SGAR-free campuses in Waltham

September 5, 2025

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).

Recent Posts

By N/A N/A March 10, 2026
Spring is the season of renewal and rebirth! Come and hang out with us at one of the trendiest spots in Waltham that offers tasty food options such as burgers, steaks, pizzas, tacos, with many vegetarian/vegan options, as well as craft “pour your own beer,” ping pong, shuffleboard, and pool tables! WLT gets 10% of all food sales with the code “rootedinwaltham." Download discount sheet here
By N/A N/A March 6, 2026
Celebrate the new season with a walk at Prospect Hill Park before going to our fundraiser at Craft Food Hall. We'll follow the alternate route we take on New Year's Day, which is has mostly gradual elevation changes on trails through Waltham's oldest park, and some time on a service road. The highlight will be seeing the view of the Boston skyline in the distance and Waltham below from the Little Prospect vista point before returning via different paths to Craft Food Hall.
By N/A N/A March 6, 2026
Register your 3-5th grader to participate in a special kids' program with The Snake Man, Rick Roth, and his Cape Ann Vernal Pool Team . This event will feature several live snakes from New England and the world. Space is limited, registration is required. Many thanks to the Waltham Cultural Council for supporting this event.
Picture of Hooded Merganser Male
By N/A N/A February 28, 2026
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.
By N/A N/A February 24, 2026
Help raise money for saving land, building trails, and outfitting stewards while enjoying food and drinks from The Chateau!
By N/A N/A February 20, 2026
Sign up now for the 27th anniversary of this special event and help remove litter or invasive plants from along the banks of the Charles River!
February 11, 2026
If you weren't able to attend this event you can check out this slideshow to learn more about Making Pollinator Gardens Easy !
January 23, 2026
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 !
January 23, 2026
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.
January 1, 2026
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!