Grow Native Massachusetts: 2 Evenings with Experts
Unlocking the Mysteries of Native Plant Selection
March 11 | 7:00–8:30 pm
Cambridge Public Library, 449 Broadway, Cambridge
Kim Eierman, author of The Pollinator Victory Garden, sorts out the mysteries and complexities of native plant selection including: Am I buying a genetic clone, and does it matter? Are dwarf nativars ecologically useful? Pros and cons of planting native seeds vs. live plants? Get the answers you need to make your native landscape both beautiful and eco-beneficial. FREE. Register at grownativemass.org/Our-Programs/calendar
How to Grow a Better Bird Feeder
April 16 | 7:00–8:30 pm
First Parish Church, 7 Harrington Rd, Lexington & virtual via Zoom
Bird populations are declining at an alarming rate due to habitat loss, climate change, and pesticides. Presenter Desirée L. Narango, conservation biologist, Vermont Center for EcoStudies, will share simple actions you can take to restore critical bird habitat in your yards and gardens, informed by her ongoing research on the importance of native plants to food webs and the key role of insects to bird conservation. FREE. Register at grownativemass.org/Our-Programs/calendar
Guiding the Community Ecosystem: Why Conservation Professionals Should Consider Climate Resilient Trees for Community Improvement and Resilience
Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions Free Lunch & Learn Webinar Series
Wednesday, March 11 | Noon–1:00 pm | Virtual
Climate change is causing an undeniable shift in the tree species profile throughout New England. Various tree species are finding it difficult to adapt to the temperature extremes, air pollution, and increased pest pressures. How do we choose trees that improve our communities? Which native species have the potential to thrive in tomorrow’s ecosystem? How can we proactively build a healthier, more resilient environment in our communities? Presenter Katherine Cummings, regional consulting arborist, will discuss how climate change affects trees, which trees are impacted the most by these ongoing changes, and will provide a selection of native tree species to consider when planting new trees in conservation lands, managed landscapes, and beyond. Cummings is a board-certified master arborist (International Society of Arboriculture), holds state arborist certifications in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Maine, and consults for Bartlett Tree Experts
Habitat Education Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, Belmont
Birdwatching Basics: Spring Bird Activity
Tuesday, April 7 | 7–8 pm | Virtual
Spring is an especially exciting season to see a wide range of birds, with many winter migrants returning and preparing to nest and raise their young by establishing and defending territory. Explore birding resources, hone your identification skills, and learn about different bird behaviors and habitats witnessed in spring. Deepen your understanding of which species to look and listen for based on your surroundings and the time of year and discover how the amazing world of birds gets even more interesting the more you learn.
This standalone program is part of the online Birdwatching Basics Series. Register for the full series before March 31 to get all four sessions (March 31: Fundamentals of Birdwatching, April 7: Spring Bird Activity, April 14: Interpreting Bird Behavior, April 21: Birdsong 101) for the price of three. $15 member; $20 nonmember. Registration required: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/mass-audubon-education/99554-birdwatching-basics-spring-bird-activity. Questions: 617.489.5050, habitat@massaudubon.org
26th Annual Charles River Earth Day Cleanup
Waltham Land Trust
Saturday, April 25
Volunteer to pick up litter or remove invasive plant species along the river path between Shaw’s on River Street and Elm Street. Large groups should email Sonja Wadman at swadman@walthamlandtrust.org to make special arrangements. Free. Registration required. walthamlandtrust.org
42nd Run of the Charles
Charles River Watershed Association
Sunday, April 26 | 8 am–4 pm
Artesani/Herter Park, Brighton
Join CRWA for the 42nd Run of the Charles paddling race, featuring live music, food trucks, raffle prizes, and more! All skill levels, from beginner to expert, are welcome. Races begin in Brighton and Newton and run through towns including Watertown, Waltham, and Cambridge. All races will finish at Artesani/Herter Park in Brighton. More details to come. https://www.crwa.org/events.
Charles River Wheelers
Wednesday Wheelers Weekly Rides
Location varies weekly |10 am–2 pm
CRW Rides are open to members and guests. Guests may attend two rides annually before being required to join the club. Explore a variety of scenic routes, mostly in the western suburbs, but also to the north or south. Includes a lunch stop. On a rural ride of average hilliness, the pace is 15 to 17 mph on the flats, but slows considerably on the hills, so we wind up with a rolling average of about 13 mph. Distances are typically between 30 and 40 miles. Riders are expected to adhere to CRW Code of Conduct, and to be familiar with CRW’s Rider Guidelines, Group Riding Guidelines, and Pedestrian Awareness Guidelines. Contact ride coordinator at helengreitzer@gmail.com. For more information: https://www.crw.org/event-6502896?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=3/14/2026
COMING UP IN MAY
30th Annual Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle
Mystic River Watershed Association
Run, walk, and/or paddle to help the Mystic and celebrate the return of the river herring.
For date, time, and to register: https://mysticriver.org/herring-run-paddle
Habitat Intergenerational Program Annual Plant Sale
Habitat Education Center & Wildlife Sanctuary
10 Juniper Road, Belmont
Held in early May, the Habitat Intergenerational Program (HIP) herb sale features a carefully selected variety of plants including culinary herbs, vegetable seedlings, and pollinator-friendly annuals and perennials. Proceeds from the sale support HIP’s activities and projects. HIP is a volunteer community service and learning program that started in 1997 at Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary in Belmont. For date, time, and other information:
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