More Than Just The Buzz with Dr. Robert Gegear
2025-03-25 23:00 - 2025-03-26 00:00 (America/New_York) | Framingham Main Library, 49 Lexington St, Room Costin Room, Framingham, MA, US
In his talk, “More Than Just The Buzz: A practical Guide to Restoring Native Plant-Pollinator Diversity (and why it matters),” Dr. Robert Gegear, Framingham resident and associate professor of Biology at UMass Dartmouth, shares how we can help restore native plant and pollinator diversity in our own gardens. Join him to learn about his extensive research in the areas of the conservation of native pollination systems, floral diversity, and bumblebee ecology.

Rte. 135 Pre-Marathon Cleanup
2025-04-12 13:00 - 15:00 | 150 W Central St, Natick, 150 W Central St, Natick, MA, US
Join Keep Natick Beautiful to clean up litter along Rte. 135 and make sure it looks its best for runners and spectators on Marathon Day. We will be working from the Framingham town line to Eddie’s Dog Park at Middlesex Path.
Where: Meet at Roche Bros. plaza parking area (Northwest corner)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!

Sign up for a Community Garden
2025-04-15 15:00 - 2025-04-21 16:00
The Town of Natick operates four organic community gardens for residents. These welcoming green spaces are cared for by Natick residents and volunteer groups, and build community through the shared work of growing fresh, healthy food. All Natick residents are welcome to participate in the community gardens program. Applications for new and returning gardeners opens on April 15, 2025 at 11:00am.

The Truth About Mosquito Sprays: Investigating their Impact on Pollinators
2025-04-17 17:00 - 18:00
Insecticides sprayed to kill adult mosquitoes are often used in home yards, as mosquitoes can be a nuisance and health risk. But, the insecticides used in these sprays are broadly toxic to insects, and the risks they pose to pollinators isn’t well known. In the summer of 2023, Xerces performed a study comparing insecticide residues and quantifying risk to pollinators in yards sprayed by private mosquito spray services, in yards near a neighbor who sprayed, and yards sprayed by vector control districts. Join Aaron Anderson, Xerces Society Pesticide Program Specialist and Towns and Cities Lead, to hear the results of the study and discover practical, non-chemical mosquito management strategies for use at home.

Movie Night at the Natick Community Organic Farm
2025-04-24 21:00 - 23:00
Bring your own camp chairs, comfy blankets and snacks (We’ll have hot tea, coffee, and hot chocolate available). Rated: PG.
This event is free to attend but space is limited; please add one ticket for each person in your party.

Free Public Telescope Nights
2025-05-03 00:00 - 2025-05-04 01:30 | New England Sci-Tech, 16 Tech Circle, Natick, 01760, United States
Free Public Telescope Nights Friday and Saturday to observe the 1st quarter moon.
RSVP HERE: https://nescitech.org/telescope
WEATHER: If the weather is rainy or overcast, we will not open for telescope night, although you are welcome to call to see if we will have other astronomy opportunities that night. In case of questionable weather, call 508-720-4179 about one hour before the event for a final decision.
Parking proximity may challenge those with limited mobility.

Visit Broadmoor - Free for Natick residents!
2025-05-03 11:00 - 2025-05-04 23:00 | 280 Eliot Street, Natick, 280 Eliot Street, Natick, Massachusetts, US
First-timer or expert, nature-lovers of all ages are invited on a self-guided walk through varied habitats and landscapes in search of seasonal birds and other wildlife.
Admission to Mass Audubon’s Broadmoor Sanctuary is free to Natick residents! Come explore this gem at your own pace, dawn to dusk.

Drawing at the Dam
2025-05-03 12:00 - 14:00 | South Natick Dam Park, 9 Pleasant St S, Natick, Massachusetts, US
Being present and observing nature by drawing pictures is a great way to relax, focus and learn about our shared habitat. This is a drop-in artmaking session led by Rob Dunlavey who has been observing nature and making pictures at the South Natick dam for the past fifteen years.
Bring your own materials! Suggested: any type of paper, sketchbook, any type of pencil, charcoal, pastels, crayons, ink + brushes/water.Not recommended: oil paints
Rob Dunlavey is an artist and award winning children’s book illustrator who lives in South Natick.
WEATHER: This event will not happen “rain or shine.”

Planned date: Saturday, May 3, 2025, 8:00 – 10:00 am
Rain date: Sunday, May 4, 202,5 noon – 2:00 pm

ACCESSIBILITY: There may be uneven ground or steep slope.

Visit Natick Community Organic Farm
2025-05-03 12:00 - 2025-05-04 22:00 | 117 Eliot St, Natick, 117 Eliot St, Natick, MA, US
A true gem of the Natick Community, the Farm is open for free to the public, every day of the year during daylight hours. Please stop by any time to see whats growing in the fields, wave hello to our animals, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Natick Community Organic Farm!
As you walk through the Farm, if you have any questions about our practices, history, or the ecology of our land, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d love to hear from you.
info@natickfarm.org
508.655.2204

Board Of Health Household Hazardous Waste Collection
2025-05-03 13:00 - 16:00 | Natick Department of Public Works, 75 West St., Room Parking Lot, Natick, Massachusetts, US
The 39th annual Natick Board of Health Household Hazardous Waste drop off day is scheduled on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Natick Department of Public Works at 75 West Street.
Due to the limit of 300 cars, we must sell tickets in advance and you must have a ticket with you when you arrive. No tickets will be sold that day: vehicles without a ticket will be turned away.
The ticket price is $10.00 per car for Natick Residents only.
For ticket information, please visit https://www.natickma.gov/808/Household-Hazardous-Waste-Collection-Day or call the Natick Health Dept. at 508-647-6460.

FCC Yard Sale
2025-05-03 13:00 - 18:00 | First Congregational Church Natick, 2 East Central St., Natick, Massachusetts, US
Check out the yard sale at the First Congregational Church, across the street from the Town Common! The yard sale will be on the property of the First Congregational Church (front and side lawn if not raining, inside if raining).
Yard sales allows people to recycle items they no longer need and get them to people who may want the items, keeping the items out of the landfill.
WEATHER: This event will happen “rain or shine.”
ACCESSIBILITY: This is an accessible event.

Storyhour at Morse Inst. Library
2025-05-03 14:00 - 14:30 | Morse Institute Library, 14 East Central St., Room Lebowitz Room, Natick, Massachusetts, US
Come enjoy a lively storytime all about the place we call home – Earth! This event is geared for preschool-aged children and their special grownups. It will start at 10:00am in the children’s department. No registration is required.
WEATHER: This event will happen “rain or shine.”
ACCESSIBILITY: This is an accessible event.

Kids' Earth Day Art Walk - NOW through May 4!
2025-05-03 16:00 - 2025-05-04 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:Debsan 25 N MainBaylee Bee 19 N MainHeads Up 11 N MainCultural District 8 Court StreetUni-T 8 Court StreetTen Trees 22 N. Main (located inside The Hive)Le Belle 24 N MainDates & Olives 28 N MainD’Arcy Wellness 63 S MainDion’s Fine Wines 4 S. AvenuePlanted Collective 37 S. MainLolas 9 N MainFrame Shop 5 N MainPaper Fiesta 1 N MainButtercup 13 W CentralNatick Outdoor Store 38 North Ave.Charles River Coffee House 57 Eliot St.

Walk - "Where Does the Stormwater Go?"
2025-05-03 17:00 - 19:00 | Natick Center to Dug Pond and back, 1 South Main Street, Natick, Massachusetts, US
A roughly 2-mile walk associated with the Stormwater Treatment at Dug Pond grant project in partnership with Charles River Watershed Association. The walk will start at 1 South Main St, move down Rt 27 towards the high school, stop at a few locations to discuss features of the watershed, and then return to Natick Center via Pond Street.
REGISTER TO ATTEND HERE.
WEATHER: This event will happen “rain or shine.” We do expect to move forward with the event unless there is thunder/lightning, so please dress appropriately!
ACCESSIBILITY: This event has uneven ground or steep slope.

Henry Wilson Trail Historical Tour
2025-05-03 19:00 - 20:00
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.
