Cleanup - group photo

Annual Charles River Cleanup

Recognized by American Rivers as one of the largest river clean-ups in the country, the Charles River Clean-up will host thousands of volunteers in the Charles River Watershed to help remove litter and clean-up our waterways. Your support will make a huge impact on the river's health!

Open space needs your help

Protecting and preserving takes time, energy and your support.

Please consider a 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

Get out on the trails

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

News

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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Reverse Tashlich Charles River Cleanup, September 29, 2024

October 11, 2024

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…

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Outdoor Autumnal Equinox Yoga, September 23, 2024

October 11, 2024

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!

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Walk to and around Wellington Fields, September 22, 2024

October 11, 2024

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!

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Lakeview Preserve Celebration, September 8, 2024

September 13, 2024

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,…

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Upcoming Events

Western Greenway 5K Run/Walk 2024

Oct 27, 2024 12:00PM—2:00PM

The McLaughlin Building Metropolitan Pkwy N North Waltham, MA 02452

Not Your Average Joe’s Fundraiser

Aug 27, 2024 11:30AM—9:00PM

Not Your Average Joe’s 56 Marketplace Drive Waltham, MA 02451

Not Your Average Joe’s Fundraiser

Aug 20, 2024 11:30AM—9:00PM

Not Your Average Joe’s 56 Marketplace Drive Waltham, MA 02451

Not Your Average Joe’s Fundraisers

Aug 13, 2024 11:30AM—9:00PM

Not Your Average Joe’s 56 Marketplace Drive Waltham, MA 02451

Not Your Average Joe’s Fundraiser

Aug 06, 2024 11:30AM—9:00PM

Not Your Average Joe’s 56 Marketplace Drive Waltham, MA 02451

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.

Beaver Brook North Pond

A short video of Beaver Brook North pond showing the changes over a year!

Online Specials To Support WLT!

Buy Wachusett Mountain lift tickets online

Any lift ticket purchased online (at a discounted price versus in person) with the coupon code DON-WLT earns the Waltham Land Trust $10 a ticket at the end of the season.

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!

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.

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