Colorful leaves on a tree in autumn.

Vote!

Vote for the Waltham Land Trust in Watertown Savings Bank's 26th Annual Customer Choice Awards and part of $100,000 could be donated to us!

Get out on the trails

You can hear the trails calling your name... go for a walk!

Open space needs your help

Protecting and preserving takes time, energy and your support.

Please consider a year end donation to help protect and preserve open space in Waltham.

Thank you!

A Commitment to Open Space

The Waltham Land Trust: Protecting, preserving and connecting since 1999

News

Mass Central Rail Trail Walk, January 25, 2025

February 15, 2025

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…

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Stewards’ Appreciation Party, January 12, 2025

February 15, 2025

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…

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Waltham Has a Rat Problem

February 13, 2025

“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…

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

January 28, 2025

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…

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Beaver Brook Historic Reservation Walk, December 14, 2024

December 29, 2024

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…

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

December 22, 2024

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…

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Walk along Renovated Charles River Path, November 16, 2024

December 6, 2024

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,…

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

December 5, 2024

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…

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

December 4, 2024

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…

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YMCA Western Greenway Walk, October 18, 2024

December 3, 2024

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…

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Upcoming Events

Winter Wonders Animal Program for Children (FULL)

02/21/2025 1:00 pm - 02/21/2025 2:00 pm

Shopper’s Cafe Fundraiser

02/25/2025 11:00 am - 02/25/2025 10:00 pm

Green Burial—The Earth Friendly Option

03/06/2025 7:00 pm - 03/06/2025 8:30 pm

26th Annual Charles River Earth Day Cleanup

04/26/2025 10:00 am - 04/26/2025 12:00 pm

Specials to Support WLT!

Buy Chateau gift cards online

Any gift cards purchased online with the coupon code WLT will earn the Waltham Land Trust 5% of that sale. Get yours today!

Get 10% off merino wool crew socks

Use the code “WLT10” when you buy merino wool socks from Warm Peet and all profits tied to that code will be donated back to the Waltham Land Trust.

Waltham Wildlife

We aren't the only ones that benefit from preserving open space in Waltham. Here are some pictures of Waltham wildlife that you could find living on or passing through the open spaces in Waltham. Some of the pictures were taken at night with a camera that was triggered by a sensor.

Our Mission

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. Recognizing that diversity strengthens our organization, the Waltham Land Trust strives to create an environment where everyone is respected, valued, and appreciated regardless of their race, gender, age, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, abilities, or disabilities. We welcome those who share these values.

The Waltham Land Trust envisions growth in public appreciation of natural resources, preservation and restoration of native habitat, and increased biodiversity to foster a healthier environment.