Henry Wilson Trail Historical Tour
2025-05-03 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Join Open Space Advisory Committee member Terri Evans for a walk on the Henry Wilson Trail, which honors Wilson, who was Vice President under Ulysses Grant. The walk starts a short distance from his former home and follows a series of markers, ending near his grave in Old Dell Park Cemetery. Born Jeremiah Colbath, Wilson came to Natick as a young man and became a shoemaker. He would go on to serve in the state legislature. Nicknamed, “The Natick Cobbler”, he represented Massachusetts in the US Senate before becoming Vice President. The trail, which skirts DCR land, has views of Fisk Pond. On the walk, we’ll talk about the pond and Lake Cochituate, as well as the lake’s geological origins and its role in providing Boston’s water supply.
WEATHER: This event will happen “rain or shine.”
ACCESSIBILITY: This event has uneven ground or steep slope.

Trail Walk near Downtown
2025-05-04 13:00 - 14:00 | Coolidge Field (end of Sheridan St.), 22 Sheridan St., Natick, Massachusetts, US
Have you wanted to walk in Natick’s woods, but don’t know where to start? Join us as we explore two delightful open spaces that are surprisingly close to Natick Center – Coolidge Hill and the Eisenmenger Trail. This easy, one-hour walk is suited for everyone, but is designed specially for those who are not yet familiar with Natick’s trails. Sponsored by the Natick Open Space Advisory Committee.
WEATHER: This event will NOT happen “rain or shine.”
ACCESSIBILITY: This event has uneven ground or steep slope.

Tree for the Taking
2025-05-04 15:00 - 17:00 | Sanctuary neighborhood, sidewalk, 19 Whispering Lane, Natick, Massachusetts, US
Showcasing prototype electric guitars built in Natick using invasive tree of heaven, reclaimed wood, and other sustainable materials. Stop by to discuss sustainability in guitar manufacturing, and to hear guitars built without any deforestation.
Full build videos of guitars are available on the Tree for the Taking Youtube channel.
WEATHER: This event will NOT happen “rain or shine.”
ACCESSIBILITY: This is an accessible event. You might want to bring a chair if you plan to stick around to listen.

Rail Trail Clean Up
2025-05-04 17:00 - 19:00 | AmVets Post 79, 79 Superior Dr, Natick, Massachusetts, US
All ages are welcome! 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.
RSVPs aren’t required but are encouraged to help us plan – RSVP here!
Meeting Location: Natick AMVETS Post 79, 79 Superior Drive, Natick (parking available for this special event in the AMVETS lot). Drive, bike, scoot, or walk to join us!
What to wear: Comfortable clothes for clean-up activities. Feel free to bring gloves. All other supplies will be provided.
Questions: Feel free to contact Elizabeth Greer at enolangreer@sparkkindness.org.
WEATHER: This event will happen “rain or shine.”
ACCESSIBILITY: There may be uneven ground or steep slope.

Charles River Park Improvement Project Site Walk
2025-05-04 17:00 - 19:00 | Old Town Park & Grove Park, Mill Lane, and 11 Pleasant Street, Natick, Massachusetts, US
The project team will host a site walk during EcoNatick’s Earth Day Around Natick weekend. Signs and perspectives will be placed throughout the site to show the public proposed features and changes for the park areas.
Town staff and Weston & Sampson staff will be available at the following locations to answer questions:

Old Town Park
Grove Park

Electric Vehicle Petting Zoo
2025-05-04 18:00 - 19:30 | Natick Community Senior Center, 117 East Central Street, Natick, Massachusetts, US
Come and check out some of the latest Electric Vehicle models and chat with their owners! We’ll have Chevy, Kia, BMW, and more!
While you’re here, bring something to be fixed at the Repair Cafe (inside the Community Senior Center)!

Recycle Your Old Textiles
2025-05-10 13:00 - 16:00 | Fisk Methodist Church, 106 Walnut Street, Natick, MA, US
Once again, the women of Fisk Church are holding their semi-annual textile recycling event.
As old clothes and other discarded textiles can no longer be “thrown away”, fill a bag or box with your unwanted items and drop them off at FIsk Methodist Church on Saturday, May 10th between 9a-Noon. SImple Recycling will pick everything up for reprocessing, keeping them out of landfills and incinerators.
Accepted items include shoes, pillows, blankets, drapes, hats, pocketbooks, toys, towels, sleeping bags and other soft goods, as long as they are dry and free of hazardous materials (such as oil).
Funds raised benefit programs serving women and children locally.
For more information, contact Fisk Church at 508-653-1674 or fiskoffice@fiskumc.org

Natick Spring Trails Day
2025-05-17 13:00 - 21:00 | Various locations, see below, Natick, Various locations, see below, Natick, Massachusetts, US
There will be 3 concurrent projects going on at the same time on the 17th. If you can help, we ask that you sign up using the links below, so we can plan on the appropriate number of volunteers for each event.

Coolidge Hill Trail re-routing: Many of the trails to the top of Coolidge Hill are straight up and steep, and that has caused major erosion and safety issues. We will be re-routing 3 areas of the trail to avoid the steepest sections and create a more sustainable trail. This work will include clearing new trail sections and closing off the old sections. More details can be found in the attached document if you are interested.
Pickerel Pond bridge construction: There is a beautiful island site at Pickerel Pond that can only be accessed by a footbridge. We have begun construction of that bridge and are currently about halfway complete. The goal is to continue that work and hopefully finish the project. This work will include construction, people working in waders in the water to secure posts, and moving/cutting heavy wood.
Town Forest Mountain Bike Trail construction: This will be the 2nd day of construction of the new mountain bike trails going in at Town Forest. Blackstone Valley NEMBA will be guiding the activities to ensure the work is completed according to Mountain bike standards and is sustainable over the long run. This work will include clearing trails, digging, and building features.

If you are able to participate in any of these events, please use the links below to sign up. You’ll get more details in a few days on the specific time and meeting locations.

Coolidge Hill and Pickerel Pond work Sign Up Sheet: https://www.natickma.gov/1793/Natick-Trails-Day

Town Forest Bike Trail Construction Sign Up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdxtToxfGvFGZTJVuEr8fgKk7hDS4DbbrMZrwcwtr4-hP8NQA/viewform

Pre-Memorial Day Cleanup, Natick High School Memorial Field
2025-05-18 13:00 - 15:00 | NATICK FOOTBALL PARKING, Windsor Ave and West St, Natick, MA, US
Join KNB volunteers as we clean up this heavily-used area, including the field, bleachers and parking lot at Memorial Field. Let’s leave it much cleaner than we found it!

Where: Meet at Natick Football Parking lot at corner of Windsor Ave and West St
What to bring: Gloves, water bottle, hat, old clothes, sneakers/boots. We have extra gloves, pickers, bags and safety vests and there will be snacks!

Paved Paradise: The Ecological Impacts of America's Highway System
2025-06-03 23:00 - 2025-06-04 00:30
Forty million miles of roadways encircle the earth and cause massive ecological harm by disrupting the migration of wildlife, impacting species ranging from butterflies to cougars and even plants. Join Ben Goldfarb, award winning author and environmental journalist, to learn what can — and is — being done about it. You will never look at a highway the same way again.

4th Jewish Climate Action Conference: ​How Can We Work Together?
2025-06-08 12:30 - 21:00 | Temple Beth Elohim, 10 Bethel Road, Unit N/A, Wellesley, Massachusetts, US
The Fourth Jewish Climate Action Conference will focus on how we can work together to make necessary systemic change. Our goal is to inspire participants of all faiths by highlighting ongoing successful collaborative efforts, and to offer strategies for living a resilient and hopeful life in these troubled times.
The activism of the Jewish Climate Action Network of Massachusetts is rooted in the Jewish values of Tikkun Olam (repair of the world) and Shomrei Adamah (guardians of the earth). We invite the participation of anyone who holds these same values, regardless of faith. And if we’re going to reach our global climate goals by 2050, we need everyone to do the work right now.
Between the climate crisis and current world situation, there has never been a more challenging time to work together—which means our work is that much more necessary.
This will be a hybrid event, allowing local activists to gather together along with others from across the country for the purpose of strengthening community. In keeping with intersections among themes and topics, sessions will be presented by secular and Jewish climate organizations, synagogue green teams, interfaith leaders, individuals, teens and young adults, indigenous nations, and others interested in sharing their voices.
Some conference highlights:
Bill McKibben — A special message to the Jewish Climate Action Network from Bill McKibben, founder of 350.org and Third Act
Senator Elizabeth Warren — A special message to the conference
David Abel, Globe environment reporter and award-winning filmmaker — Keynote address
Speakers from Mothers Out Front, MassEnergize, Climate Change Recovery, Temple B’nai Brith, 350Mass, Dayenu, MCAN, Green Roots, Greener U, Greenvest, Jewish Earth Alliance, Third Act, Mayan Tikvah, JALSA, and more!

BVS Picnic on the Charles
2025-07-06 16:00 - 21:30
Boston Vegetarian Society’s Annual Outdoor Picnic Along the Charles River in Natick: This is a Pot-Luck, with ALL-VEGAN food.
Never hesitate to arrive alone to a BVS event!
Address will be sent to those who sign up here: BVS Summer Potluck Picnic – Saturday, July 5, 2025
Kids and dogs are very welcome and must be carefully overseen by their guardian as we are right on the water. Dogs must be on leash.
Drumming/Music/Song Circle: All who wish can join in a music/song/drumming circle! BYO drum or other musical instrument or song to share. Always fun!
Food
Please bring a vegan dish to serve 10-12 for each person coming with you. (Vegan = No meat, poultry, fish, dairy, eggs or honey.) Dishes should be table-ready (no prepping on site.)
Need recipe ideas? Browse here.
Bring serving utensils for your dish — put your name sticker on your dish and utensils.
No alcoholic beverages. We want everyone to have a safe drive home.
We strive to minimize waste, so please bring your refillable water bottle. We encourage you to bring a reusable plate, fork, and spoon. There is a sink available for rinsing. We will have some compostable utensils available.
Activities
Drumming/Music/Song Circle: All who wish can join in a music/song/drumming circle! BYO drum or other musical instrument or song to share. Always fun!
Boating:
Several canoes and kayaks will be available to borrow, or you can bring your own. Boating is at your own risk
Scenic Stroll:
You may want to stroll a half-mile to nearby South Natick Falls.
We need: tables, lawn chairs, volunteers
We have some folding tables and chairs, but could use more. Please note on the signup form if you can bring a folding table.

Please bring a lawn chair if you have one.
Please offer on the signup form to volunteer with set up, clean up, or maintenance of the food tables, if you can.

Donation: Please drop a dollar or two in the bag to help cover potluck supplies.
Accessibility
The backyard is grassy and a bit bumpy, but fairly even. We are sorry the house and restroom are not accessible. The rest room is on the second floor.

Tips for Beating the Heat
2025-07-09 17:00 - 18:00 | Natick Community Senior Center, 117 East Central Street, Natick, Massachusetts, US
TIPS FOR BEATING THE HEAT
Wednesday | July 9 | 1:00 PM
Join Dr. Roger Luckmann, Associate Professor of Family Medicine and Community Health at UMass Medical School, who will discuss: What to expect and why we’re experiencing hotter summers and more heat waves in Massachusetts; how our bodies maintain a normal temperature and adapt to heat exposure; what happens when we get overheated – heat exhaustion and heat stroke; the conditions, activities and personal risk factors that increase the risk for heat illness including how to prevent it and how to respond to the symptoms. Dr. Luckmann will also discuss ways we can all contribute to cooling the planet. Following the presentation, stick around for a frozen treat. Register HERE

Natick's Net Zero Committee meeting
2025-09-17 23:00 - 2025-09-18 00:30 | Natick Community-Senior Center, 117 East Central Street, Unit null, Natick, Massachusetts, US
Natick’s Net Zero Natick Committee actively works with the Natick Sustainability Office to advance the Town of Natick’s goal to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. In this capacity, the Committee will be responsible for:
– Tracking and reporting on community-wide greenhouse gas emissions– Updating the Town of Natick’s Net Zero Action Plan every five years– Advancing priorities identified in Natick’s Net Zero Action Plan– Engaging residents, businesses, institutions and volunteer groups to achieve Natick’s net zero goal– Advising the Select Board on issues related to Natick’s net zero goal
This meeting’s agenda is offered at this link.

Natick Net Zero Committee meeting
2026-01-14 19:00 - 20:30 | Community Senior Center, 117 E Central St , Room Room 125, Natick, Massachusetts, US
Natick’s Net Zero Natick Committee actively works with the Natick Sustainability Office to advance the Town of Natick’s goal to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. In this capacity, the Committee will be responsible for:
– Tracking and reporting on community-wide greenhouse gas emissions
– Updating the Town of Natick’s Net Zero Action Plan every five years
– Advancing priorities identified in Natick’s Net Zero Action Plan
– Engaging residents, businesses, institutions and volunteer groups to achieve Natick’s net zero goal
– Advising the Select Board on issues related to Natick’s net zero goal
This meeting’s agenda is offered at this link.
Reference Material:
Natick’s Net Zero Plan
Jan 14 Meeting Materials

Winter Carnival Film Screening
2026-01-29 17:30 - 21:00 | 6 Ballfield Rd, Lincoln MA, 6 Ballfield Road, Lincoln, MA
See Georgia O’Keeffe: The Brightness of Light, a new, comprehensive documentary of her art and life, featuring a Q&A with director Paul Wagner and co-producer Ellen Wagner. Reception to follow. This free, open-to-all event is sponsored by the Friends of Modern Architecture and the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust.

Solar w/o Federal Incentives: Why It Still Works
2026-02-18 19:00 - 20:00
Join this webinar to learn how solar works, what options are available, and how it can help lower energy costs while supporting a cleaner, healthier community!

Burned By Billionaires - in conversation with Chuck Collins
2026-02-22 14:00 - 16:00 | Concord Public Library, 129 Main Street, Concord, 01742, United States
Virtual & in person at the Concord Public Library: How billionaires are burning up the planet and undermining democracy, with implications for the campaign to Stop Private Jet Expansion at Hanscom or Anywhere.
Chuck Collins, is a senior scholar at the Institute for Policy Studies (IPS), where he directs the Program on Inequality and the Common Good. Collins has written extensively on the underlying levers that driver the growing wealth gap, and has pioneered efforts to decrease the gap. His most recent book, published in October 2025, is Burned by Billionaires: How Concentrated Wealth and Power Are Ruining Our Lives and Planet. His research for this book is the subject of the Feb 22nd interview.
Interview by Diane Proctor, President of League of Women Voters Concord-Carlisle.
Note:

This event is hybrid. Details about how to attend online will be emailed to registrants on the day of.
The in-person portion of this event will be held in the Goodwin Forum at the Concord Public Library in Concord Center at 129 Main Street (not to be confused with the Fowler Branch of the Concord Library at 1322 Main Street in West Concord).

Cosponsored by: SPJE, League of Women Voters Concord-Carlisle, Sierra Club Massachusetts, Concord First Parish-Environmental Action Team, Green Acton, Green Maynard, Concord Climate Action Network (CCAN), Lexington Climate Action Network (LexCAN), Mothers Out Front Newton, Salem Alliance for the Environment (SAFE), and The Enviro Show based in Florence – see the growing list of co-sponsors here!

Framingham Repair Cafe
2026-03-01 14:00 - 17:00 | Scott Hall, 24 Vernon St., Framingham, United States
Got something that needs fixing or mending? Our volunteers can help fix many things, including: clothing, lamps, small appliances, computers/other electronics, bikes, batteries, toys, jewelry, and sewing machines. We will also have a station for sharpening straight knives, scissors and garden tools.
If you know what parts are needed, please get them ahead of time. Let us know if you have any questions 🙂
RSVP optional, but appreciated.

Maple Magic Pancake Breakfast
2026-03-14 08:30 - 11:30 | Memorial Elementary School, 107 Eliot St,, Natick, 01760, United States
Help Natick Community Organic Farm celebrate the sweetest time of year! Every sugaring season, the farm hosts an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast (with Natick Farm syrup, of course!). While you’re there, talk with other community organizations at the Lobby Fair, do some crafts with the farm’s 4H club, enjoy some live music, and take a Maple Sugaring tour before or after you eat!
Tickets are on sale now.

MassEnergize Community Climate Leaders Conference
2026-04-08 08:00 - 17:00 | Bentley University, 175 Forest St, Waltham, 02452, United States
Join community organizers, municipal sustainability staff, climate volunteers, students, and anyone working to inspire and empower others to take meaningful climate action! This conference sold out the past two years and early-bird specials are available if you reserve your space now.
