Archive for December 2024

By Jane Derderian
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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…

By Jane Derderian
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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…

By Jane Derderian
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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,…

By Jane Derderian
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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…

By Jane Derderian
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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…

By Jane Derderian
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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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August 3, 2026
BY EMILY SZCZYPEK ● AROUND TOWN ● JULY 30, 2026 Photo featuring: Stacey Daley, Dee Kricker, and Sonja Wadman. Twenty-six people gathered at Waltham Fields Community Farm on July 23 for an evening of local history, birdwatching and farm-fresh refreshments at the farm’s annual history walk and talk.

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July 27, 2026
BY CYD ABNET ● ENVIRONMENT ● JULY 19, 2026 The drought has significantly affected Waltham’s local flora and fauna. According to Waltham Land Trust Executive Director Sonja Wadman, the effects are cascading. “Water sources like the Charles River, Hardy Pond and our brooks shrink, resulting in concentrated amounts of pollutants and exposing critical habitat for fish, migrating birds and amphibians found along the edges of waterways and in wetlands,” she explained. Wadman also noted that trees and plants are affected by the lack of water and often die as a result. “Our volunteer trail and land restoration stewards are very busy trying their best to keep our recently planted and even more established vegetation moist,” she said.


