Home Heat Pump Tour #1
2024-04-27 17:30 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | 4 Pauline Drive, Natick, 4 Pauline Drive, Natick, Massachusetts, US
Thinking about getting a heat pump? Visit a home with two cold-climate ducted heat pumps, without backup heating. The home also has a 9.6 kW solar system.

Kayak Outing at Dug Pond
2024-04-27 18:00 - 19:30 | Dug Pond Boat Launch, West Street, Natick, Massachusetts, US
Explore Dug Pond via Kayaks or Canoes; bring your own kayak/canoe and flotation equipment.
Please register here to attend.
ACCESSIBILITY: Not accessible to wheelchairs.
WEATHER: This event will NOT take place if it is raining.

Repair Cafe
2024-04-27 18:30 - 21:30 | Natick Community Senior Center, 117 East Central Street, Natick, Massachusetts, US
The Fix is FREE!
A Repair Café offers an opportunity for your to bring a whole host of different items in need of repair that volunteers, with skills in different disciplines, will do their best to fix for free!
We invite you to bring in the following items in need of repair: Lamps, electronics & small appliances, small furniture, clean mendable clothing for hand and machine sewing, as well as sharpen scissors, garden tools, and knives (except for serrated knives).
The Natick Community Senior Center is located at 117 E. Central St. (Rt. 135), about a half mile west of the Wellesley Town line.
For more info, or if you or someone you know might be able to help in some capacity, especially as a bike repair person, please email NatickRepairCafe@gmail.com
* While we will have many parts and components on hand, if your item requires special parts, to increase the chances we can fix it, please bring them with you.
Sponsored by Natick Rotary in conjunction with the Natick Community Senior Center’s Council on Aging & Human Services.

Meadow & Forest Trail Walk
2024-04-27 19:00 - 20:00
Explore the woodlands and meadows along Natick’s newest trails in the new Graystone and Wayside developments, which connect Rockland and Cottage Streets.
You will be guided by David Lodding, a Graystone resident and member of Natick’s Open Space Advisory Committee. The one-mile walk is easy, with a modest climb, but some trail surfaces are a bit rocky.
Meet at the parking area on Wayside Road, a short distance from Rockland Street.
ACCESS & ACCESSIBILITY:

Uneven ground or steep slope

WEATHER: This is an outdoor event, and will be cancelled in the event of rain.

Home Heat Pump Tour #2
2024-04-27 19:00 - 20:30 | 8 Carter Dr., Natick, 8 Carter Dr., Natick, Massachusetts, US
Are you considering heat pumps and wonder if heat pumps alone can adequately heat your home? Visit a home with two recently installed cold-climate ducted heat pumps and no backup heating source, plus check out a ductless mini-split heat pump. Hear how the installation of these heat pumps has transformed the winter comfort of this home. This home also has solar panels.
ACCESS & ACCESSIBILITY:

Not accessible to wheelchairs

WEATHER: The event will be held rain or shine.

Town Forest Nature Walk
2024-04-28 13:00 - 15:00
Discover signs of early spring at the Hunnewell Town Forest with Trails and Forest Stewardship (TaFS) Committee member Lisa Standley. We’ll hike some of the trails, and look for birds, early plants, wood frogs, and other signs of early spring, as well as look at evidence of the Town Forest beavers.
Binoculars might be handy! Be prepared to walk on uneven trails.
ACCESS & ACCESSIBILITY:

Not accessible to wheelchairs
Uneven ground or steep slope

WEATHER: The event will be held raine or shine.

Family Fun Bike Ride
2024-04-28 14:00 - 15:00 | Cole Center, 179 Boden Lane, Natick, Massachusetts, US
Join your neighbors for a leisurely paced all-ages bicycle ride around West Natick! Young riders, kids in bike seats, and new riders encouraged.
The ride will last approximately 30-45 minutes, will be almost entirely flat, and will wind through the quiet side streets of West Natick, starting and ending at Cole Center. We will practice riding safely on the street but riders will have the option of sidewalk too.
Option to join your fellow riders for potluck snacks afterwards in the Cole Center playground. Bright colors, costumes, and music encouraged!
Please remember to wear your helmet. Water bottle and sunscreen suggested. Parking available at Cole Center parking lot and nearby.
ACCESSIBILITY: Not accessible to wheelchairs.
WEATHER: Rain date Saturday, May 4.

"Losing the Dark" Planetarium Shows
2024-04-28 14:00 - 18:00 | New England Sci-Tech, 16 Tech Circle, Natick, 01760, United States
Shows at 10am, 11am, 12noon, and 1pm. Space is very limited and registration is required. Appropriate for ages 8+.RESERVATIONS : https://nescitech.org/earthday
Visit New England Sci-Tech and watch “LOSING THE DARK,” free for the public, a multimedia show followed by a live star show in our inflatable planetarium. Learn about constellations and the Milky Way. Examine and hold several large meteorites – real rocks from outer space. Best for families with children age 8 and up. Allow about 30 minutes for your visit.
ACCESSIBILITY: Not accessible to wheelchairs; shows take place inside an inflatable dome which is a dark space; see website for more details.

Tree-preciation Walk
2024-04-28 15:00 - 16:00 | Sidewalk in front of this address (near Natick Center), 43 West Central Street, Natick, Massachusetts, US
A walk to observe some of Natick’s spactacular and unsung trees – with discussion and general appreciation for often unnoticed beauty in our midst.
We will be crossing roads and may need to walk in the road where there may not be a sidewalk – but mostly on quiet side streets. We will be looking at trees that are on private property but we will not be going onto any private property. The walk is slow, with frequent stops and should take about an hour – give or take 15 minutes.
WEATHER: This event will happen “rain or shine.” Dress appropriately for the weather and for walking at a slow pace.
ACCESSIBILITY: There may be uneven ground or steep slope. This will be a walk along sidewalks and some smaller streets, accessibility may vary.

Solar Tour of South Natick Hills
2024-04-28 15:00 - 16:00
Talk with multiple townhome owners who chose to install solar panels when the HOA allowed it in 2022.
To reserve your spot, please text your first and last name to 781-883-0979. Look for text reply from Rick with specifics about your visit (no pets, children welcome if quiet and under supervision of parent at all times).
Bring umbrellas or wear raincoats in light rain. In heavier rain, we will meet in a townhome garage.
ACCESS & ACCESSIBILITY:

This is an accessible event.

WEATHER: The event will be held raine or shine.

Aquaponics & Planetarium Tour at KMS
2024-04-28 16:00 - 18:00 | John F. Kennedy Middle School, 165 Mill St., Natick, Massachusetts, US
Aquaponics Lab Showcase: Join us at John F. Kennedy Middle School for an exciting showcase of our Aquaponics Lab! We will be showcasing our thriving symbiotic system of vegetation and fish on the 4th floor. Throughout the year, our 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students have been delving into the world of sustainable agriculture, experimenting with different growing methods, and exploring the remarkable benefits of hydroponics and aquaponics. Discover how these innovative systems can revolutionize food production and address environmental challenges. Don’t miss this opportunity to see some of the incredible science facilities at the school and explore the future of farming and sustainability!
Starry Night in Our Planetarium: Embark on a celestial journey with John F. Kennedy Middle School at Earth Day All Around Natick! Step into our state-of-the-art planetarium and immerse yourself in the wonders of the universe. Our full planetarium offers captivating shows about astronomy, space exploration, and beyond. From dazzling constellations to breathtaking views of distant galaxies, prepare to be amazed by the beauty and majesty of the cosmos. Join us for an unforgettable experience under the stars, where imagination knows no bounds!

Charles RIver Park - share your vision
2024-04-28 17:00 - 19:00 | South Natick Dam Park, Grove Park, and South Natick Multipurpose Courts, 11 & 23 Pleasant Street, Natick, Massachusetts, US
Natick Climate Resilient Charles River Parks Improvements Project Self Guided Walking Tour, Vision, and Concept Dialogue
This self-guided interactive site walk event for the Climate Resilient Charles River Parks Improvements Project will be an opportunity for the community to share their vision for the parks now and in the future, have a dialogue about park history, discuss potential concepts for improvements to South Natick Dam Park, Grove Park, and the South Natick Multipurpose Courts to make them more resilient to climate change, and interact with the overall space and connectivity. There will be activities related to climate resilience for all ages. Materials will be provided in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, and Russian. Town representatives will be available to answer questions about the project. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Rain date for this event is Sunday May 5, 2024, 1 to 3 PM
LOCATIONS:South Natick Dam Park (Corner of Pleasant St S. and Mill Lane)Grove Park (11 Pleasant Street)South Natick Multipurpose Courts (23 Pleasant St S.)
ACCESSIBILITY: The parks have various terrain and therefore varying levels of accessibility. There are some steep slopes and uneven terrain. Parking is limited, and on-street, with potential additional spaces at Hunnewell Fields.

Rail Trail Cleanup Collaboration
2024-04-28 17:00 - 19:00 | 79 Superior Drive, Natick MA 01760, Natick, 79 Superior Drive, Natick MA 01760, Room Amvets Post 79, Natick, Massachusetts, US
Connect and serve with SPARK Kindness, Keep Natick Beautiful, Natick AMVETS Post 79, and the Natick Rotary Club at our community clean-up to improve the natural environment along the Cochituate Rail Trail in the area of AMVETS, from Rt. 9 to Rt. 30. Help with trail and shoreline clean-up! Connect with neighbors, enjoy nature, and help us take care of this special place for recreation, right in our own backyard. Open to all ages!
What to wear: Comfortable clothes for clean-up activities. Feel free to bring gloves. All other supplies will be provided.
SIgn up here.
ACCESSIBILITY: The rail trail itself is paved, but the surrounding areas are not. Though those with mobility challenges may not be able to go far off the trail, they are welcome to stay on the trail and come and connect.
WEATHER: This event will happen “rain or shine.”
To learn more about SPARK Kindness, visit www.sparkkindness.org or follow @sparkkindness on social media!

What's an Aquifer? Walk and learn to protect our water
2024-04-28 18:00 - 19:30 | Cochituate Rail Trail Parking Lot, 11 Mechanic Street, Natick, Massachusetts, US
Water quality and water supply issues are frequently in the news locally, state-wide, and nationally. How much do you know about where Natick’s water comes from?
Join a local hydrogeologist for a 2.5-mile walk (round trip) along the Cochituate Rail Trail and learn about the aquifers that supply our water system, as well as ways we can work together to protect our water.
Wear comfortable walking shoes. Kids are welcome!
WEATHER: This event will happen rain or shine.

Home Landscapes: beyond decor to healthy habitat
2024-04-28 18:30 - 19:30 | 8 Carter Dr., Natick, 8 Carter Dr., Natick, Massachusetts, US
Our home landscapes can be beautiful and also serve as valuable parts of the ecosystem, if we manage them with nature in mind. Native Plant Trust’s new CEO, Tim Johnson, recently used the phrase “bio-productive gardens” to describe home landscapes managed in a way “so that everything that flows through them, from rainwater to birds, leaves healthier than when it arrived.” So let’s have a conversation about what we can do in our home landscapes to benefit water, insects, birds, and other biotic and abiotic components as we check out a local home that is on the path to being bio-productive. Share your own ideas and leave with more ideas about how you can transform your landscape on a budget to benefit the earth.
If you have time before the event, take a listen a podcast featuring Tim Johnson and his idea of bio-productive gardens: https://awaytogarden.com/bio-productive-gardens-with-tim-johnson-of-native-plant-trust/
ACCESS & ACCESSIBILITY:

Not accessible to wheelchairs

WEATHER: The event will be held rain or shine.

A Taste of Compassion
2024-04-28 22:00 - 2024-04-29 00:00 | Common Street Spiritual Center, 13 Common Street, Natick, Massachusetts, US
Celebrate compassion for the Earth and each other through delicious food!
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan chef or simply curious about plant-based cuisine, we invite you to be part of this wonderful event.
Eating less meat is one of the MOST IMPACTFUL ways to reduce our contribution to the carbon emissions that are causing climate change! It’s also one of the EASIEST.

Let’s come together, share delicious food (and RECIPES), and celebrate our beautiful planet.
Please click here to register so that we can accommodate all who wish to attend.

Sponsored by Common Street Spiritual Center and EcoNatick.org.Many thanks for decor contributions from Fran’s Flowers and Fresh Cut Paper.

Kids' Earth Day Art Walk - NOW through May 1!
2024-05-01 16:00 - 16:01 | Various locations around town, 8 Court Street, Natick, Massachusetts, US
What do you love or appreciate about our earth? Natick 2nd graders created art to share their answer to this question, and you can find their artwork posted in businesses throughout Natick. Take some time this weekend to stroll by business windows and be inspired by these young artists and their love for our planet.
Locations:Comellas 45 N Main5 Crows 41 N MainH Brandt 31 N MainCalliope 29 N MainDebsan 25 N MainOptica 23 N MainBaylee Bee 19 N MainHeads Up 11 N MainLolas 9 N MainCilicia Market 7 N MainFrame Shop 5 N MainPaper Fiesta 1 N MainButtercup 13 W CentralByrne 16 N MainCultural District 8 Court StreetThe Hive 22 N MainLe Belle 24 N MainDates & Olives 28 N MainCitizens Bank 34 N MainTilly and Salvys Bacon StreetBagel Table 9 S MainSweetwater Cafe 19 S MainColdwell Banker 31 S MainLittlest Spa 45 S MainD’Arcy Wellness 63 S MainCharles River Coffee Shop Ice Cream Shop Berkshire HathawayBacon Free Library

TCAN film screening "Common Ground"
2024-05-01 23:30 - 2024-05-02 01:30 | The Center for Arts in Natick (TCAN), 14 Summer Street, Natick, Massachusetts, US
TCAN is thrilled to be presenting the highly anticipated documentary Common Ground as part of the Natick Earth Day celebrations on Wednesday May 1 from 7:30pm in the TCAN Screening Room.

Common Ground is the sequel to the phenomenally successful documentary, Kiss The Ground which touched over 1 billion people globally and inspired the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to put $20 billion toward soil health. Featuring appearances from a whole host of celebrity supporters including Rosario Dawson, Laura Dern, Jason Momoa and Woody Harrelson – this screening event is not to be missed!
TCAN is proud to present this film along with our community partner, The Natick Community Organic Farm and will be joined by some agricultural experts from the farm and the wider community for a conversation, following the documentary.
Please join us for this inspiring documentary and Q&A screening event to learn how to help stabilize our “broken” food system with alternative models of agriculture. Common Ground will explain how regenerative farming can save our health, our environment and stabilize America’s economy – and we’re running out of time!
Visit: TCAN Celebrates Earth Day

Understanding the Massachusetts MOR-EV Rebate for Electric Cars
2024-05-08 15:00 - 16:00
Massachusetts has had a rebate for electric cars since 2014, called MOR-EV. This year, the rebate underwent some big changes, thanks to last year’s climate law. During this webinar, we’ll go over the rebate in depth.
Maybe you know Massachusetts has a rebate for electric cars and trucks called MOR-EV. What you might not know is:

The rebate is now available for qualifying new and used cars
Income-qualifying residents can get a larger rebate!
The rebate also applies to qualifying electric trucks!
Some dealerships now offer the rebate at point-of-sale!

Green Consumers Alliance folks will cover the rebate in-depth plus how to apply for it, then have plenty of time to answer your questions.

Natick Community Organic Farm Fest
2024-05-11 14:30 - 17:30 | 117 Eliot Street, Natick, 117 Eliot Street, Natick, Massachusetts, US
The Seedling Sale will open from 8.30-10.30am for members and then it will be open to non-members. No need for tickets for this event.See HERE for the list of organic seedlings that will be available to purchase.
Farm Fest 2024 will open at 10am. Walk-ups welcome or you can pre-purchase your ticket for the event HERE.Below is a sample of what you can expect at Farm Fest:

Crafting Activities – make a pine cone sheep using our wool
Chicken Plop Bingo – prizes to be won!
Nature Walk – explore with Farmer Dylan
Music by the Zack Bolles Band from 11am – 1pm
Food by Trolley Dogs
Drinks from Exhibit A Brewing
Meeting the animals

And so much more!
List of guests and vendors (maybe you can buy a nice Mother’s Day Gift!):

Instrumental petting zoo by Bach to Rock
Fat Moon Mushrooms
Poppy and Bea Luxury Home Decor
Stoneledge Gardens
Andrew Rosenbush Woodworking
Alyssa Essentials
Edible Gardens by Sully
Twing Pottery

Heat pumps for cooling and heating
2024-06-05 23:00 - 2024-06-06 00:00
plugIN to electrify your home’s heating, cooling or hot water system with a heat pump
Heat pumps are one of the most effective ways to make your home more comfortable, reduce your carbon footprint, and help create a healthier community. Learn about air source heat pumps, geothermal systems, and heat pump water heaters. Attend if you

want to add air conditioning to your home or replace your aging AC system
have an older A/C or heating system (more than 15 years old) and want to know about replacement options
are curious about heat pump hot water heaters
want to learn why heat pumps are climate friendly and work in cold climates
want to learn about new state incentives (up to $10,000) and amazing new 2023 federal tax credits
want to hear from neighbors who have heat pumps about how they work
want to meet our community coaches who can help you figure out your next step

Steve Breit, of the Heat Smart Alliance and master heat pump coach will provide an overview, neighbors will share their experiences with heat pumps, our community coaches will discuss how they can help you take the next step. Bring your questions!
This event is sponsored by Energize Wayland, Energize Framingham, EcoNatick, and plugIN — a collaboration among the Towns of Acton, Natick and Wayland and the City of Framingham to promote heat pumps, solar and community solar with support provided by the non-profit MassEnergize.

Tour de Natick Father's Day Bike Ride
2024-06-16 15:00 - 18:00 | Natick Town Common, 13 Common Street, Natick, Massachusetts, US
The Tour de Natick is a family friendly bike ride held each Father’s Day on the Natick Common by the Rotary Club of Natick. The route is a 6 mile loop leaving the Common at 11 AM and returning for complimentary lunch immediately following.
Don’t miss the Sustainability table, featuring a bike-powered spin art machine for kids to make cards for their grown ups at the end of the race!
The Tour de Natick raises money for the Rotary Club of Natick’s charitable foundation which benefits Natick Scholars.
Register to ride here.

06/19 Save $ with Community Solar - No Roof Required
2024-06-19 23:00 - 2024-06-20 00:00
Pay An Electric Bill? Save Money with Community Solar – No Roof Required

Do you pay an electricity bill and want to reduce your annual electricity spending? You are eligible if you are a renter, condo owner or homeowner. Join us to learn about community solar and how it saves you money and supports the growth of the clean energy economy here in Massachusetts. It’s a month-to-month subscription service with no money down and no cancellation fees. This state-supported program is best for residents planning to reside in their current home for a year or more.

MetroWest Earth Fest
2024-06-23 18:00 - 21:00 | Common Street Spiritual Center, 13 Common Street, Natick, Massachusetts, US
An afternoon of finding ways to address climate change!– Meet new friends– Be inspired– Help pass climate legislation– Learn to cook plant-based food– Enjoy interactive workshops on direct action, growing mushrooms and sunflower soil remediation.
For more information, visit XRBoston.org/action/mwearthfest.

Heat Pump Pizza Party
2024-06-26 22:30 - 2024-06-27 00:00 | Community Senior Center, 117 E Central St , Room Room 125, Natick, Massachusetts, US
Welcome to the Heat Pump Party!
Open to residents in neighboring communities!
Join the Town of Natick Sustainability Office at the Natick Community Senior Center for a fun and informative event all about heat pumps. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to save on energy bills or just curious about this eco-friendly technology, this “party” is for you!
A HeatSmart Alliance volunteer and a member of the Laminar Collective will present and host a Q&A on heat pumps.
Register here.

Creating the Great Turning
2024-08-21 23:00 - 2024-08-22 01:00 | Common Street Spiritual Center, 13 Common Street, Natick, Massachusetts, US
Join us if you’d like to:

Reinforce our Interdependence
Honor your Grief for the World
Explore New Perspectives on the complex problems facing our society such as environmental degradation, climate change and human suffering.
Manifest a Life-Sustaining Society

Each two hour gathering will use The Work That Reconnects (https://workthatreconnects.org/ developed by Joanna Macy and others) an interactive group process that integrates systems thinking, deep ecology, deep time, spiritual traditions and undoing oppression.
You will find an excellent introduction to The Work that Reconnects by listening to this podcast: We Are the Great Turning (https://resources.soundstrue.com/we-are-the-great…/)
We will begin promptly at 7 pm.
Co-Facilitators:Laura HakeMichael CorthellColleen Puzas
We each have extensive experience creating safe spaces for learning and building community, along with a deep love for our good green Earth.
We meet monthly, typically each third Wednesday.

Natick Repair Cafe
2024-09-08 18:00 - 21:00 | Natick Community Senior Center, 117 East Central Street, Natick, Massachusetts, US
Sponsored by Natick Rotary, we will be conducting our 5th Repair Café on Sunday, September 8th from 2:00 – 5:00 at, and in conjunction with, the Natick Community Senior Center’s Council on Aging & Human Services.
If you’re unfamiliar with Repair Cafés, it’s an opportunity for people to bring a whole host of different items in need of repair that volunteers, with skills in different disciplines, will do their best to fix for free!
We invite you to bring in the following items in need of repair: Lamps, electronics & small appliances, laptop computers for IT work; small furniture; as well as non-serrated knives, scissors, and garden tools for sharpening. Also, we’ll do our best to do machine & hand sewing repairs of clothing & household textiles.

Spiritual practice for climate-concerned people
2024-09-26 23:00 - 2024-09-27 01:00 | Common Street Spiritual Center, 13 Common Street, Natick, Massachusetts, US

2024 Natick Trails Summit
2024-10-05 14:00 - 16:00 | Natick Community-Senior Center, 117 East Central Street, Unit null, Natick, Massachusetts, US
Please join with other trails advocates and volunteers on Saturday, October 5 for the 2024 Natick Trails Summit! This event will bring together people and groups with an interest in our trails to share knowledge, discuss recent achievements and future plans, and get input for future initiatives.
The 2024 Trails Summit is presented by the Friends of Natick Trails, the Trails and Forest Stewardship Committee, the Open Space Advisory Committee and the Conservation Commission. We will meet in person at the Community-Senior Center on Saturday, October 5 from 10AM to noon, with lunch and an optional site visit to follow. Lunch and site visit details are to be announced. Please register by Friday, September 20.
We welcome you to join us! And we welcome your ideas for program topics.

Who should attend:

Members of Natick committees and organizations with a focus on the outdoors, including trails
Interested residents, including prospective volunteers
Municipal staff

Event details

Saturday, October 5, 10AM-noon at the Natick Community-Senior Center, 117 East Central Street
Lunch to follow (details TBA)
Site visit (details TBA)

Please register using this form by Friday, September 20.

Free Paper Shredding Event
2024-10-17 18:00 - 21:00 | 13 East Central Street, Natick, 13 East Central Street, Room Outside Town Hall, Natick, Massachusetts, US
Natick residents can bring up to 5 bags or boxes for shredding.Shredding is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
