annual membership starts at just $25, with a “living lightly” option at $15 for seniors, students, and others. Members receive newsletters, discounts to events, and the satisfaction of supporting Waltham’s green future.

Want to get involved?

�� Watch the full interview on YouTube

�� What Is the Waltham Land Trust?

�� Powered by Volunteers

�� Education & Advocacy

�� Trails and Access

�� Big Projects Underway

�� A Night to Remember: Green Space Blues Jam

�� Become a Member or Supporter

�� Visit walthamlandtrust.org
�� Sign up for the newsletter
�� Become a member
�� Volunteer or attend an upcoming event
�� Watch the full video interview: https://youtu.be/iyImcrzDZh8?feature=shared

Guided Evening Bird Walk, June 17, 2025

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 19:29:00 GMT

It was a misty evening, but 20 bird lovers met at the Sear’s Land in Weston to walk on a trail in the woods towards a large pond that is a heron rookery!

Then we went on the Mass Central Rail Trail to get a different angle of the nests and set up a scope that Westonian Michael Pappone provided.

In total, we saw Wood Ducks, Mallards, Double-crested Cormorants, Great Blue Herons, an Eastern Wood-Pewee, an Eastern Phoebe, a Great Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbirds, Blue Jays, a Tufted Titmouse, Tree Swallows, a Barn Swallow, a White-breasted Nuthatch, Gray Catbirds, an Eastern Bluebird, American Robins, American Goldfinches, Chipping Sparrows, Song Sparrows, an Orchard Oriole, Red-winged Blackbirds, Common Grackles, Northern Cardinals, and an Indigo Bunting.

Many thanks to our leader, Michele Grzenda!

See all the pictures on our Flickr !

21st Annual Green Space Blues Jam, May 16, 2025

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 16:40:00 GMT

110 happy gala attendees soaked up the beautiful and historic atmosphere of Stonehurst, the Robert Treat Paine Estate, during the 21st Annual Green Space Blues Jam. The WLT’s biggest fundraiser of the year featured music by Paul Rishell and Annie Raines, snacks from CRISP Catering, cake from Montillo’s, drinks from Boston Beer Company, Stormalong Cider, Sumo Liquors, and Hannaford, and items from the online auction. Everyone had a fabulous time and can’t wait to return to Stonehurst for next year’s Jam!

See all the pictures on our Flickr !

Yoga Fundraiser Shiva Shakti, April 29 2025

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 16:31:00 GMT

Sixteen yoga enthusiasts attended an indoor gentle, restorative session with instructor Gwen in the studio upstairs from the WLT office on Common Street, Shiva Shakti. It was wonderful! Gwen read quotes from Transcendentalist writers while invoking images of nature when urging participants to hold stretches and poses. So cool!

See all the pictures on our Flick r!

Get out on the trails

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:56:00 GMT

Get outside and on the trails! Waltham and its neighboring communities offer numerous well-marked and maintained trails through a variety of beautiful natural landscapes.

The WLT has produced a series of Guide to Open Spaces available as a free resource on our website.

26th Annual Charles River Earth Day Cleanup, April 26, 2025

Sat, 31 May 2025 17:07:00 GMT

On a very windy Tuesday, WLT ED Sonja Wadman joined DCR Commissioner Arrigo and the leadership of other organizations running the 26th Annual Charles River Earth Day Cleanup for a photo near the Hatchshell on the Esplanade. Then on a rainy Saturday, close to 120 people braved the weather to remove litter and invasive plant species from the Charles in Waltham. The largest number of volunteers was based out of Shaw’s, while students from Brandeis and folks from SAME Boston Post Suffolk, the Island Neighborhood, and Scout Troop 250 tackled upriver sections. In total, about 120 bags of refuse and weeds were collected. Many thanks to all who participated, and to Shaw’s/Star, Trader Joe’s, and Hannaford for donating snacks.

See all the pictures on our Flickr !

Become a Member

Fri, 30 May 2025 23:44:00 GMT

Founded in 1999, the Waltham Land Trust’s mission is to create a legacy of land conservation in Waltham by promoting, protecting, restoring, and acquiring open space with a community of volunteers and a small staff that operates with mutual respect and goodwill towards each other

Join the team and become a member today.

Open space needs your help

Thu, 29 May 2025 23:56:00 GMT

Protecting and preserving takes time, energy and your support. Volunteers build trails and maintain them. Your support helps provide the tools and supplies.

Please consider a donation to help protect and preserve open space in Waltham. Thank you!

Mindfulness Workshop & Walk, April 17, 2025

Sat, 10 May 2025 21:36:00 GMT

WLT joined forces with Agape Spiritual Community, Waltham Council on Aging, Friends of the Waltham Public Library, and Stonehurst to provide a mindfulness and stress-reduction workshop for about 44 participants. Matt Carriker from Agape led the session, first inside in the gorgeous and historic Paine Estate, then on trails as we quietly walked around the property. After our stroll, photos of the various first floor rooms open to the public were taken so folks can see where we’ll be for WLT’s Green Space Blues Jam on May 16. Join us!

See all the pictures on our Flickr !

Annual Stewards’ Training, April 12, 2025

Sat, 26 Apr 2025 20:42:00 GMT

On a rainy Saturday, we held our annual free training for volunteers interested in becoming WLT trail and land stewards, restoring ecosystems throughout the Watch City. Hosted by Ranger Adam Green at the Prospect Hill Park Lodge, we began with a season kickoff lunch with current and future stewards, then went over presentations that covered the stewardship program, invasive versus native plants, and recognizing when a trail isn’t sustainable. Ranger Adam then brought in samples of invasive plants from the park since it was too rainy to go outside. To learn about our stewardship program, go to walthamlandtrust.org/trail-stewards/ under Projects on the WLT website. We’d love to have you involved!

See all the pictures on our Flickr!

Duck Walk along the Charles, March 1, 2025

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 18:51:00 GMT

After having to postpone twice due to the weather and icy trail conditions, we finally had our annual walk along the river in search of visiting waterfowl. We saw Bufflehead, Goldeneye, Ring-neck, and Mallard ducks, plus a Lesser Scaup, Mocking birds, Red-winged blackbirds, Canada geese, a Downy woodpecker, Ring Bill gulls, and a male Cardinal. Join us next time!

See all the pictures on our Flickr!

We Were Hiring

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 02:13:00 GMT

WLT Seeks Part-time Tech/Development Manager

The Waltham Land Trust is seeking a part-time employee to assist the organization and its Executive Director with a variety of tasks to grow its mission and legacy of land conservation in the City of Waltham. Come join an ever-expanding community of volunteers and a small staff that envisions growth in public appreciation of natural resources, preservation and restoration of native habitats, and increased biodiversity to foster a healthier environment.

This part-time position is designed to assist the Land Trust with sharing information about its initiatives, programs, and successes with the community and its supporters. The role includes managing the social media, website, IT and constituent relationship management (CRM) systems of the corporation, and providing support to the Executive Director and the Board of Directors on development initiatives, as needed. This position has flexible hours, but the engagement is for an average of 15 hours per week with 2 weeks of paid time off at the rate of a 15-hour work week, per year, and sick time in accordance with Massachusetts law.

Here’s the full job description.

Please send resumes to resumes@walthamlandtrust.org by April 1, 2025.

Winter Wonders Animal Program for Kids

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 21:55:00 GMT

Twenty-eight animal lovers, mainly children and their families, welcomed Matt Gabriel of Animal World Experience and five of his creatures to the Christ Church for a special February school vacation program program. We were thrilled to meet Drago the tegu (a type of Central American lizard), Fettuccine the degu (a South American rodent), Hissy Elliot the python, Boo the kinkajou (a South American animal similar to a raccoon), and Chubbs the alligator. We learned how they and other animals adapt to winter conditions. We got to pet all of them, except the degu and kinkajou. This program was supported in part by a grant from the Waltham Cultural Council, a local agency that is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

See all the pictures on our Flickr!

Mass Central Rail Trail Walk, January 25, 2025

Sat, 15 Feb 2025 23:00:00 GMT

Close to 25 people came on a chilly walk along the new Mass Central Rail Trail between Prospect Hill Street and Linden Street. We have been advocating for this multi-use, multi-town path for decades and are thrilled it’s finally open in Waltham! Several of us ate at Panera Bread afterwards as part of the WLT fundraiser there.

See all the pictures on our Flickr!

Stewards’ Appreciation Party, January 12, 2025

Sat, 15 Feb 2025 22:50:00 GMT

Twenty-five of WLT’s volunteer trail and land stewards gathered at Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co. to celebrate another successful season with a fun pot luck, sponsored in part by the WLT Board of Directors. Folks brought a variety of delicious dishes and had a wonderful time. Sign up to be a steward so you can join in next year’s festivities!

See all the pictures on our Flickr !

Waltham Has a Rat Problem

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 00:19:00 GMT

“Like many cities, Waltham has a rat problem.

The city health inspector said that although winter has brought on a lull in rodent activity, he and others are taking steps to combat the critters. Recent steps toward addressing rodent-related issues in the city include Waltham Land Trust’s Save Waltham Wildlife initiative, which encourages residents to avoid using anticoagulant rodenticide that can harm other forms of wildlife, and a proposed city ordinance, which would impose new rules on dumpster owners to help deter rodent activity.”

To read the whole article, go to the Waltham Times .

Annual New Year’s Day Hike, January 1, 2025

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 22:56:00 GMT

Over 100 people and a few dogs joined us for our annual First Day Hike at Prospect Hill Park. That is a great turnout considering the weather was not ideal. About half of the attendees left from the traditional spot near the South Gate to PHP and the other half departed thirty minutes earlier from Craft Food Hall for a longer hike through the park. We all met at Little Prospect for high fives and photographs. Hooty the Donation Owl graciously collected $125! We hope you and your family join us next year.

See all the pictures on our Flickr !

Beaver Brook Historic Reservation Walk, December 14, 2024

Sun, 29 Dec 2024 22:20:00 GMT

It was a chilly but sunny day as fifteen people strolled around the southern part of BBH Reservation, the first park established by the Commonwealth in 1893. We admired many special trees, briefly crossed over Beaver Brook into Belmont, and learned that the non-profit that would be become The Trustees of Reservations was formed in 1892 to save the endangered Waverly Oak–making it the first conservation group in the country. A few days after the walk, a news piece about how the state is digitizing its historic documents highlighted plans of BBH, then called Beaver Brook Oaks! Note how they are marked Plan #1 for the state in 1893!

See all the pictures on our Flickr !

25th Annual Meeting, November 19, 2024, with presentations!

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 22:58:00 GMT

To celebrate the WLT’s 25th year of incorporation, we held our 25th Annual Meeting and 54 people attended, including Mayor McCarthy. After hearing about program and stewardship highlights, we heralded Betty MacKenzie as the Environmentalist of the Year. Professor Mike Barnett amazed us with a presentation about engaging local youth as environmental justice and community educators through his work at the Charles River Collaboratory. Laurel Carpenter talked about the now-open Mass Central Rail Trail (YAY!), current WLT members voted to welcome Rita Cramer and Emily Szczypek to the Board of Directors, and we enjoyed Toscanini’s Ice Cream. Be sure to join us next year!

You can view the slideshow presentations by downloading the PDFs below.

WLT 2024 Annual Meeting Presentation

Mass Central Rail Trail Presentation at WLT Annual Meeting 2024

Charles River Collaboratory Presentation at WLT Annual Meeting 2024

See all the pictures on our Flickr!

Walk along Renovated Charles River Path, November 16, 2024

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 17:31:00 GMT

Close to 50 people came on our stroll on the newly renovated path along the Charles River between Prospect Street and the Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation. That was a lot of people! We’re grateful to the MA Dept. of Conservation & Recreation for investing in this popular trail with invasive plant control, new benches, and a smooth pathway.

See all the pictures on our Flickr !

Trails Opening Celebration with DCR and City of Waltham, November 12, 2024

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 19:59:00 GMT

On a very windy day, which fueled wildfires across the Commonwealth and led to a delayed starting of this event, the MA Dept. of Conservation & Recreation invited City of Waltham officials and local advocates to a ribbon-cutting, celebrating the renovated Charles River path and nearby new Mass Central Rail Trail. The WLT was well represented with many folks excited for the opening of these essential recreational and alternative transportation corridors!

See all the pictures on our Flickr !

Western Greenway 5K Trail Run/Walk, October 27, 2024

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 21:31:00 GMT

On a sunny day (for once), 115 people crossed the finish line of the WG5K. We were so impressed with the enthusiasm expressed by all who participated, including volunteers! Thanks to our major sponsors, Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co, Brandeis Aging Brain Study, and Garden Remedies Cannabis. Be sure to join us next year!

See all the pictures on our Flick r !

YMCA Western Greenway Walk, October 18, 2024

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 23:20:00 GMT

A dozen members of the Waltham YMCA joined WLT ED Sonja Wadman for a quick nature walk along the Western Greenway trail in the Chester Brook woods north of the Y’s property. We were out in the late afternoon and were happy to hear the buzzing sounds of insects, the chirping of birds, and the rustling of leaves as we walked past centuries old stone walls and over recently repaired boardwalks to Shady’s Pond and back. We hope to do more of these walks in the future!

See all the pictures on our Flickr !

Reverse Tashlich Charles River Cleanup, September 29, 2024

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 20:43:00 GMT

Twenty-two people, most of whom were from Temple Emunah in Lexington, plus a handful of WLT Stewards, removed “society’s sins” from the waters and banks of the Charles River in the third Reverse Tashlich we’ve organized with them as part of The International Jewish Waterfront Cleanup. We look forward to next year’s event!

See all the pictures on our Flickr !

Outdoor Autumnal Equinox Yoga, September 23, 2024

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 20:11:00 GMT

Fourteen yoga enthusiasts walked up to Little Prospect to celebrate the Autumnal Equinox by practicing yoga outside. We had to postpone this event twice! So happy it finally happened—the leaves were just starting to turn. Gorgeous! Thanks to instructor Jeanne Kelly for leading us!

See all the pictures on our Flickr !

Walk to and around Wellington Fields, September 22, 2024

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 20:06:00 GMT

Thirteen people met by the Dog Ranch in North Waltham for a hike on the Western Greenway and its fabulous long boardwalk through the Met State property to Wellington Fields and back. WLT Steward Betty MacKenzie and City of Waltham Ranger Adam Green led the group.

See all the pictures on our Flickr !

Lakeview Preserve Celebration, September 8, 2024

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 18:22:00 GMT

On a gorgeous Sunday, close to 50 people gathered at the WLT’s Lakeview Preserve on Hardy Pond to recognize and thank the Giardina family for their stewardship of their lakefront property and their commitment to ensuring the public’s enjoyment of it by selling the land to WLT. We enjoyed a plaque dedication, brief remarks, refreshments, and games!

See all the pictures on our Flickr !

Guided Mushroom Foray, August 10, 2024

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 18:31:00 GMT

Eleven fungi enthusiasts joined Corie Constantino of the Boston Mycological Club on a walk around an open space in Waltham in search of mushrooms. It was a warm morning after much rain had fallen, so conditions were good. After seeing a descent number of interesting fungi, we were hugely rewarded at the end with a gorgeous Chicken of the Woods on a tree far off the path in the woods.

See all the pictures on our Flickr !

Bird Walk along the Charles, July 20, 2024

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 18:16:00 GMT

A dozen folks from the Waltham Land Trust, Brookline Bird Club, and Menotomy Bird Club met at the Shaw’s for a morning jaunt along the river. They saw a decent number of birds, but sadly, were unable to take most photos in time. Be sure to join us next time!

See all the pictures on our Flickr !

Middlesex County Hospital Lands Hike, July 14, 2024

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 18:10:00 GMT

The weather was hot and steamy but pleasant in the woods as five people and one dog trekked on the Western Greenway Trail from Our Lady’s Church through the Middlesex County Hospital lands north of Trapelo Road. We crossed Woburn Street and walked into the Met State Hospital property over the long boardwalk in Lexington.

We thank WLT steward Alan Richardson for his amazing work clearing the path for our passage!

See all the pictures on our Flickr !

Early Morning Bird Walk, June 30, 2024

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 17:30:00 GMT

Fourteen birders met at 7:00 a.m. just over the town line at the Sears Land in Weston. WLT member and super birder Michele Grzenda led the group to the heron rookery there. They saw 35 bird species, including an Indigo Bunting, an Eastern bluebird, a Red-tailed hawk, a Gray catbird, Great Blue herons, an Eastern kingbird, a Copper’s hawk, and a chipping sparrow. Check out the entire list here: ebird.org/checklist/S184537327

We thank Michele for sharing her time and experience with us!

See all the pictures on our Flickr !

Riverfest Stroll, June 15th, 2024

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 16:28:00 GMT

On June 15th, thirteen people took part in a stroll along the Charles River during Waltham Riverfest. WLT lead steward Jarek Reihner explained two restoration projects he’s undertaking in “Woerd Woods” between the Watch Factory and the boat launch on Woerd Ave.

Join us at next year’s Riverfest, always the Saturday of Father’s Day weekend!

See all the pictures on our Flickr !

Wildflower & Native Plant Walk

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 18:51:00 GMT

On June 13th, sixteen plant enthusiasts joined WLT members Lesley Sneddon and Betty MacKenzie on a walk around Cedar Hill Girl Scout Camp on Beaver Street. Several local historians also came, and a few WLT stewards couldn’t help removing invasive plants along the way. It was a beautiful evening! Many thanks to WLT Board member Diana Young for making the arrangements.

See all the pictures on our Flickr !

20th Annual Green Space Blues Jam

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 20:24:00 GMT

86 happy revelers celebrated WLT’s 20th Blues Jam, generously hosted once again by BXP at their 10 CityPoint location. Sonya Rae Taylor and her fabulous band got folks dancing, people mingled while looking at various auction items, and delicious food/drinks were consumed. We thank Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Boston Beer Company, Sumo Liquors, and Stormalong Cider for donating their yummy products!

See all the pictures on our Flickr !

Green Space Blues Jam – June 9th, 2024

Sun, 14 Apr 2024 17:17:00 GMT

Join us for our 20th Green Space Blues Jam on Sunday June 9th and hear the fabulous Sonya Rae Taylor and band live! The GSBJ will be at 10 City Point, 500 Totten Pond Road, Waltham MA. Doors open at 2pm. Plenty of parking!

Buy your tickets online now !

After 6pm June 8th, tickets must be purchased at the door.

Green Possibilities Forum 2023 – City Councillor Candidates

Fri, 13 Oct 2023 16:27:00 GMT

On October 11th and 12th, the Waltham Land Trust held the Green Possibilities Forums for City Councillor candidates . With the At-large Councillor candidates on the first night and the Contested Ward Councillor candidates on the second night, these forums provided Waltham’s voting public an opportunity to directly hear candidates’ views about environmental and conservation topics. Seven of twelve At-large candidates participated: Colleen Bradley-MacArthur, George Darcy, Stephen Duffy, Tim King, Emily Saperia, Thomas Stanley, and Emma Tzioumis; and five Ward candidates participated: Robert Davis (Ward 7), Eamon Dawes (Ward 9), Bill Hanley (Ward 3), Robert Logan (Ward 9), and John McLaughlin (Ward 4).

During the forums, the candidates answered our five questions:

In the coming years, the MWRA will be digging a new tunnel through Waltham and building infrastructure at Lawrence Meadow, the property owned by the University of Massachusetts on Beaver St. What are the opportunities to use the two million dollars set aside for the cleanup of Lawrence Meadow and to ensure this important wetlands area is protected, cleaned up, and made useful to the public in the future?
Very few of the open spaces in Waltham are protected from future development. What is your plan for ensuring that land designated as public open space, such as land purchased with CPA funds, is permanently protected from future development, such as with a conservation restriction?
We are lucky to have many greenspaces in Waltham, but there’s a particular lack of it in the densely populated South Side area of Waltham. How could the City bring greenspace to this area?
The Riverwalk along the Charles River is a popular trail for residents and tourists alike, but some areas of the Riverwalk are experiencing an increase in illicit activities. What is your vision for ensuring the safety of people who want to use Waltham’s Riverwalk?
How should the City deal with the ongoing rat problem in a way that won’t harm Waltham’s wildlife?

Waltham Land Trust Secures New Office Space

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 19:08:00 GMT

The Waltham Land Trust is excited to announce the relocation of our administrative offices to downtown Waltham. It is with mixed emotions that we depart from 240 Beaver Street, where we rented from the University of Massachusetts starting in 2002. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed being part of the collaborative and inspiring Waltham Field Station community comprised of amazing people dedicated to sustainability, agriculture, and local food production.

As an organization, we’ve pledged to make stronger efforts to serve and represent a more diverse cross-section of the community, and we hope a move to downtown will help us achieve that goal. As well, locating closer to the Blue Heron Trail along the Charles River and the Mass Central Rail Trail is a strong match for our outdoor programs. Plus, we’ll be a stone’s throw away from the Waltham Common and Lower Moody Street, where we often participate in community festivals and events.

Our new location brings us closer to our regular haunts — City Hall, Government Center, Waltham Public Library, and the Main Street post office to name a few. At the crossroads of Main Street and Moody, our new office positions us at the heart of Waltham’s local business sector and near some of Waltham’s most beloved institutions-homegrown restaurants and companies that have long supported our mission of open space preservation with frequent donations to our benefit events and easy willingness to host “give back” fundraisers.

Lastly, the change in ownership from UMass to the City of Waltham, for which we advocated whole-heartedly and fully support, presents challenges for us as a non-profit focused on land preservation. Becoming a tenant of the City could create a conflict, or the appearance of one, affecting our ongoing efforts to influence environmental and development policy and practice in Waltham, to be a holder of the City’s Conservation Restrictions, and to lobby for more of them. You can now find us at our new location: 8 Common Street, Unit 2, Waltham MA 02451 (right behind Café on the Common). We will retain our mailing address of P.O. Box 541120, Waltham MA 02454.

We appreciate the City of Waltham stepping up to purchase the Waltham Field Station, protecting it from development and ensuring its future as a haven for agricultural production and open space enjoyment in perpetuity. We look forward to learning who will be the holder of the permanent Conservation Restriction for the parcel, which is a state requirement of all Community Preservation Act funded acquisitions.

Green Space Blues Jam – June 3, 2023

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 23:56:00 GMT

84 nature and music lovers turned out for our annual gala, which was once again held at 500 Totten Pond Road thanks to the continued generosity of Boston Properties. There were items from the online auction, food from Ruth's Chris, Brelundi, and Star Market, plus beverages from Boston Beer Company and Sav-Mor Liquors. A Band of Killers entertained us with two sets of Rhythm and Blues/funk tunes that got us dancing, especially at the end! Be sure to join us next year!

More photos

18th Annual Green Space Blues Jam, July 30, 2022

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 00:17:00 GMT

On a lovely evening at 500 Totten Pond Road, the WLT held its biggest annual fundraising event of the year. Boston Properties kindly donated the space, which was expansive and included lots of popular outdoor seating. Items from the silent auction were spread out, ready for bidding! Ruth's Chris and The Local provided hors d'oeuvres and desserts, Sam Adams donated beer, and Dion's supplied wine. Many thanks to the Waltham dignitaries who came by, and special thanks to the amazing The Love Dogs!

More photos

Prospect Hill Park Plant Communities Walk, July 16, 2022

Sat, 16 Jul 2022 18:42:00 GMT

WLT Director Lesley Sneddon led a group of sixteen flora enthusiasts on a walk in Prospect Hill Park. Using her book "A Walk in the Park" as her guide (available for purchase on the WLT website), Lesley highlighted special and endangered plant communities on the way to the top of Little Prospect.

More photos

Animal Adaptations Program for Kids, April 2, 2022

Sat, 02 Apr 2022 00:20:00 GMT

To kick off Earth Month, thirty-four 3rd, 4th and 5th graders and their families came to Prospect Hill Park for a visit with Debbie from Mass Audubon's Drumlin Farm, who brought a rabbit and an opossum! Afterwards, folks were encouraged to check out the new park amenities and the view of Boston from the base of Little Prospect. Funding for the program was provided by the Waltham Cultural Council, a local agency that is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

More photos

Chateau Group Table, March 31, 2022

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 00:14:00 GMT

Eleven WLT supporters gathered at The Chateau restaurant the last day of March to share food, drinks, laughs and good times while raising money for our mission. Several others stopped by to say hello. Join us next time!

Cub Scout Walk Along the Charles, March 27, 2022

Sun, 27 Mar 2022 00:05:00 GMT

On a brisk March Sunday, fourteen members of Cub Scout Troop 250 and their parents joined WLT Steward Darnell and ED Sonja for a stroll along the Charles. We meet at the Woerd Ave Boat Launch and walked towards the Watch Factory, explaining the Woerd Woods plant restoration project Darnell was a part of and pointing out historic points of interest. We saw a great Blue Heron and picked up a bag of trash along the way.

More photos

Hike from Paine Estate to Shady’s and Back, March 13, 2022

Sun, 13 Mar 2022 23:41:00 GMT

After two postponements, sixteen hikers finally took to the woods for a 3.75-mile trek along the Western Greenway trail. WLT VP Barbara Jacobs led the group from Stonehurst through the Chester Brook corridor to the Shady's Pond Conservation Area and back.

Lots more photos!

MCRT Cleanup w/RotarAct, March 5, 2022

Sat, 05 Mar 2022 23:33:00 GMT

RotarAct, a group of Brandeis students connected with the Rotary Club, and members of the Waltham Chamber of Commerce cleaned a section of the Mass Central Rail Trail and around the McDevitt School. Litter was a little tough to see since there was still plenty of snow on the ground, but we found some!

More photos .

Annual Duck Walk, February 1, 2022

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 19:04:00 GMT

After two weather-related postponements, the WLT finally held its Duck Walk on a Tuesday afternoon. 16 participants were instantly rewarded with a bald eagle sighting! It was visible from the Mary Early footbridge, resting high on a tree limb for quite a while--we actually left it and moved on to see common mergansers, bufflehead and ring-necked ducks, plus a male hooded merganser, upstream. Resident Great blue heron, mallards, swans, a black duck, and gulls were also observed. We heard afterwards the eagle has not been seen since our walk, so we're really happy we got it in!

More photos

September news and events: Hikes, special projects, and work parties

Fri, 03 Dec 2021 17:56:00 GMT

Another great month for the Waltham Land Trust as the fall weather began to arrive. Check out our photos from the various events throughout September:

Wellington House Lands Work Party #4 - September 12

The work continues at the Wellington House lands. On Sept. 12, nineteen volunteers spent time clearing the new pathways that go through and around the property.

Woerd Woods Planting Party - September 18

In a grant from National Environmental Education Fund, the WLT received money to replace invasive plants along the riverbanks of the Charles River with native species. WLT led steward Jarek Reihner drove to western MA to pick up close to $800 worth of plugs and one-gallon plants, which were put in the ground in a massive effort on September 18 in advance of National Public Lands Day! Many thanks to the ten volunteers who lent a hand. Go see their work in the space next to the boat launch at 31 Woerd Ave.

Beaver Brook North Loop Hike - September 19

On a sunny Sunday, a dozen hikers joined WLT Directors Dan Berlin and Diana Young on a hike in Beaver Brook North reservation. The group met at the McLaughlin Building on Metropolitan Parkway and embarked on a journey that was cut short by the large number of mosquitos who tagged along...

Wellington Lands Work Party #5 - September 26

To celebrate National Public Lands Day, fifteen hardy volunteers came to the historic Wellington House property to seed and mulch new paths. Others removed weeds from stone walls. Straw as laid atop the new paths to prevent invasive plants from growing. Progress is being made!

Busy August for WLT: Hikes, work parties, and Riverfest

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 16:03:00 GMT

August 2021 was a busy and productive month for the Waltham Land Trust and our wonderful volunteers! Check out our photos from the various events throughout August:

Available to purchase! A Walk in the Park – a new nature guide to Prospect Hill Park

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 22:06:00 GMT

We are thrilled to announce the publication of a new nature guide to Prospect Hill Park! Written by WLT Board member Lesley Sneddon and designed by Tammy Keithley, the book includes descriptions of different areas in the park that support characteristic groups of native plants and their habitats and associated wildlife (plant communities). Included are photos and descriptions of plants commonly seen in the park, and maps of each plant community. This informative, and occasionally amusing, book can be purchased for $20 at Awalkintheparkbook.walthamlandtrust.org . All proceeds go to the Waltham Land Trust.

Teen Stewardship throughout July

Wed, 18 Aug 2021 16:12:00 GMT

In the month of July , WLT worked with teenagers from two different local groups. On July 15, 22 and 29, we were with Lewenberg Environmental Action Force (LEAF), who employed 9 teens from Waltham Partnership for Youth. Over these three Thursdays, we removed 46 bags of knotweed from the Charles River path in front of NovaBio. On July 23, we teamed up with teens from Opportunities for Inclusion for a litter walk up to Little Prospect and back. We're always happy to involve the next generation of conservationists!

Wellington Work Party, Aug 1, 2021

Wed, 18 Aug 2021 16:07:00 GMT

Waltham Land Trust volunteers continue to put in hard work at the Wellington House. On August 1, twenty volunteers met at the Wellington House for a second work party, clearing a pathway through the fields of the historic Trapelo Road property. By the end of the shift, a trail emerged !

Sunset Yoga, July 28, 2021

Wed, 18 Aug 2021 16:00:00 GMT

On July 28, 2021, the Waltham Land Trust hosted a sunset yoga class at Waltham Field Station. Attendees and Hootie alike enjoyed the outdoor yoga experience. Check out the photos from the event!

Guided Fungi Foray, July 24, 2021

Sat, 31 Jul 2021 00:56:00 GMT

On July 24, twenty-two mushroom enthusiasts met at 200 5th Ave to access Prospect Hill Park in search of fungi. International mycologist Lawrence Millman led the adventure. We saw more fungi varieties than ever before, thanks to the abundance of rain.

pictures on our Flickr!

Wellington House Lands Work Party, July 11, 2021

Sun, 18 Jul 2021 00:52:00 GMT

On Sunday, July 11, fourteen hardy people worked on clearing the land around the historic Wellington House on Trapelo Road. Ward 3 City Councillor George Darcy, who is a founding WLT Director, led the effort with WLT steward Betty MacKenzie. The hope is to have a walking path run through the property, with farm fields and orchards all around.

pictures on our Flickr!

Plant Communities Walk, July 10, 2021

Sat, 17 Jul 2021 00:40:00 GMT

On July 10, thirty plant enthusiasts met at 200 5th Ave to access Prospect Hill Park for a walk focused on plant communities. WLT Director Lesley Sneddon, who wrote a book "A Walk in the Park: Plant Communities of Prospect Hill Park" led the trek, assisted by Barbara Bates. City of Waltham Ranger Adam Green joined the party.

Have you heard? Lesley Sneddon's wonderful book is now available to purchase through our website ! This book is a nature guide for the non-scientist interested in learning about plants and basic ecology, and is chock full of descriptive information, color illustrations, and maps.

pictures on our Flickr!

Woerd Woods Work Party, June 27, 2021

Sun, 04 Jul 2021 00:36:00 GMT

On June 27, five awesome WLT stewards, led by Jarek Reihner, were joined by Parterre Ecological's Ryan Corrigan in the woods along the Charles River next to the Woerd Ave Boat Launch. The WLT is coordinating with the MA DCR and Waltham Conservation Commission to restore this land by removing invasive plants like Japanese knotweed, garlic mustard, Asiatic bittersweet, multiflora rose and small buck thorns, and replacing them in the fall with native species. The group generally works every other Sunday between 1- 3pm. On this day, the team put Ram board (similar to cardboard) over the exposed soil, wet it, and covered it with mulch to suppress new invasive growth. We were thrilled when Newton Conservators President Ted K. and his son stopped during their bike ride to ask questions and take a group shot. Many thanks to the National Environmental Educational Fund for providing funding.

pictures on our Flickr!

Snakes of New England and the World, June 12, 2021

Sat, 19 Jun 2021 00:31:00 GMT

On June 12, 60 snake enthusiasts welcomed The Snake Man (Rick Roth) and the Cape Ann Vernal Pool Team to the Christ Church in Waltham for a special program for children. After introducing the group to about two dozen snakes from New England and the world, participants were invited to come up and handle the snakes, which we did! A clear crowd favorite was Violet, the five-year-old albino python. Many thanks to the Waltham Cultural Council and Jones Partnership Fund for providing funding.

Lots more photos on our Flickr site .

National Trails Day MCRT Cleanup, June 5, 2021

Sat, 12 Jun 2021 00:21:00 GMT

On National Trails Day, 18 hardy volunteers removed litter and invasive species from along the Mass Central Rail Trail between Lexington and Bacon streets. We observed historical artifacts, which were described by local historians Marie Daly of the WLT and Paul Penfield of Weston (R.I.P.). Large concrete blocks behind the former Boston Bark property remain on the soon-to-be multi-use path that crosses Waltham east to west, roughly one block north of Main Street and routes 20/117. The WLT anxiously awaits the release of the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the trail's construction...

Lots more photos on our Flickr site .

Walk at Beaver Brook North, May 24, 2021

Mon, 31 May 2021 00:16:00 GMT

On May 24, a dozen folks meet at Elsie Turner playground for a trek over Mackerel Hill into Beaver Brook North Reservation. The walk had been advertised as a "Fungi Foray," but the lack of rain greatly lessened the chance of seeing mushrooms, so our expert mycologist didn't join us. Instead, WLT ED Sonja Wadman led the group through a forest of thick poison ivy-vined trees over to the Met Fern cemetery, where we discussed the Gann Academy's effort to document and recognize the hundreds of people buried there in unmarked graves. Learn more at www.metferncemetery.org/. We did see many pretty plants and insects along the way, including several lady slippers!

Lots more photos on our Flickr site .

Smith Point Trail Opening, May 15, 2021

Sat, 22 May 2021 00:01:00 GMT

On May 15, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate Waltham Eagle Scout Tyler Mailman and the trail he built at Smith Point. Smith Point is a small parcel on Hardy Pond owned by the Waltham Land Trust. Over the course of a few months, Tyler and his team of volunteers removed and relocated boulders, smoothed the surface of the pathway where possible, and built "bog boards" in areas that become muddy. Waltham Mayor McCarthy, members of Tyler's family and troop joined representatives of the Waltham Land Trust and Hardy Pond Association in attending. Thanks for the work, Tyler!

Lots more photos on our Flickr site .

City Nature Challenge, May 2, 2021

Sun, 09 May 2021 23:54:00 GMT

Twenty-five nature enthusiasts of all ages met on May 2 at 200 5th Ave to go into Prospect Hill Park for a bioblitz! Several of WLT's volunteer stewards (Dan, Linda, Emily, and Lesley) led the activity, where attendees aimed to document as many species of insects, amphibians, reptiles, and plants as possible. In this annual world-wide event, the Boston area had the third highest number of participants!

Lots more photos on our Flickr site .

Earth Week Cleanups April 22-24

Wed, 05 May 2021 19:48:00 GMT

The Waltham Land Trust involved 150 volunteers who beautified open space and collected around 170 bags of trash on two days during eight events. Six of these activities where along the Charles River where we covered roughly six miles. The other two cleanups were along two one-half-mile sections of the Mass Central Rail Trail, the watershed of which drains into the river. So that’s a total of seven miles beautified!

Lots more photos on our Flickr site .
Local news media coverage on the Waltham News Tribune.

The Caterpillar Lab – The Whole Story

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 16:48:00 GMT

On April 6th, 2021, Sam Jaffe of The Caterpillar Lab delivered a deep picture into the world of native caterpillars using a combination of live presentation, digital microscope work, slides, and life history image plates. By exploring complex natural history stories involving caterpillars, their host plants, and their predators and parasitoids, the importance of biodiversity was once again revealed. This presentation went beyond the established narratives of bees and butterflies, and will hopefully help guide us further in our efforts to support and promote local biodiversity.

“Plogging” along the Charles, March 27, 2021

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 16:41:00 GMT

Seventeen people of all ages turned up to "plog"--pick up litter while jogging (or walking). Amazing WLT volunteer steward Amanda and her daughter led the activity. They collected litter from all sides of the Moody Street dam and along the Riverwalk to Prospect Street. Many thanks to NovaBio for allowing us to use their dumpster, as they did in previous plogs.

More photos on our Flickr site.

Spring Equinox Walk, March 20, 2021

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 16:26:00 GMT

Twenty walkers welcomed Spring with an easy stroll along the Charles River. A juvenile bald eagle soared high above and a swan swam quietly by as we gathered at the Woerd Ave boat launch. Walking through the woods we saw witch hazel and a turtle sunning itself on a log across the way. We checked out informational signs and maps along the Waltham Watch Factory, then took the Riverwalk to Moody Street, where we saw a rare pink footed goose with mallards and Canada geese. We returned via the street sidewalk so we could see the small museum at the front of the Watch Factory, free and open to the public during business hours.

More photos on our Flickr site.

Duck Walk, February 28, 2021

Mon, 05 Apr 2021 16:16:00 GMT

Twenty-three avian enthusiasts participated in the WLT's annual duck walk along the Charles River. The group traveled from Shaw's at 130 River Street to Moody St. and back. They saw mallards, a Great blue heron, ring-necked ducks, robins, a Hooded merganser pair, a ring-billed gull, a male bufflehead, and a black duck. We also saw a grackle but didn't get a photo. Thanks to expert birders Emily Szczypek and Bob Gaffney for leading the effort and sending photos. Thanks also to the Moretons and John Norton for providing other pictures.

More photos on our Flickr site.

What About Chestnut Trees

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 19:00:00 GMT

On February 22nd, 2021, WLT member Dr. Sandra Anagnostakis , Emerita, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, gave an information packed webinar about Chestnut trees including a slide show, as well as answering questions from the attendees.

Dr. Sandy has researched American chestnut trees, Castanea dentata, and other nut trees for more than 50 years. American chestnuts were used and spread by Native Americans; the Appalachians were the heart of their range. They were huge forest and timber trees.

There were few chestnut trees in Massachusetts before European settlement, but because of their larger nuts, European species were quickly planted. Sadly, two imported diseases greatly reduced the populations and vigor of American and European Chestnuts. Because of their unique qualities, efforts have been made over many decades to produce hybrid chestnuts for forest and timber, as well as for orchards and eating.

If you missed the webinar, you can watch the recording below!

Prospect Hill Hike

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 21:36:00 GMT

Twenty-five bundled up adventurers met at the South Gate to Prospect Hill Park to walk up the service road to the base of Little Prospect. Expansive views of the Boston skyline were in clear view on the crisp day. The group continued up to the summit and were rewarded with better shots of the Blue Hill ski slopes to the south and Encore Boston casino to the north. We hope to be able to do this hike with many others when we normally do in 2022--on New Year's Day.

Folks on Little Prospect with Boston in the distance

Beaver Brook Historic Walk

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 19:08:00 GMT

On a chilly January Saturday, twenty-one people and two dogs explored the boundary of the southern section of Beaver Brook Historic Reservation, the first park established by the Commonwealth of MA in 1893, in part to save the endangered Waverley Oak.

Waltham Field Station: Bill passed this week enables purchase by City

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 14:17:00 GMT

waltham-field-station-bill-passed-this-week-enables-purchase-by-city

Waltham Fields Community Farm is based at 240 Beaver St.

By Kerry Feltner, Wicked Local
Nov 20, 2020 12:13pm ET

This week, the Massachusetts Senate and House effectively green-lighted the sale by approving the legislation needed for Waltham to purchase the property.

“This bill was a team effort,” said Representative John Lawn, who represents Waltham. “UMass, the current tenants, Mayor McCarthy, the Waltham City Council, and Waltham's state legislators worked together to preserve the use of the land for agricultural, open space, and recreational purposes.”

UMass is a state agency which means that Waltham’s legislative delegation needed to pass a special law authorizing the sale, according to Senator Michael Barrett’s office.

With this approval, the bill—No. H4927—has moved to the governor’s desk for his signature. He is expected to sign the law within a 10-day period.

“Tenants seek awareness of a timeline for that process [between UMass and the City] so that we can prepare for any eventual requirements for our continued tenancies,” said Stacey Daley, Waltham Fields Community Farm’s Executive Director in an email.

There has been uncertainty regarding leases for the tenants of the site for a few years . The tenants have sought a long-term lease from UMass to no avail.

The field station has been owned by UMass Amherst for decades. The site is currently used by the Waltham Land Trust, Waltham Fields Community Farm, Boston Area Gleaners, Green Rows of Waltham Community Gardens, Grow Native Massachusetts, Mass Federation of Farmers Markets, and Boston Area Climate Experiment.

The approval this week is an important step, Daley said.

“Non-profit organizations operating from the UMass Field Station in Waltham are now one step closer to transitioning their tenancies to the City of Waltham,” she said. “Tenants are gratified to learn of this advancement in the legislative process and thankful to have received the support of our State legislators over the past two and a half years since receiving notice of non-renewal of leases from UMass.”

Preserving the land

The land at 240 Beaver St. has been farmed for over two decades. The preservation of that farmland is crucial, said Barrett.

“This is a win-win for the city and the tenants,” he in a statement. “Huge tip of the hat to the Big Three in this dramatic story—Mayor McCarthy, the Waltham Land Trust, and Waltham Fields Community Farm. Thanks to them, the one remaining working farm in the city has a long-term lease on life.

“The outstanding non-profits on the site can continue to focus on what they do best: providing healthy, sustainable food choices for Waltham and eastern Massachusetts,” he added.

In 2018, the lease was up on the property, putting tenants at risk until the City of Waltham stepped in to purchase the site from UMass Amherst.

“Tenants remain hopeful for a supportive and collaborative future with the City, and are ready to engage in constructive communication,” Daley said. “Persisting site concerns and future tenancy uncertainties call for the creation of an open pathway for conversation with the City. Stabilizing tenancies is paramount for the organizations currently operating from 240 Beaver St.”

The chance to have stable leases and to plan for the long-term at the site will benefit residents who take advantage of the many services, experiences, and products the tenants offer the community, according to Sonja Wadman, executive director of The Waltham Land Trust.

“The Waltham Land Trust is thrilled with the passage of legislation providing for permanent preservation of farmland and open space in the city,” she said in a statement. “The demanding experiences of 2020 highlight the incredible value that properties like these provide to Waltham and surrounding communities.”

This April, the City Council approved a $17.4 million purchase and sale agreement proposed by the mayor , which included protections to ensure that the land can be used for open space, recreation, or agriculture.

Cornelia Warren—a prominent Waltham philanthropist—preserved a portion of her estate for the Massachusetts Agricultural College, which later became UMass Amherst, in order to support farming by providing services to residents.

“Thanks to good collaboration, Waltham, its residents, and the dozen nonprofits, educational programs, and community groups that use the space may continue to reap the benefits of the farsighted gift Cornelia Warren made 100 years ago,” Representative Lawn said in a statement.

Warren died nearly a century ago but her vision—to preserve farmland and open space in Waltham—is now one step closer to coming true for the long-term.

“It’s heartening to know that Cornelia Warren's legacy of philanthropy and conservation will continue with the protection of this historic property for all to enjoy,” Wadman said in a statement.

Current tenant leases with UMass extend through Dec. 31.

The tenants of the property are hopeful, most especially about the prospect of laying down roots for longer than they have been able to up to this point.

That stability is still needed, Daley said.

“Field Station tenants seek assurances for their sustained tenancies from the City and in support of their missions and contributions to the City of Waltham, neighboring communities and the environment,” she said. “It is time to eliminate the insecurity long-felt by tenant organizations and support a pathway for direct communication between the City, State and tenant representatives, and initiate a stabilization period for tenants during and after the transition of ownership.”

Warren’s vision

Chain Saw Training, Nov 21, 2020

Sat, 21 Nov 2020 16:07:00 GMT

Ranger Adam Green led a chain saw training for 13 WLT volunteer trail stewards at Prospect Hill Park. The WLT has two chain saws used to remove down trees blocking trails in the woods and along the river. The City of Waltham and MA Dept of Conservation & Recreation appreciate our help removing easy obstacles after storms.

More photos

State Legislature Approves Waltham Field Station Purchase

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 20:03:00 GMT

State Legislature Approves Waltham Field Station Purchase

If the governor approves the bill, the land will be preserved for agricultural, open space, and recreational purposes.

In April, the City Council approved a $17.4 million purchase and sale agreement proposed by the mayor. After that, the attention turned to Beacon Hill and the passage of legislation authorizing the sale. (Jenna Fisher/Patch)

By Jenna Fisher, Patch Staff

Nov 19, 2020 9:00 am ET

WALTHAM, MA —The Massachusetts Senate and House approved legislation authorizing Waltham to purchase the current UMass Field Station, a working farm that serves as a home to an array of local non-profits in agriculture, farming and sustainability.

"This legislation ensures that the fertile land at the field station will be limited to certain uses in perpetuity," said Waltham Fields Community Farm's Executive Director Stacey Daley. "We will protect the site's rich agricultural history and its vital open space for generations to come."

The bill now moves onto the governor's desk for his consideration and signature, the final step in the process of enacting a new law.

If the governor approves the bill, and legislators say there's no reason to believe he won't, the land will be preserved for agricultural, open space and recreational purposes.

This has been years in the making.

Waltham Land Trust Annual Meeting, Nov 17, 2020

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 16:25:00 GMT

Due to the pandemic, the Waltham Land Trust held their Annual Meeting using the webinar feature of Zoom. This is the edited recording of that meeting. At 20:42 into the video, Historian and Teacher Alex Green gives an in-depth presentation about the Metfern Cemetery in Waltham.

Guided Fungi Foray, Nov 5, 2020

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 01:14:00 GMT

We were thrilled to bring mycologist Lawrence Millman back to Waltham for one last foray in 2020. This time we met at the South Gate to Prospect Hill Park and explored the trails of Berry Park. Many beautiful specimens were observed, including a red-backed salamander and a pair of garter snakes!

More photos

State Rep. Candidates Answer Questions on Conservation

Tue, 13 Oct 2020 18:33:00 GMT

We know that many of our members are making plans to vote in the next two weeks. To help our members stay informed, the Waltham Land Trust and the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust and Rural Land Foundation teamed up to jointly ask George Darcy and Tom Stanley, the two candidates for the 9th Middlesex State Representative seat, the following questions.

Please note: While George Darcy serves on the WLT Board of Directors, these questions were coordinated without his involvement or knowledge by a board member who does not live in the 9th Middlesex District. Both candidates received the questions via email at the same time. Finally, WLT does not endorse political candidates.

1. If elected as the State Represe ntative, what steps will you take to make permanent preservation of community open space a priority, both in the 9th Middlesex District and in the Commonwealth as whole?

DARCY: As we have all seen during the pandemic, the benefits of accessible open space are limitless, and our communities need support ensuring that they are preserved. For the last thirty years, I have been advocating for open space, learning from the lead that Lincoln took on these issues as an example to follow when I chaired Waltham’s Conservation Commission and later co-founded the Waltham Land Trust. I understand the need for community coalitions and the vital role that partnerships between elected leaders like myself and community advocates can play in successfully making the case for open space.

Together, we have preserved 500 acres of open space in Waltham. As the pandemic began, I was struck by the thousands of people using the trails in these open spaces to maintain physical and mental health. I see the role the outdoors are playing for young people in our schools. I see the ways in which open spaces improve people’s health. And I see nature thriving in these places. Still, we need to do more, and I will take the lessons I have learned in my work here in Waltham and share them widely as a model for success on Beacon Hill.

STANLEY: In 1972, the Massachusetts voters approved an amendment to the state Constitution, Article 97, granting the people of the state the right to clean air and water, and other environmental benefits. The constitution allows the legislature to consider allowing the conversion of public land. House bill H732 of which I am a co-sponsor clarifies and regularizes the process used to evaluate proposals for the status (so-called Article 97 lands) in order for them to be used for other purposes, either public or private. It ensures “no net loss” of protected land in the Commonwealth. Passage of this important legislation is a priority of mine.

In a letter to the Chairs of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture early this year, I urged favorable action on two bills that would protect the Commonwealth’s forests and promote clean energies: H.897 relative to forest protection and H.853, legislation to assure the attainment of greenhouse gas emissions in the alternative portfolio standard.

Forests are critical for mitigating the effects of climate change, preserving native wildlife and habitats, safeguarding soils, providing clean air and water, and offering our residents public recreational spaces. Unfortunately, most land policies on the books are decades old and were made long before the crises of climate change, loss of biodiversity, and surging population growth become the problems they are today. H.897 would designate all Massachusetts state conservation land (~610,000 acres) as parks or reserves. This will keep carbon stored in the trees and soil and increase the rate of carbon sequestration by our forests. The bill also protects native biodiversity by permanently preserving 11% of the Massachusetts land base – an important step toward the recommended 30% to 50% of land needed to avert massive animal and plant extinctions.

H.853 requires Massachusetts to remove the word “biomass” from the Alternative Portfolio Standard, which promotes renewable energy. This ensures that the Commonwealth’s renewable energy subsidies are directed to clean energies such as wind, solar, and geothermal, rather than burning wood. As a co-sponsor of H.853 it was important to me to addresses the misperception that burning wood is not harmful towards the environment. Studies have shown that burning wood produces more CO2 emissions than even the dirtiest fossil fuels as well as particulates and other air pollutants that are hazardous to human health. These bills have been incorporated into H4453 which is in the Ways & Means Committee which I serve on. I will continue to advocate for passage of a bill that includes the language of H897 and H853.

2. Do you support placing a conservation restriction on the following open space parcels in Waltham? Why or why not?

The remaining 19 acres of the Chesterbrook Woods (identified as number 34 on the City's Open Space Plan)
The Woods at Waltham High School (identified as number 41 on the City's Open Space Plan) note: this refers to the existing high school location, not 554 Lexington Street
The Woods behind Chester Brook Housing (identified as number 40 on the City's Open Space Plan)
The Woods behind Northeast Elementary (identified as number 42 on the City's Open Space Plan).

STANLEY: Yes, I support placing a conservation restriction on these four aforementioned open space parcels in Waltham. They are designated in Waltham’s Open Space Plan which provides a blueprint to achieve our city’s goals in land preservation and usage. Restricting use of public land parcels requires local approval of both the Mayor and the City Council. That is appropriate as through this process the public can be better informed about requests for restrictions on public property and become part of the dialogue to achieve community goals.

As a State Representative, I have been a strong and proven advocate of open space preservation in Waltham, Lincoln and across the Commonwealth. My record reflects this commitment.

DARCY: [in response to item a. re: Chesterbrook Woods, moved here for formatting] Yes. The original City Council meeting deliberations clearly show that the votes taken to acquire this parcel were made with the expectation that it would be preserved as natural open space in perpetuity, in its entirety. In addition, local newspaper articles before and after the acquisition tell the same story. Federal grants were also used to build accessible pathways through portions of this parcel.

[in response to all four parcels] Yes. Conservation Restrictions are the single most important priority for these parcels. All four of these parcels are part of the now much-used Western Greenway. As such, they need real protection, such as Conservation Restrictions, so that the Western Greenway will always be a permanent amenity for Waltham residents to use and enjoy.

STANLEY: On behave of the towns of Lincoln and Lexington I have stood up to Massport’s desire to grow the Hanscom airport adjacent to 970-acre Minuteman National Historic Park. Over the last twenty years there have been many attempts to do this which required collaboration with local partners in government and advocacy to protect this precious land.

I strongly advocated and delivered funding for improvements to the MA Dept. Of Conservation & Recreation visitor facilities at both Walden Pond and Beaver Brook Reservation Park.

I filed and passed a Lincoln Home Rule Petition, H3692 (Ch. 90 of the Acts of 2017). Passage of this act authorized Lincoln’s board of selectmen to remove the protection of Article 97 that was placed on a 7.1 acre landfill in a 1995 Town Meeting vote, permitting the Town to move forward with negotiations of a power purchase agreement with a private solar development firm in hopes of developing a solar project on the site. The bill also authorized Lincoln’s board of selectmen to acquire or dedicate the several parcels identified by the Town’s leadership boards as replacement land for conservation purposes. These parcels contain a total of 12.6 acres that were determined to be of comparable conservation value to the landfill parcel and was acquired by the Town with funds that were appropriated during the March 25, 2017 Town Meeting from Lincoln’s Community Preservation Fund. About 3 acres of the replacement land was held for recreation purposes to develop an athletic field; the remainder was be dedicated as Article 97 protected land.

Land conservation is a core community value of the Town of Lincoln. As such, the Town’s leadership boards were quite careful when preparing for the March 25, 2017 Town Meeting Vote, familiarizing themselves with the process of removing land from Article 97 Protection. They worked tirelessly with myself and the Town’s Conservation Commission, which voted unanimously to support this measure, to identify replacement parcels that would result in no net loss of conservation land within the Town’s boundaries. I was honored to provide strong leadership at the state level to fulfill the goals of the community.

I have strongly supported and voted for every purchase of open space obtained by the City of Waltham in the last 20 years as a city councilor including the Fernald property, Arrigo Farm and Waltham Field Station.

Earlier this year, I was thanked and recognized by the Waltham Land Trust for leadership, forward thinking, and dedication throughout the complicated process of obtaining the Waltham Field Station farmland. Together, with Rep. John Lawn and Sen. Mike Barrett I filed legislation which will be enacted into law this month preserving this open space for generations to come.

Prior to the Baker Administration’s move to sell the Waltham Field Station, as the legislative leader in the House, I testified before the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture in support of the proposed UMass Center for Urban Sustainability Center to be located at the Waltham Field Station. Through a public-private partnership, the Center would have been committed to the long-term responsibility for the environment.

I also successfully filed an amendment to the Environmental Bond Bill which earmarked $20 million for the rehabilitation or reconstruction of a 20,000 square foot research and extension building at the University of Massachusetts Center for Urban Sustainability in Waltham. The Center was intended to house partners that include industries and businesses, municipalities, government agencies and citizen groups who would collectively be involved with and address priorities related to food security and access, environmental stewardship, urban agriculture and workforce development in urban settings.

Highlights of the UMass Center for Urban Sustainability would have included:

Science-based management practices, education programs and research will be conducted and demonstrated on site to help provide technical resources needed for commercial and community agriculture efforts to successfully integrate and operate in urban settings ; teaching urban agriculture practices to growers, decision makers and citizens who govern and/or grow, process and sell food in cities (ex: active CSA, roof top garden, community gardens, nutrient dense crop production, raising animals in urban settings, food safety and processing systems, greenhouse management)
On-site job training, career development and credentialing of the urban workforce in sustainability careers (UMass Green School: Agriculture and Green Industries, certification, and licensing from professional associations)
Solutions for creating and managing water, soil, waste, energy, non-point source pollution and wildlife in urban settings. (Working roof top garden, managing storm water practices, sustainable landscapes, contaminated soils, compost).
Creation of a private-public partnership to sustain the financial operations.
Practices for sustainable environments (ex: xeriscapes, water, and wetland remediation tools, edible landscapes, low input turf and plants, environmental hardscapes) will be showcased.
Youth development programs and training for citizens of all ages (in development – UMass Green Camp – blended hands on and classroom program for youth, schools, workforce professionals and educators involved with sustainability).
Using remote teaching technology to connect urban students to UMass Amherst courses in sustainability (Stockbridge School of Agriculture Sustainability Programs) by connecting Agricultural High Schools in Massachusetts with the new facility also using technology supporters of the Center include Waltham Fields Community Farm, Waltham Land Trust, Mass Audubon, Massachusetts Farm Bureau, Massachusetts Arborists Association, Massachusetts Association of Landscape Professionals, Massachusetts Association of Lawn Care Professionals, New England Nurseryman's Association, New England Vegetable and Berry Growers Association, Massachusetts Fruit Growers Association, Massachusetts Flower Growers Association, Massachusetts Tree Warden Association, New Entry Sustainable Farmers Network, Stockbridge School of Agriculture, Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, Rural Development Agency, Farm Service Agency and Massachusetts 4H.

Last year I made the motion on the city council (supported by WLT) to protect 554 Lexington Street from a massive housing development for dedicated use as open space and educational use thereby breaking a three year stalemate that divided the community and threatened over development on the Lexington Street corridor. This action also removed pressure on city and school officials to use the undeveloped UMASS Field Station, Storer and Coleman/Stanton land for our new school, all of which I adamantly opposed.

I led the effort on the city council to pass the WLT and Fernald Working Group’s RFQ Fernald Framework Plan for the nearly 200-acre Fernald property reuse as well as $250,000 to initially fund the plan.

As state representative, I stood up to Governor Romney and Speaker DiMasi and led the charge to protect hundreds of acres of state land from development including Lot 1(6.45 acres) and the Fernald property (196 acres) and this month expect to pass legislation to transfer the Waltham Field Station (58 acres) from UMASS to the City of Waltham. Other state land in the 9th Middlesex District protected with legislation or improved with state funding includes the preservation of the Beaver Brook North Reservation (162 acres) the Met State Grounds (51 acres), and the former Gabler School (7.38 acres).

In 2005, when Gov. Romney announced his decision to close the Fernald Center, I fought to ensure Waltham’s control regarding the disposal of state land and ensured increased community participation in the disposal process.

To respond to Gov. Romney, I authored and passed legislation to establish the Fernald Reuse Committee which gave Waltham control of the future use of the land.

Additionally, I gathered support and signatures of 112 legislators to reject Gov. Romney and Speaker DiMasi's legislative attempt to permanently change the state land disposition law process which would have permanently fast tract state open space land sales for private developers. My leadership resulted in the preservation of local control over state land disposition and the diversion of overdevelopment of the Fernald land.

Years later, as a result of these efforts, after working with Waltham’s mayor, city council and local advocates including WLT I filed legislation along with Rep. Lawn and Sen. Barrett, which transferred the custody and control of this important land to Waltham. My colleagues and I on the Waltham City Council then voted to buy the Fernald property for only $3.7 million. As a result of this hard work, the future use of the Fernald land remains a community-driven process in Waltham’s control.

3. Please provide specific examples of how you have worked to preserve open space in the communities you currently represent.

DARCY: As a co-founder of the Waltham Land Trust, former chairperson of our Waltham Conservation Commission, member of the Beaverbrook Watershed Coalition and Waltham City Councillor, I have led Waltham’s efforts to preserve open space, working closely with community advocates to do so. I have been the lead sponsor on legislation that has directly preserved 513 acres of open space in Waltham.

I have also been the lead sponsor of legislation that has rezoned 6 separate parcels of Residentially zoned land (RA-2 and RA-3) to Conservation/Recreation (CR) zoning, totaling 114 acres.

I have also fought for the preservation and reclamation of farmland. I initiated action in the Waltham City Council to preserve the UMass Field Station, which was in danger of being sold off by the state. The direct result of those efforts was that our legislative delegation then followed our lead and took up this issue. Also, the Recreation Department and I successfully obtained $50,000 in funding from the CPA to restore the 6-acre former Wellington farm and orchard adjacent to the historic 1776 Wellington House on Trapelo Road. That clearing work is almost completed.

I have worked in countless meetings and presentations, side-by-side with my constituents, to ensure that the process and outcomes of this preservation best reflected their wishes. As we see with the CPA Conservation Restrictions, there is still work to be done, but I am proud most of all of the collaboration that went into this work. Without it, we would not have succeeded.

4. If elected, would you support legislative changes to the Community Preservation Act to require that municipalities place conservation or other restrictions on property purchased with CPA funds within a set timeframe from the date of purchase? Why or why not?

STANLEY: The Community Preservation Act (CPA) is a smart growth tool and state law that helps communities preserve open space and historic sites, create affordable housing, and develop outdoor recreational facilities. The CPA was adopted by the voters of Waltham, Lincoln, and other communities for this purpose. It only makes sense to require municipalities to place conservation or other restrictions on property purchased with CPA funds. Doing so will follow the will of the voters and remove all doubt of the future use of the land. In the next legislative session, I will work to make this change in the CPA Act.

DARCY: Entirely. The use of Community Preservation Act funds without the requisite filing of Conservation Restrictions ends up treating the CPA as a slush fund, and risks the potential that these lands will ultimately NOT be preserved. In no uncertain terms, a time limit for filing Conservation Restrictions must be put in place and I will advocate for legislative changes to reflect this. It could be solved simply by adding language that if a community does not file the Conservation Restriction within 2 years of acquisition, the community will not receive future CPA funding from the state.

STANLEY: During my time in the Legislature I have worked on many environmental issues and been a strong supporter for addressing climate change. I was proud to use my voice in passing the Global Warming Solutions Act over a decade ago in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. The GWSA was a good start but due to the fact that the federal government is not going to be a leader on climate change during this administration, Massachusetts must lead the country by passing legislation that transition Massachusetts to 100% renewable energy. I was honored to cosponsor and to testify over a year ago in support of the 100% renewable energy legislation.

I support both the House and Senate bills and will be working to pass the strongest climate change legislation possible. I fear that both the House and Senate bills, though strong in many areas, misses the sense of urgency we as a people currently find ourselves in. This is the reason I will continue to fight for and strongly support 100% renewable energy.

The 100% Renewable Energy Act sets a goal of 100% renewable electricity by 2035, and 100% renewable energy economy-wide (including heating and transportation) by 2045. The legislation accelerates the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to reach 100% renewable electricity by 2035. The legislation requires the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) to set interim renewable energy targets for 2030 and 2040, and issue regulations to meet those targets. The bill also establishes a Clean Energy Workforce Development Fund to support training and job placement assistance for Massachusetts residents to work in the clean energy industry.

We know that pollution from fossil fuels is linked to cardiovascular disease, asthma, and even premature death. We are already seeing the impacts of climate change, with an increase in extreme storms, fires, flooding, and droughts. We know that Massachusetts will be directly impacted by sea levels rising. More than 160 global companies, including Apple and Biogen, have committed to 100 percent renewable energy targets. Major institutions like many Massachusetts colleges and Partners Health Care have also pledged to transitioning to 100% renewable energy. Hawaii and California have passed bills committing to 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2045. Massachusetts must pass 100% renewable energy legislation and I am proud to fight for this in the legislature.

5. We understand that the House and the Senate have passed very different bills aimed at addressing the climate crisis; a conference committee has been appointed to try to come up with a single bill; and that the committee may not act until after the federal election results are known. What can you do to push House leadership to ensure that (A) the committee acts soon enough for both Houses to vote on a final bill before the session ends Jan. 5 and (B) we pass the strongest bill possible?

DARCY: The legislative gridlock is unacceptable and I believe it is the result of a broken process in which transparency is not taken seriously by our legislature. If elected, I will not take office until after the end of the session, but I will absolutely be an active participant in constituent meetings as a representative-elect, fighting for passage of the strongest bill possible. Energy reform makes common sense. It is necessary now. The massive drought we are experiencing, which leaves our brooks, streams, and reservoirs dry, is just the beginning of the extreme effects of climate change. Proactive work means leading with energy and vision on our most pressing issues, and seeing this climate bill pass - along with subsequent legislation to ensure that it is as comprehensive as possible.

6. Do you support an effort to broaden CPA’s purposes to include climate change mitigation or resilience, or increasing incentives for rooftop solar on commercial and institutional developed properties in order to protect habitats, forests, and farms?

DARCY: Simply put, we must. But it must be done in ways to ensure a delineation of spending, as the current CPA exists, so that uses for mitigation and resilience do not drain all resources from the CPA, which must allow for acquisitions whose benefits may take years to show. Climate resilience means addressing emergency situations, but also deepening our strategic reserve of open space for the long term. I think also that the state needs to consider making rooftop solar a requirement for buildings over a certain square footage, as Watertown has recently done.

STANLEY: Last year the MA House of Representatives passed the Speaker's Green Works Bill. This bill authorizes $1 billion in borrowing to establish and fund the GreenWorks infrastructure program (GreenWorks Capital Improvement Act) and authorizes $295 million in borrowing for climate change resiliency grant and loan programs (Climate Resiliency Act). I am not as familiar with efforts to broaden CPA’s purposes to achieve goals achievable through the Green Works Bill but will endeavor to learn more.

DARCY: 75 years ago Waltham engaged in the radical experiment of building community housing next to a major parcel of open space at Prospect Hill. This idea was visionary, and where it has faltered, it has been because of our inadequate commitment to that vision, which places affordable housing near open space, delivers public transit easily to it, thereby reducing traffic, lessening health risks, and promoting core values for our communities. In Watertown Representative candidate Steve Owens will bring expertise in transit policy. Others in the state house are experts on housing diversity. I will bring my strength in coalition building and land conservation to bring together a caucus of legislators around this issue and find common-sense proposals to advance these goals.

7. Do you have any thoughts/ideas on how to further promote both housing diversity and conservation as simultaneous goals?

STANLEY: Communities across the Commonwealth are facing a severe housing shortage with the construction of new housing not keeping up with demand. While Massachusetts continued to create new and attractive job opportunities prior to the pandemic, many in the workforce struggle to find a place they can afford to live in. Rents have increased more than 75 percent since 2000, and single-family home prices have increased more than any other state since 1980. As the housing crisis worsens, we need to find ways to create and preserve affordable housing.

This is why I support Governor Baker’s Housing Choice legislation. An Act to Promote Housing Choices would allow a municipality to pass – by a simple majority vote – certain zoning changes that would help advance housing production and smart growth, such as affordable and mixed-use housing around public transit. Massachusetts is the only state in New England that requires zoning changes to be approved by a 2/3 majority. As a result, many proposed housing developments across the state fail despite having majority support.

It is very important to note that the Housing Choice bill seeks to give communities the tools to approve housing developments that are right for their community, without taking away any local control. Local control is very important to me and the communities I represent.

Gov. Baker’s bill incentivizes private builders to create affordable housing and encourages more towns in Massachusetts to produce their fair share of housing. Housing Choice also promotes climate-friendly development and supports age- friendly, walkable neighborhoods.

Additionally, the bill begins to address an underlying cause of our state’s racial and economic segregation by enabling renters and people of color, a minority of the population in almost every municipality, to have a more meaningful voice in development decision-making.

The Commonwealth’s housing crisis is a very complex issue with many root causes and one piece of legislation will certainly not fix everything. However, this bill is an important step forward in increasing our housing supply and creating safe and stable housing for residents.

Details of the Housing Choice bill include:

Reducing dimensional requirements to allow homes to be built closer together
Reducing required parking ratios, which allows development on smaller areas
Creating mixed-use zoning in town centers, and creating multi-family and starter home zoning in town centers, near transit, and in other smart locations
Adopting 'Natural Resource Protection Zoning' and 'Open Space Residential Development;' These zoning techniques allow the clustering of new development while protecting open space or conservation land
Adopting provisions for Transfer of Development Rights (TDR), which protects open space while creating more density in suitable locations
Adopting 40R 'Smart Growth' zoning, which provides incentives for dense, mixed-use development in town centers, near transit, and in other 'smart' locations o Allowing accessory dwelling units– small apartments in the same building or on the same lot as an existing home
Allowing for increased density through a Special Permit process promoting more flexible development
Special permit multi-family or mixed-use projects with at least 10% affordable units in locations near transit or, in centers of commercial activity within a municipality.

DARCY: I was and still am a proponent of the CPA, but as noted above, the lack of timing provisions for Conservation Restrictions means that raising funding only worsens a serious problem statewide. I will absolutely consider increased funding for the CPA, but it must follow successful corrections to the existing legislation to ensure that money is not simply going out to communities in ways that lack accountability. We must ensure that taxpayer money is spent in transparent and accountable ways. That goal is my first priority because it will remove the threat that preserved properties will not be preserved in perpetuity. With that threat removed, I believe the CPA will thrive as never before, and then I would be willing to consider expansion of state funding for the CPA.

STANLEY: I filed legislation (H.2644 - An Act to sustain community preservation revenue) to increase state funding for the Community Preservation Act (CPA) which was passed in 2000, allowing communities to establish a dedicated fund for open space, historic preservation, community housing, and outdoor recreation projects. The CPA is approved through a local ballot referendum to add a small surcharge on property taxes (1-3%). The state then provides matching funds based on the amount raised locally via revenue from a $20 Registry of Deeds filing fee.

Just over half of the state’s municipalities have adopted CPA and collectively raised over $1.75 billion dollars for Community Preservation. As a result, over 9,000 completed CPA projects have helped develop 10,000 housing units, protected 26,000 acres of open space, preserved 4,400 historic resources, and initiated 1,700 recreation programs.

The foundation of CPA is the promise of a strong state/local partnership to sustain the program’s funding. Yet, with increasing numbers of communities realizing the benefits of the program, this partnership is now in jeopardy. From 2002-2007, communities received 100% matching funds from the CPA trust. The match has since fallen below 20%, despite attempts to shore up CPA with short-term funding from budget surpluses.

This bill would make a one-time adjustment in the Registry of Deeds recording fee to a level that would allow for all current CPA communities to receive a 50% first round distribution from the statewide CPA Trust Fund. At the time I filed this bill the fee had not been updated since the CPA was passed almost 20 years ago. Since then my colleagues and I in the legislature and the Governor have permanently increased the revenue stream for CPA. Moving forward I will work to ensure funding is always available for this important program.

8. Do you support initiatives to increase State funding for the Community Preservation Act (CPA) and if so, what specific measures would you consider?

Next Steps for Walthams 240-Beaver Street: Council Approval is ‘Huge Victory’

Thu, 07 May 2020 17:32:00 GMT

A month ago, the City Council approved a purchase of the land and buildings at 240 Beaver St., preserving Waltham history and creating a path for the land to continue to be farmed for future generations.

The decision was voted on during a global pandemic which has made it feel even more surreal, said Waltham Fields Community Farm Executive Director Stacey Daley.

It still hasn’t quite set in, she says.

“I envisioned arriving at this significant moment much differently,” she said via email. “Yet, while I listened to each Councillor vote and processed the unanimous decision at the end of the roll call, I became quite emotional. My soul was filled with tremendous gratitude and relief, just the same as I would have felt if seated in Council’s chambers and surrounded by the energy of so many who were similarly concerned about the fate of the land on Beaver Street.”

According to Daley, the goal moving forward is for the nonprofit tenants of 240 Beaver St. to begin to develop a collaborative relationship with the city in a variety of areas.

Waltham City Council Votes to Approve Purchase of UMass Field Station at WLT’s Urging

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 22:24:00 GMT

In the backdrop of a worldwide pandemic, after years of patience and uncertainty, one vote by Waltham City’s Council this week has made one thing certain: Waltham will continue to have a farm for generations to come.

After years of negotiations, the Waltham City Council voted unanimously—except for a recused vote—to approve the purchase of the land and buildings at 240 Beaver St., land once owned by Waltham benefactor Cornelia Warren.

WLT Successfully Advocates for Waltham to Buy Field Station Property

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 22:13:00 GMT

The city council approved Mayor Jeannette McCarthy's agreement to buy the southern portion of the UMass Field Station on Beaver Street, Monday for $17.4 million.

Last year the council voted to use $14 million in Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding to buy the property, and then this week approved an additional $3.4 million to buy 28 acres of the 58 acre property that is home to some seven tenants.

Hooty & Sonja Deliver Granola Bars for Waltham’s Kids

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 19:45:00 GMT

On March 19, 2020 WLT Executive Director Sonja Wadman, and her assistant Hooty, delivered 18 cases of granola bars to the Waltham High School and the Waltham Housing Authority to make sure kids had enough nutritious snacks once schools were closed.

Jericho Hill Hike, March 7, 2020

Fri, 13 Mar 2020 17:28:00 GMT

In an effort to show the beautiful and challenging topography of the Jericho Hill parcel, sandwiched between the 554 Lexington property where the new Waltham High School will be built and the Sanderson Heights parcel, the WLT organized a last minute hike for City Councillors and members of the general public. 65 people came! Nature and gorgeous views of the Boston skyline and the summit of Prospect Hill were observed.

More photos

Leap Day Walk, February 29, 2020

Fri, 13 Mar 2020 17:21:00 GMT

The Waltham Land Trust took advantage of the "bonus" day presented by Leap Day 2020 and offered a walk along the Western Greenway trail. Close to 50 attendees meet in the Our Lady's Church parking lot, crossed to the area north of Trapelo Road and ventured through the Middlesex Hospital Lands, across Woburn Street, and over the long boardwalk in the Met State parcel west of the Avalon housing complex in Lexington, and back. It was a wonderful trek!

More photos

Eyes on Owls, February 18, 2020

Fri, 13 Mar 2020 16:37:00 GMT

During February school vacation week, the WLT was thrilled to welcome back to Waltham Marcia and Mark Wilson, and seven of their amazing birds of prey (six owls and one American kestrel). About 50 children and 50 adults attended, filling the Whitcomb Hall of the First Parish Church in Waltham. We were introduced to an Eastern screech owl, a Saw whet owl, an American kestrel, a barred owl, a barn owl, a Great Horned owl, and an Eurasian Eagle owl. Everyone had a wonderful time, hooting, looking at owl pellets, and taking lots of photos. Many thanks to the Waltham Cultural Council, part of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, for providing partial funding.

More photos

Annual Duck Walk, January 18, 2020

Sat, 18 Jan 2020 00:29:00 GMT

On January 18, thirty folks braved chilly temps to participate in our annual walk along the Charles River from the Shaw’s on River Street to Moody Street and back. We were in search of visiting and resident waterfowl, perching avian and birds of prey. We saw mallards, Canada geese, crows, a Cooper’s hawk, male and female Hooded mergansers, a Great blue heron, male and female ring neck ducks, mocking birds, and a red-tailed hawk. We also checked out the new pathway connecting Elm Street to the Embassy Theater parking lot near Moody Street. Join us next year!

More photos

14th Annual New Year’s Day Hike

Thu, 02 Jan 2020 03:59:00 GMT

On January 1st, the WLT hosted its 14th annual hike at Prospect Hill Park. About 100 people met near the Starbucks in the Market Basket complex and hiked through trails in Berry Park. Another 100 left from the South Gate to the park near 186 Prospect Hill Road. Everyone converged at the base of Little Prospect for food, hot drinks, and lots of photos with Waltham and the Boston skyline. Be sure to join us next year!

Candidates’ responses to WLT’s questionnaire

Sat, 07 Sep 2019 18:54:00 GMT

UPDATED: October 17, 2019

The Waltham Land Trust sent the following questions to all Mayoral and City Council candidates who provided an email address to the Waltham City Clerk’s office.

How would you assess how the city has managed and maintained open space? What plans do you have in mind to improve this work?
Should Waltham Land Trust’s position on development guide the management of city-owned property?
As the City of Waltham negotiates with UMass to take control of the Waltham Field Station and Lawrence Meadows on Beaver Street, what do you envision as the future for these parcels? What uses would you allow and encourage?
For Ward 1 Candidates only: We hope you are aware that the City of Waltham’s Recreation Department is working on an updated Master Plan for Prospect Hill Park. What would you do to bring more residents and visitors to Waltham’s oldest and largest park while enhancing their experience there?

You can read all of the answers that were received by the deadline.

In Memory of Board Member David Kehs (1950 – 2019)

Tue, 30 Jul 2019 02:46:00 GMT

Update 9/17/19: Dave’s family will have a memorial for him on Sunday, September 29th, from 12-4 PM in the Green Room at the Chateau Restaurant, 195 School Street, Waltham. Please join us for sharing memories about Dave with hors d'oeuvres at noon, followed by a buffet. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Sonja . Also, let her know if you’d like to say a few words about Dave and his activities so we can be sure to call on you.

Update 8/6/19: Dave's family has indicated visitation will be held at the Sterling Ashton Schwab Witzke Funeral Home in Catonsville, MD on August 9th and services followed by the burial will be August 10th. For more details visit: https://dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/catonsville-md/david-kehs-8792804

Dear Waltham Land Trust Family,

It is with deep and profound sadness that we write to inform you of the death of longtime Waltham Land Trust board member David Kehs. Ever the adventurer, Dave was on a whitewater rafting trip in Utah when he died in a tragic accident on July 21, 2019. Words cannot express our heartbreak and grief at losing him so suddenly and unexpectedly.

Dave has been a pillar of the Waltham Land Trust and the broader Waltham Community. As a concerned citizen and environmental activist, Dave successfully led the charge to have the improperly installed private commercial communications tower removed from Prospect Hill Park so the land could be restored for all of the public to enjoy. As a mainstay on the WLT Land Committee, Dave was a constant presence at public meetings and events, advocating for land preservation and conservation. As a Land Trust board member since 2001 - a tenure second only to that of the Land Trust's founding members still serving - he gave generously and tirelessly of his time, talent, treasure, and heart to advance the Land Trust's mission.

Dave's encyclopedic knowledge of Waltham's natural open space resources led him to become the Land Trust's unofficial cartographer - if you've ever consulted a Waltham Land Trust map on a walk through Prospect Hill Park, the Beaver Brook Reservation, the Chesterbrook Woods, or any of Waltham's other open spaces, Dave was (and still will be) by your side guiding you on your way.

When he wasn't busy attending meetings, researching properties at the Land Court, or serving as the Land Trust's Clerk, Dave enjoyed travel, hiking, kayaking, and cycling. He was a vocal advocate for the Mass Central Rail Trail and the preservation of Arrigo Farm, two projects he was instrumental in getting started that he tragically will not be with us to see completed. Only last week, Dave served as the Land Trust's representative at a meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals concerning the impact of a pending special permit. Dave's extensive knowledge of the history of the Paine Estate and Chesterbrook woods was also critical to informing the Land Trust's advocacy when it appeared those parcels might be at risk of development.

Dave's generosity of spirit was not limited to the Land Trust alone. Every Thursday, he delivered lunch to the senior citizens in the Pine Street high-rise with Meals on Wheels. He will also be deeply missed by his thespian friends in the Reagle Players and Arlington Friends of the Drama, his work colleagues in the field of software engineering, his singing group, many City employees and public officials, cycling partners, conservationists in neighboring communities, family, and too many friends to count.

We hope that those who knew Dave will take a small measure of comfort in knowing that he died doing what he loved - enjoying nature and the outdoors while living life to the fullest. Details of an anticipated memorial service in Waltham will be shared with the Land Trust membership when they are received from Dave's family.

While Dave may be gone, his work in Waltham will continue to live on. The acres of land he worked so hard to ensure were preserved for everyone are a lasting legacy that will never be forgotten.

To quote Ralph Waldo Emerson, "nature is loved by what is best in us." Dave loved nature and was one of the Land Trust's and Waltham's best. He was a cheerful and calming presence wherever he went. Our entire community will miss him greatly.

May he rest in peace.

Sincerely,

Sonja Wadman

Executive Director

Nadene Stein

President

Waltham Field Station Tenants Share Concerns

Fri, 15 Feb 2019 16:54:00 GMT

UMass plans to close the administrative offices at 240 Beaver Street on December 31, 2019

Tenants of the iconic UMass Waltham Field Station, including the Waltham Land Trust, are confronted with a serious, existential threat and begin 2019 in a critical phase of our long-term tenancies.

How you can help

If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to share your voice with UMass officials and state politicians .

Urge them to:

Preserve the Waltham Field Station’s sustainable agricultural community.
Extend tenant lease agreements beyond December 31, 2019.

Say something like:

I urge your support for the preservation of the Waltham Field Station’s sustainable agricultural community, and the work that has been done to fulfill the comprehensive vision for a Sustainable Agricultural Center, one which honors the legacy of its benefactor, Cornelia Warren. It’s imperative to preserve the Waltham Field Station’s sustainable agricultural community and extend tenant lease agreements beyond December 31, 2019.

Information for you to read

The complete tenants’ press release .

Waltham Patch

Waltham Fields Community Farm

Waltham Field Station Tenant Website

Hardy Pond singing

Sat, 15 Dec 2018 21:35:00 GMT

It’s rare, but not too rare, to hear a pond singing when it is frozen and temperatures are rising or falling. On Thursday December 13th, 2018, Hardy Pond with a solid but somewhat thin surface of ice (not safe for skating) was singing in full glory.

The following sound was captured so you can listen if you have never heard a pond singing before.

Could Waltham Fields Community Farm Be Saved?

Mon, 03 Dec 2018 04:25:00 GMT

The Patch
Nov 28th, 2018

One possibility is that the city may purchase the historic land from UMass Boston.

WALTHAM, MA — The fate of Waltham’s last farm is still in the balance, but the director of Waltham Fields Farm is cautiously optimistic that a potential deal in the works between the city and UMass might just be the answer that saves the farm. Still, she’s asking that supporters not step too far away.

Farm employees and volunteers have advocated for anyone who loves the farm to share their concern with Waltham’s City Council, the mayor as well as State Rep. John Lawn and Sen. Mike Barrett.

And they have. In droves. People showed up to a city council meeting earlier this year with signs and in solidarity with the farm. UMass offered two options to the farm: move its field station main office to rent space on the (newly acquired) Mount Ida campus in Newton by the end of 2019 or close up shop, said Waltham City Councilor George Darcy.

Neither of those options were exactly ideal.

Then, the Waltham Land Trust said on its website it learned that closed-door discussions “may be ongoing” regarding turning over the site to the City of Waltham, which may actually be on an old deed for the property.

That’s what gives the director of the community farms hope.

“We feel optimistic at this time about a sale of the land to the City of Waltham. We are being respectful of this process, while also collecting resources should a larger support campaign prove necessary. If we receive any indication that a transaction with this city is in immediate jeopardy, or does not preserve the existing farm land or our protect our organization’s tenancy, then we will absolutely share with our members and sound a louder call of action for support!” said Stacey Daley director of Waltham Field Community Farms in an email to Patch.

But it’s unclear if the deed that would allow Waltham to acquire the property if UMass were willing to give it up to the State is still legitimate all these years later, on account of stipulations on it.

So, in light of all the uncertainty Daley is not turning away anyone who wants to reach out to the farm and to local government to continue to share support for the farm.

“We hope residents of Waltham will offer their own voices, and explain how this land and our organization have impacted and nourished their lives and families,” said Daley.

City councilors told Patch they had not been apprised of any updates from the mayor’s office since there was an executive session on the farm earlier this year.

It’s unclear just why UMass might be willing to give up the property, though Waltham resident Alex Green, who wrote an opinion piece in support of the possibility of the city acquiring the land, opines that it might come after push back from purchasing Mount Ida College.

City Council President Diane LeBlanc and Councilor Robert Logan told Patch they’d be supportive of a possible deal that would save the farm.

Logan said residents and folks who farm plots have expressed concern to him that it stays a working farm.

“That would be the best solution and best use for the property. Certainly you wouldn’t want to see it developed,” he told Patch. “A lot of people use this property. Really, it’s almost a sub community of people who farm and grow their own vegetables. And today when everyone is encouraging us to eat healthy and produce things locally the farm is a good thing to have in the city.”

Daley said the farm is looking forward to a vibrant farming in 2019 full of educational programming, outreach and distribution of sustainably grown food to the residents of Waltham and neighboring communities in need of greater access to fresh healthy foods.

The property has a long history. The university acquired the property by way of Cornelia Warren’s will at her passing in 1922. The site was her family’s dairy, hay, and vegetable operation. When Warren died, the farm was divided into several parcels by the trustees of her estate. Since then, the UMass Field Station has been a mecca for gardeners, farmers, breeders and all realms of horticultural research. The property where the Girl Scouts have their camp much of Bentley property and Veteran’s fields were all once owned by Warren.

“If this historic land is developed, Waltham will lose an incredible and irreplaceable part of its history and green space,” according to the land trust.

UMass Amherst did not immediately return request for comment.

“It needs to be preserved,” said Darcy. “It would be a shame for the city if we lost that.”

But Darcy said he’d much rather see the city acquire the public property.

Echoing what Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein used to say, Darcy said the city shouldn’t have to purchase land that’s already public land;”It should just be able to acquire the public land if the state doesn’t want it anymore.”

###

Interested in more information about the Waltham Field Station?

Read the Waltham Land Trusts statement about Waltham Field Station and Lawrence Meadow .
Read an article from March 2018 – Save the Waltham Field Station .

Since June, when University of Massachusetts, the farm’s landlord, announced its intention to close the farm’s administrative office space at the end of the year, there’s been a sense of uncertainty about the future of the farm. Waltham Fields Community Farm is one of the last working farms in the greater Boston area and one that has at within its mission to help others.

School Building Committee Community Meetings on the WHS Project

Mon, 26 Nov 2018 19:15:00 GMT

The Waltham School Building Committee will hold two Community Meetings on the The Waltham High School Project at 554 Lexington Street, also known as the Stigmatine’s. Residents are invited to ask questions and offer comment on the matter.

You can see the proposed plans here .

Both meetings will take place at the Waltham High School, Cannon Lecture Hall, 617 Lexington Street.

The time and dates for the meetings are:

Tuesday, November 27th, 2018 – 6:00 pm to 7:15 pm
Wednesday, December 5, 2018 – 6:00 pm to 7:15 pm

Below is the Waltham Land Trust’s statement read at the first meeting on November 27th, 2018. Click on it to download the pdf.

2018-11-27 WLT Statement about new high school at 554 Lexington St

Annual Meeting 2018

Fri, 09 Nov 2018 20:03:00 GMT

Over 50 people came to the Waltham Land Trust’s Annual Meeting. There were a number of speakers on a variety of topics.

You can view the slideshows from the meeting.

The Land Trust on the New High School

Tue, 29 May 2018 02:53:00 GMT

Position Regarding Waltham High School

a white paper published in May, 2018

A large number of land trust members and city officials have sought an opinion from the Waltham Land Trust about the proposed sites for the Waltham High School.

Our core responsibility at the Waltham Land Trust is to protect the City’s open space. Like everyone who weighs in on this issue, we want the best for Waltham’s students, and regret that conflict has arisen as important community needs compete for scarce resources. But as the sworn protectors of Waltham’s open space, we must be guided by our mission — to acquire, preserve or restore land in a way that balances conservation and access, maximizes the natural value of the land, reduces habitat fragmentation and permanently protects and conserves Waltham’s natural resources.

The Waltham Land Trust has been grateful for the strong relationship we have had with the City of Waltham and the Waltham School Department since our inception. In response to our campaigns and our partnership, the City has acquired over 135 acres of open space and hosted several miles of the Western Greenway Trail, including on the current Waltham High School property. For our part, the Land Trust has trained and mobilized teams of trail stewards who watch over and repair the City’s open space assets. WLT brings Waltham’s open space to its residents, and especially its youngsters, with myriad educational programs, walks, volunteer days, and collaborations with the City’s network of non-profits and educators. Together we have been creating a legacy of conservation in Waltham.

Permanent protection of open space is the goal of every land trust. The Waltham Land Trust strongly opposes any development involving our protected lands. This is why the Land Trust joined with the Robert Treat Paine Historical Trust to oppose consideration of taking a part of the Paine Estate’s woods, land that is already protected and is in fact a National Historic Landmark. WLT also opposes the re-purposing of Chester Brook Woods – land that the Waltham City Council’s Committee to Acquire Open Space championed the preservation of just a decade ago.

Like most municipalities, Waltham has been slow to endow its open space acquisitions with the Conservation Restrictions and other statutory protections that ensure their preservation for generations to come. The current situation regarding the siting of a new high school highlights how critical Conservation Restrictions are to ensure that future pressures do not overwhelm past commitments to preservation. The Land Trust urges the city to act now to protect its open space acquisitions with Conservation Restrictions. It must also be stated that the Waltham Land Trust is deeply concerned about keeping the Waltham Field Station, our headquarters and Waltham’s great historical and agricultural landmark, as a farming and food resource for the city in perpetuity.

The Waltham Land Trust can only recommend that the city’s infrastructure needs be met on land that has already been developed and can be re-used. This applies to re-use of the existing high school site, other convertible sites in the city inventory, or acquiring other property.

We have been told that the partially-developed Stigmatine campus could address the WLT’s concerns: development within a constrained building envelope, structured parking to minimize land use, located in ways that maintains trail and wildlife corridors and the connections to contiguous parks and other open space. That does sound positive, but without a deeper understanding of the city’s commitment to open space protection there, WLT is unable to endorse this location at this time.

To restate the Land Trust’s long standing policy: If development must proceed on open space parcels, it should be permitted only after alternatives for re-use have been proven unfeasible and an open space parcel of comparable size and conservation value is protected in perpetuity. These developments should be limited in size, concentrated in area, built with the best environmental practices available and strategically located to maximize preservation of the site’s natural resources.

Update: On June 11, 2018, WLT Executive Director Sonja Wadman met with the Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Drew Echelson. Dr. Echelson wanted to ensure WLT members are aware that the proposed high school site at the Stigmatines would allow for full preservation of the Chesterbrook Woods and Paine Estate and would not require development of land from either of these parcels.

For further information contact Sonja Wadman, Executive Director

781-893-3355 / swadman@walthamlandtrust.org

For a downloadable PDF of this position paper, click here .

[Please note: The Waltham Land Trust board of directors includes a City Councillor and a School Department employee. Neither director attended the discussions or votes on endorsing this position.]

Save the Waltham Field Station

Tue, 29 May 2018 02:42:00 GMT

Preservation Alert: The Waltham Field Station – May, 2018

The Waltham Land Trust (WLT) is extremely concerned about the future of the Waltham Field Station at 240 Beaver Street, currently known as the UMass Waltham Center, and seeks the public’s support in protecting this legacy agricultural property in our city.

The Waltham Field Station is by far the largest of the three existing farms in the City, and is known to have the best soils available in the city, if not the entire Metrowest region. WLT is a tenant at this site, along with a dozen other non-profits, educational programs and community groups. Tenants were put on notice this winter that our tenures may be threatened, due to a lack of action on the promised state bond bill funding for the university to build a Sustainability Education Center on this site. The promulgation of a new Environmental Bond Bill, that excluded the sustainability funding, left the university scrambling for solutions for the costly and aging infrastructure on the site. A promised end-of-April decision about tenancy (60 days before leases expire) never materialized. The acquisition of Mt. Ida College in Newton raised additional questions and concerns about UMass’s plans for the Field Station. WLT has learned from state house sources that closed-door discussions may be ongoing regarding turning over the site to the City of Waltham. Rumors have raced past real information about the future of the Field Station, and have impelled us to step forward to say,

Save the Waltham Field Station

One of the most important agricultural and historical properties in Waltham

The history of American farming innovation cannot be told without invoking the Waltham Field Station and its contribution to the technology of agriculture. This legacy is engaged every time a gardener buys a seed packet of Waltham Butternut Squash or Waltham Broccoli or any of the many corn hybrids developed at this agricultural research center in the 20th century. The Field Station has been a center for community-supported farming for over 96 years, and this role continues into the 21st century with improvements and reinvigorated care brought by the establishment of the GROW community gardens and the Waltham Fields Community Farm at the site on the 1990s.

Long before the researchers and community groups came to re-invent agriculture here, Waltham’s greatest benefactor, Cornelia Warren, farmed these acres and intended to assure that this land should be kept in agriculture or as park land by the heirs to her fortune, the Massachusetts Agricultural College and the City of Waltham. In addition, this land is an integral part of the Western Greenway open space corridor and has been recognized as one of Waltham’s most significant and endangered open space properties by the WLT.

This one unique place incorporates the history of American agriculture, the legacy of Waltham’s foremost benefactor, an irreplaceable link in the Western Greenway, the best farm soils in our region, and a community of groups bringing food, agriculture, and education to the region’s residents.

Please join the Waltham Land Trust in declaring that this land must stay agricultural and open to the people of the Commonwealth, as Cornelia Warren hoped, and promised by her actions, that it would.

For a downloadable PDF of this post you can share, click here .

Due to their municipal positions, board members George Darcy and Nadene Stein did not participate in the discussion of this position.

City of Waltham Public Hearing on Mass Central Rail Trail, June 4, 2018

Mon, 28 May 2018 20:49:00 GMT

The City of Waltham will hold a public meeting regarding the design of the Wayside Rail Trail. It will take place at Government Center Auditorium, 119 School St, Waltham MA , 0n June 4th, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Government Center is wheelchair accessible.

The Wayside Rail Trail is part of the Mass Central Rail Trail project shown on this map . Read all about the Mass Central Rail Trail project.

Waltham looking to buy city’s last undeveloped farm

Tue, 08 May 2018 21:06:00 GMT

By Melissa Russell
Waltham Wicked Local
Posted at 12:00 PM
Updated at 12:00 PM

The Waltham City Council’s Committee of the Whole, on Monday, approved a friendly taking of Arrigo Farm, the last undeveloped family farm in Waltham. The issue will go before the City Council next Monday for full approval.

Councilor Kathleen McMenimen called the land the “last piece of true agricultural history in the annals of Waltham today.”

“All the others have gone the way of condos,” she said. “To preserve this farm has been a true endeavor.”

According to Mayor Jeannette McCarthy, the 4.2 acre parcel was appraised and identified as appropriate for farming in 2014, but the agreement was held up while the city negotiated with the numerous heirs to the property. McCarthy said she had been approached by developers interested in building on the land, but she wanted to see it preserved for farming.

The Waltham Land Trust fall 2013 newsletter states the Arrigo land, located at 342-344 Warren St., was initially purchased in 1635. A house was built there in 1650, and demolished and rebuilt in 1837. In all the years since, it was only owned by two families.

( Here is a map showing the location of Arrigo Farm.)

The Massachusetts Historic Commission has deemed the house eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. There is a barn also on the property. Community Preservation Act funding of $3,2960,250 was approved in 2014. A small portion of the land is over the Watertown border, and Watertown will remain in control of it.

McCarthy said she has been contacted by people who want to farm the land, and she hopes to have rent paid back to the city. Non-historic buildings on the property, including wings added to the 1837 structure, will have to come down, she said.

City attorney John Cervone said once the full council votes to approve the order of the taking, the ownership of the property can be recorded in the Registry of Deeds within 30 days. A request for proposal will be issued, and any group that wants to farm the land can respond.

Under the city charter, the city can purchase or take by eminent domain any land within its limits for any municipal purpose. If the price proposed is more than 25 percent higher than the average assessed value of the past three years, “it has to be a taking, not a purchase,” McCarthy said.

City of Waltham Wayside Rail Trail Meeting Feb 13th

Sun, 28 Jan 2018 20:49:00 GMT

The City of Waltham will hold a public meeting regarding the Wayside Rail Trail. It will take place at Government Center Auditorium, 119 School St, Waltham MA , 0n Feb 13th, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. Government Center is wheelchair accessible.

The Wayside Rail Trail is part of the Mass Central Rail Trail project shown on this map . Read all about the Mass Central Rail Trail project.

Waltham School Committee And Waltham City Council Joint Meeting Jan 30th

Thu, 25 Jan 2018 05:22:00 GMT

The Waltham School Committee And the Waltham City Council will hold a joint meeting to discuss the Waltham Public Schools current and future building needs. Possible locations include Chesterbrook Woods, a 25.5-acre parcel of land adjacent to the Robert Treat Paine Estate.

The meeting is on Tuesday, January 30th, 7:00 pm at the Cannon Lecture Hall, Waltham High School, 617 Lexington St.

The agenda is:

Agreed Upon Items
Waltham Public Schools Current and Future Building Needs
District Needs
Waltham High School Needs
Career and Vocational Technical Education
Brief Analysis of Potential Sites
Waltham High School Project Ramifications
Questions for Departments, Boards and Commissions
Open Discussion

On November 15, 2017 the Waltham Land Trust submitted a letter to City Officials advocating for the continued conservation of the Chesterbrook Woods, also known as the Coleman-Stanton Property, and opposing its use as a potential location for the new high school. Read the WLT’s full statement .

There is an on-line petition , created by the neighborhood group Coalition to Save Chesterbrook Woods, stating “We strongly oppose the use of Chesterbrook Woods as the site for a new high school.”

The Friends of Stonehurst have written a position letter to the Waltham City Council.

Look at our downloadable Storer Conservation Land trail guide to see how the Chesterbrook Woods are a natural extension of the Storer Conservation Land.

Neighborhood Meeting on the Waltham High School Project’s potential location at Chesterbrook Woods

Sat, 16 Dec 2017 02:40:00 GMT

The Waltham School Committee and Waltham School Building Committee will hold a Neighborhood Meeting on the Waltham High School Project and its potential location at Chesterbrook Woods, a 25.5-acre parcel of land adjacent to the Robert Treat Paine Estate.

The public hearing is on Wednesday, January 10th, 6:00 pm at the Cannon Lecture Hall, Waltham High School, 617 Lexington St.

The Friends of Stonehurst have written a position letter to the Waltham City Council.

Look at our downloadable Storer Conservation Land trail guide to see how the Chesterbrook Woods are a natural extension of the Storer Conservation Land.

Remembering Board Member Lesya Struz (1949 – 2017)

Tue, 05 Dec 2017 01:49:00 GMT

WLT Board Member Lesya Struz died peacefully in her home on November 21, 2017. Please click here for her official obituary and details regarding Lesya’s burial on Friday, December 8, 2017 and memorial service on Saturday, December 30, 2017.

When Lesya joined the Waltham Land Trust Board in October of 2003, the rest of the Board didn’t know what to expect. Her husband, Joris Naiman, was a founding member of the organization and this was the first time we’d have a husband and wife on the Board. Joris brought tremendous knowledge to the Land Trust, but we quickly discovered that Lesya had abilities that were just as unique. Whether it was her organizing talent from her work as a founder of the Oregon Chapter of the Pacific Crest Trail Association, or her personal study of trails and plants, Lesya brought an irreplaceable combination of passion and skills to the Waltham Land Trust Board.

Lesya’s passion for nature and Waltham’s history was contagious. Her most entertaining activity was her portrayal of Cornelia Warren, a long-dead entrepreneur, farmer and philanthropist in Waltham. Lesya would dress as Cornelia in 1900’s era garb and give talks on this fascinating woman and her family. She would also play Cornelia while leading wildflower walks on Cedar Hill, a beautiful Girl Scout camp and one of Waltham’s largest woodland open spaces which was Cornelia’s home before she donated it in her will. As part of the walks, Lesya would point out the exotic specimen trees at Cedar Hill, and the many Lady Slippers and other wildflowers on the site. Lesya’s creativity was matched only by her practicality; she would have us pulling the garlic mustard as we walked.

In one of her last talks at a Waltham Land Trust Annual Meeting, Lesya explained the relationships between Cornelia Warren’s family and Louis Brandeis, two Waltham icons.

Lesya was also a tremendous resource to the Land Trust’s Program and Land Committees. She always suggested activities no one else would think of and she always knew wonderful speakers and other resources for our public meetings. Ever concerned with the safety of the Land Trust members, Lesya gave several talks on how to dress properly to be in the woods in order to avoid pitfalls like ticks and poison ivy. She must have brought in a mountain of clothes for all seasons and sizes, and could have dressed the entire audience. Lesya also inspired WLT to buy what a fellow board member described as “the biggest first aid kit on Earth.”

Her knowledge of the environment was extensive and she used it to serve both the Land Trust members, as well as the entire City, serving as a commissioner on the Waltham Conservation Commission from 2005 to 2014.

Lesya’s final projects were assuring that Joris’s contributions to the Land Trust, the City of Waltham, and other organizations, were acknowledged in perpetuity. While Lesya focused on Joris’s commitment to conservation, her own contributions to the Land Trust and environmental causes were equally important.

We will miss her knowledge, her laugh, and her joy in joining us in the outdoors.

WLT’s Position Concerning the Chesterbrook Woods and the New High School

Wed, 15 Nov 2017 20:18:00 GMT

City Council Candidates’ responses to WLT’s Questionnaire

Thu, 26 Oct 2017 03:41:00 GMT

The Waltham Land Trust sent out a questionnaire to all the candidates running for City Council in Waltham. The deadline for responses was October 24th, 2017.

The questions we asked the candidates are:

How would you assess how the city has managed and maintained open space? What plans do you have in mind to improve this work?
Would you support the administration’s request to create a Park Ranger position within the Recreation Department to help the City responsibly manage its forested parcels (many of which were acquired in recent years)?
Should Waltham Land Trust’s position on development guide the management of city-owned property?
The Waltham Land Trust continues to encounter people tenting/living along Waltham’s trails and open spaces. We are concerned about a potential lack of facilities for folks who need them. What will you do to help this situation?
For Wards 8 and 9, and others if they are interested: What is your vision for the Woerd Avenue Landfill site? How would you work with fellow city officials to move forward with the capping of the landfill to create open or recreational space?

All their answers have been compiled into a PDF for you to read .

WALTHAM WALKS! Senior Stroll & Healthy Snack at UMASS Field Station

Wed, 11 Oct 2017 03:49:00 GMT

On October 11, 2017 the Waltham Land Trust joined forces with Healthy Waltham and Waltham Fields Community Farm to offer a special event just for seniors. After hearing a little about some of the groups working at the UMASS Field Station (240 Beaver Street), folks walked to the Learning Garden and enjoyed fresh salad prepared by Healthy Waltham. Alex provided a very informative tour of the Farm and then Sonja took hardy participants for a stroll through the Green Rows of Waltham community garden. A great time was had by everyone who participated. Thanks to Lois Rosenfeld for the beautiful photos!

Western Greenway 5K – 2017

Mon, 02 Oct 2017 23:18:00 GMT

Click for race results or visit the 2017 Race Around Waltham Series page to check the standings

Sunset Yoga August 2017

Sat, 02 Sep 2017 01:22:00 GMT

On August 30, fourteen people followed the instructions of yoga instructor Courtney Bell through a series of stretches and poses outdoors at sunset in what used to be a rose garden at 240 Beaver Street, the UMASS Field Station. Everyone had a wonderful time, feeling grounded connecting to the fertile Earth while breathing in deeply.

This was the second Sunset Yoga event this year. Hope you join us when we do this again next year!

Moonlight Guided Paddle

Sun, 20 Aug 2017 02:43:00 GMT

On August 3, 2017, twenty-four lucky Waltham Land Trust supporters participated in the first annual Moonlight Paddle fundraiser. Charles River Canoe and Kayak provided the canoes and the guides. The group departed from Moody Street at dusk and passed under the Prospect Street bridge. Informative stories were told about Nuttings on the Charles and other river attractions of a bygone era.

After paddling about 1.5 miles upstream, the canoes gathered together as a floating floatilla to share food. Margaritas provided quesadillas (where the WLT was raising money all day), plus finger sandwiches, fruit, and drinks, and desserts were provided by CRC&K. After stuffing themselves, the group slowly rode the current back to Moody Street in darkness, aided by small lights on each canoe fore and aft. Make sure you sign up early for this event next summer!

Controversial communication tower comes down

Sat, 15 Jul 2017 02:29:00 GMT

By Ignacio Laguarda
waltham.wickedlocal.com
ilaguarda@wickedlocal.com
Posted Jul 7, 2017 at 4:37 PM
Updated Jul 12, 2017 at 7:51 AM

The 293-foot communication tower at the heart of a legal dispute between the city and Louis and Anthony Antico has come down.

The tower, located high on Prospect Hill, was first erected in 1962, and then extended in 1980. But a 2015 request from the Anticos to build a new tower at the location caught the attention of the city’s building department head, who claimed the existing tower was illegal and unsafe.

Inspector of Buildings William Forte ultimately issued a cease and desist order in 2015 as well as a “remove or make safe” order, claiming that commercial use of the tower was not permitted since it was in a residential zone. Further, Forte said the city never issued a building permit to allow for commercial use at the site.

Lawsuits dogged tower

The tower was previously used for commercial purposes by internet providers, snowplow dispatchers, ambulance services, and a bus company.

The Anticos challenged the order, but eventually reached a non-monetary settlement with the city to drop the case, said Philip McCourt, a Waltham-based lawyer who represents the Anticos. Part of the settlement required the tower to be taken down, and it was removed two weeks ago.

Forte’s decision to challenge the legality of the tower came after the city’s own zoning board of appeals had granted the Anticos’ proposal to build a new tower on the site, and tear down the existing one.

Forte claimed the ZBA’s approval of the proposal was “arbitrary and capricious.”

There was a separate lawsuit against the Anticos issued by the city’s Recreation Board, which alleged that the tower and its infrastructure encroached on city parkland. The board was seeking to have the Anticos remove all the structures they have built on city parkland, which include a swinging gate, the embedded anchors for the tower’s guy wires and more than 100 yards of a crushed asphalt road going through the park.

The Recreation Board met on Friday, July 7, to address plans at the site, but decided to hold an executive session discussion not open to the public.

Applause from Waltham Land Trust

Sonja Wadman, head of the Waltham Land Trust, has fought for the tower to come down, and for the parkland to be restored. Nonetheless, she was happy to find out the tower had been removed.

“The Waltham Land Trust is thrilled about this,” said Wadman. “We see this as a huge success for Prospect Hill Park.”

David Kehs, a member of the now-defunct Prospect Hill Park Advocacy Group, said he would also like to see the paved land become part of the park now that the tower is gone.

The future of the part of the site owned by the Anticos is unknown, but McCourt said the brothers would be willing to sell the land, which is roughly five acres, to the city.

McCourt said that while the Anticos ultimately agreed to take the tower down, they were disappointed in how they were portrayed in the entire proceeding.

“Taking down the tower is something that they would have always been willing to discuss, even thought they felt they had a perfect right [to maintain it],” said McCourt. “They felt they were portrayed as [people] who were trying to do something nefarious … that’s what disappointed them the most.”

National Trails Day Celebrated In Waltham

Mon, 05 Jun 2017 23:37:00 GMT

On a day where people all over the country were celebrating trails, 16 volunteers joined the Waltham Land Trust in addressing two long-standing issues on the trails. Along the Western Greenway, a bench that was originally installed in 2012 and dislodged by vandals a few years later was returned to its perch overlooking a forested gully.

Since before 2010, a wooden structure covered with blue tarps had been along the Mass Central Rail Trail. For the past several years, it has been abandoned and an eye sore on the soon-to-be multi-purpose community path. WLT head stewards Laurel Carpenter and Greg Shenstone led fearless volunteers in dismantling the shed and lugging its contents to the nearby dumper provided by the City of Waltham. Many thanks to everyone who helped!!!

Green Space Blues Jam Rocked the House

Wed, 31 May 2017 05:49:00 GMT

On Saturday, May 20, the Waltham Land Trust held their annual gala event, the Green Space Blues Jam, at the Hobbs Brook facility at 175 Winter Street in Waltham. The featured performers this year were Sugar Ray and the Bluetones who delivered two and a half hours of awesome blues music. Around 145 people were also treated to fantastic appetizers, drinks, dinner and dessert by an amazing Hobbs Brook staff! No one left hungry. There was also a silent auction with a wide range of items from gift cards to a free day of paddling on the Charles.

The event helps raise money to keep the Waltham Land Trust in the black to fund all the programs helping to keep open space open, make and keep trails cleared, and getting people outside to enjoy nature right here in our own community. Thank you to all who came and hope you had as great a time as we did! And if you left before finding out if you won anything at the silent auction, we will be contacting you if you did.

Be sure to join us next year!

Watch City Steampunk Walk

Mon, 15 May 2017 21:51:00 GMT

On Saturday, May 13, the Waltham Land Trust led a walk along the Charles River during the Watch City Steampunk Festival. We saw a Great blue heron being chased by red-winged black birds, goslings and their parents, painted turtles, and cormorants (adults are black and juveniles are mottled).

A great time was had by all.

18th Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup

Tue, 09 May 2017 16:18:00 GMT

On April 29, hundreds of volunteers in Waltham participated in the huge Charles River cleanup. Dr. Eric Olson led a training on invasive plants. He was assisted by WLT Board member and Conservation Commissioner Phil Moser. Many groups and individuals came from all over to remove trash and invasives from the riverbanks. They were rewarded with Bertucci’s pizza, Hannaford sandwiches, and snacks from Shaw’s/Star Market.

Some of the groups who participated in in Waltham include the Waltham Boys and Girls Club, Girl Scout Brownie Troop 66040, Boston Intercollegiate Alumnae Association, United Congregationalist Church of Burlington, Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice and the Environment, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Weston, New England Sports Network, Penn State Boston Alumni, the Chi Phi Beta chapter of M.I.T., the Waltham Group of Brandeis University, and the Geocacher CITO team. Volunteers from other parts of the MetroWest came, too, and a great time was had by all.

Hope to see you next time on a cleanup!

New Website for Waltham Land Trust

Wed, 12 Apr 2017 16:08:00 GMT

On April 10th, 2017, the Waltham Land Trust went live with their new website. The Technology Committee put in a 3 month effort to create a new responsive website that is easy to use and to find things. Check it out on your smart phone or tablet to see how well it works.

After an extensive survey of what the directors, the executive director, and committees would like to see in a new website and an online Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) system, followed by a search for a vendor that could match the requirements, the decision was made to go ahead at the end of December, 2016. The vendor chosen provides the CRM integrated into the website. So now, all the donation, events and membership forms look the same as the rest of the site as well as saving lots of time for our executive director as all the donations, event tickets and membership information goes directly into the CRM.

The website is powered by the very popular WordPress open source Content Management System (CMS). The WordPress community has many plugins that allow you to do all sorts of thing with your website content. A new exciting feature is the searchable Open Space Inventory table which uses such a plugin. All the open space parcels in Waltham that are over 4 acres were evaluated by the Land Committee and given ratings. This table is in the process of being updated so watch for changes.

Please let us know what you think and if you have any suggestions we’d like to hear them too . Of course after you get outside for your morning, afternoon or evening constitutional.

Spring Equinox Walk 2017

Mon, 10 Apr 2017 18:11:00 GMT

On Sunday, March 26, about 25 people met at the Watch Factory for the Waltham Land Trust’s Spring Equinox Walk. It was a dry but cool day. We went for an easy stroll along the Charles River in search of birds and signs of Spring.

We spotted a Great Blue heron as we walked from the Woerd Avenue boat launch towards Forest Grove Park on the Newton line. At Purgatory Cove, we saw a variety of mergansers, both hooded and common.

Hope to see you next time on a walk!

Duck Walk along the Charles

Tue, 04 Apr 2017 02:29:00 GMT

On January 21, 2017, about 40 people gathered at the Shaw’s parking lot to walk along the Charles in search of diving and dabbling ducks visiting from Northern climes. The temperatures had been unseasonably warm for days, leaving the Cambridge Reservoir and Hardy Pond unfrozen, thus there were not many of these types of birds along the Charles. Nonetheless, attendees had a great time walking to Moody Street and back. In addition to the birds photographed, a red-tailed hawk was spotted at the start of the walk.

New Year’s Day Hike 2017

Thu, 23 Mar 2017 02:26:00 GMT

2017 started off on the right foot for 140 holiday hikers who jumped in with both feet joining in the 12th annual Waltham Land Trust’s New Year’s Day Hike in Prospect Hill Park. The family-friendly event found most hikers trekking in from the south gate with leashed dogs and baby strollers in tow. While most stuck to the road, a warmly dressed conga line of hardy holiday hikers could be seen curling up the 58 stone steps stuck into the south slope of Little Prospect, and others journeyed up the Boston Rock Trail.

Additionally, new this year, a group of 60 hikers approached from the southwest corner of the park from Berry Farm and the Mass Central Rail Trail. Hikers from the nearby Highlands snaked up veins and arteries of secret trails and by 1:30 pm, a climbing crowd of 140 New Year’s revelers united as one at the summit. Friends and families loaded with excited youngsters joined Land Trust members, City of Waltham board and committee members and one brave City Councilor in a boot for the breezy espirit de corps atop the zenith of Little Prospect.

Revelers gobbled up hot chocolate, coffee, homemade fig bars and fresh fruit provided by the WLT Board of Directors and the Plympton School. A sightseeing magic trick was provided by Sonja Wadman of the Land Trust, who pulled the famous CITGO out of her hat and the Emerald City skyline of Boston. A wonderful time was had by all. Be sure to join us next year!

Waltham Land Trust on the new Waltham High School

Thu, 02 Feb 2017 20:43:00 GMT

Wicked Local Waltham
Posted: Dec 16th, 2016

By Sonja Wadman and Marc Rudnick

The Waltham Land Trust has been quietly observing the discussion of the location of a new high school for the Watch City. Our board and staff members have been attending the public meetings and following the press coverage closely. Now that revised plans are starting to emerge, including the possible use of the Stigmatine Espousal Center – one of the Waltham’s highest value open space properties – it makes sense for us to publicize our views about the new high school.

The Waltham Land Trust was pleased with the conceptual plans presented to the School Building Committee on Nov. 21. These show a new high school at the current site, entirely on land north of Jack’s Way, preserving the wooded buffer zone between the road and the Storer Conservation Lands. Unfortunately, the path of the Western Greenway trail, on land owned by the School Department north of Jack’s Way, might be in jeopardy. We applaud the idea that the school could be built on already developed land and hope that the Western Greenway trail can be avoided or relocated elsewhere on the property.

More recently we’ve learned that the Stigmatine Espousal Center could be the location of our new high school. The Waltham Land Trust has advocated for municipal acquisition of this 40-acre campus since our inception. Combined with the city’s abutting 26-acre Sanderson Heights and six-acre Jericho Hill Summit parcels, these properties comprise one of the largest unprotected open space resources in the city, and form the connection between the Western Greenway and Prospect Hill Park.

We expected that acquisition of the Stigmatine’s would bring reuse of the already developed part of the parcel, along with the potential for preservation of the extensive woodlands there. We believe that such reuse is compatible with preservation efforts, if it follows the guidelines we have recommended for open space and development in the city.

These guidelines are laid out in detail in our recently updated “Position on Development” white paper, but the gist of it is easy to summarize here.

Wherever possible, the Waltham Land Trust recommends that new development to address the city’s infrastructure needs be sited on parcels that have already been developed and can be re-used. Where highly valuable open space like the Stigmatine Espousal Center is being considered for development, new construction should be permitted only after alternatives for reuse have been proven infeasible. If permitted, these developments should be concentrated in area, with structured parking to minimize land use, built with the best environmental practices available and strategically located to maximize preservation of the site’s natural resources, trail and wildlife corridors and the connections to contiguous parks and other open space. In addition, a comparable open space parcel elsewhere should be permanently protected to offset the loss due to new municipal development.

With proper planning for the future of Waltham, public appreciation of natural resources will grow, native habitat will be preserved and restored, environmental quality of life improved, pollution reduced, biodiversity increased and a legacy of conservation perpetuated in our city.

The Waltham Land Trust board of directors endorses this letter. However, the board includes two city councilors and one school department employee. None of these three directors attended the discussions or votes on endorsing this policy or the white paper.

– Sonja Wadman is the executive director of the Waltham Land Trust, and Marc Rudnick is a member of the WLT board of directors