AUGUST 2023 PROGRAMS
at Fresh Pond Reservation
Offered by the Cambridge Water Department
Events at Fresh Pond Reservation are FREE and open to the public. Children are welcome in the company of an adult.
If registration is required, you will receive information on parking when you register. Registration information is in program announcements.
Thursdays from July to October
10:00am to 12:00 noon
Meets the Volunteer Trailer near the front of the Water Treatment Facility
250 Fresh Pond Parkway, Cambridge
Join our weed-warrior crew! We are Fresh Pond citizens dedicated to this property healthy for the benefit of wildlife, water and humans alike. No experience or long-term commitment necessary! All tools are provided; sturdy shoes, pants, long-sleeves and a water bottle are strongly recommended. Meets at the volunteer trailer in the lower parking lot. Contact Ranger Omar at OMejia@cambridgeMA.gov for more information.
Walter J Sullivan Water Purification Facility Tour
Monday, August 7
6:00pm to 7:30pm
Meets at the Water Treatment Plant (Front Door)
250 Fresh Pond Parkway
Come learn how the Cambridge Water Department purifies drinking water for your tap after it’s conveyed from nearby Fresh Pond into our facility. You’ll have the chance to speak with water treatment staff, see the equipment in action and check out our water quality lab! For more information, contact Ranger Tim at (617) 349-6489 or tpuopolo@cambridgeMA.gov. Please call ahead if coming with a large group.
Future Monday evening tours in 2023: September 11, October 2, November 6
Mindfulness at Fresh Pond
Thursday, August 10
10:00 to 11:30 am
Meets at the Ranger Station (under the clock tower)
250 Fresh Pond Parkway, Cambridge
Join Ranger Tim and guest guide, Stefanie Haug, as we explore Fresh Pond Reservation by slowing down, being attentive to nature with all our senses, and deepening our appreciation for this special slice of our Cambridge neighborhood. Our Mindful Outdoor Experience will include: simple warm-up movements, natural history of the area, guided breathing and centering awareness, mindful walking with sensory activities, and finding our nature meditation/sit spot.
All are welcome to experience our innate connection to nature with calmness, curiosity and care. Come as you are and just be yourself. You will be supported to connect to nature in your own way whether it be exploring the delicateness of plants, strength of trees, movement of animals, or the vastness of the sky. Shinrin Yoku (‘forest bathing’) and similar practices around the world are reminding us, nurturing our inherent relationship with nature is good for us, body and soul.
What to bring: layered clothing, comfortable shoes, small mat or towel to sit on, water.
Stefanie Haug, LICSW (she/her) guides people on journeys of self-awareness and relationship with nature as a local psychotherapist and certified Mindful Outdoor Guide (Kripalu School of Mindful Outdoor Leadership).
Sunday, August 13
10:00 to 11:45 am
Meets at the Ranger Station (under the clock tower)
250 Fresh Pond Parkway, Cambridge
Join Ranger Tim on a loop around the reservoir observing the distinct ecosystems that encircle the property. See what native Massachusetts habitats have to offer in their full summertime glory as each type exists in miniature here by design – the best way to protect a natural body of water is with natural wild communities. Come rain or shine and dress for the occasion as we explore the Lusitania Meadow, Black’s Nook, and more! For more information, contact Ranger Tim at (617) 349-6489 or tpuopolo@cambridgeMA.gov.
2023 Monarch Release Celebration
Sunday, August 20
2:00 to 3:30 pm
Meets behind the main building (water side)
250 Fresh Pond Parkway, Cambridge
Join us for the ninth annual Monarch Butterfly Release here at Fresh Pond! You can visit the caterpillars’ progress in the Ranger Station throughout August see them spread their wings at this celebration. See the butterflies up close and personal, make some crafts, earn a Jr. Ranger badge, and learn about this fascinating insect from 2:00-2:30pm, then march down to the adjacent native meadow of Kingsley Park with us at 2:30 for a 2:35 pm ceremonial release of all the butterflies that were raised here at the reservation before they go forth and help the local monarch butterfly population. Hang out afterward, watch them fly, and complete your free Jr. Ranger activity booklet!
Fresh Pond Nature Walk (Collins Branch Library)
Monday, August 28
10:15 to 11:15 am
Meets at the Collins Branch Library
64 Aberdeen Avenue, Cambridge
Join us for a relaxing walk of Fresh Pond with Ranger Tim! No two weeks are the same in nature, and Tim will share his insights about what's growing, changing, and blooming in the neighborhood. The walk will meet in the courtyard of the Collins Branch (64 Aberdeen Ave.) and leave together towards the pond at 10:15am. This is a winter weather walk so clothing for cold temperatures (like hats and boots) are suggested. For more information or with any questions, please contact Lucy at LFlamm@CambridgeMA.gov
***THE RESERVATION IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM DAWN TO DUSK!***
The Ranger Station and public restrooms are now open from 7 am to 7 pm. In addition, portable restrooms are available in the parking lots.
For questions about Friends of Fresh Pond Reservation, send an email to friendsoffreshpond@yahoo.com
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MEMBERSHIPS AND DONATIONS
Although Friends of Fresh Pond Reservation is an all-volunteer organization, we do rely on contributions for some of our activities. These include paying professionals to lead special programs, maintaining this website, and buying supplies for our conservation work on the Reservation.
Membership fees are $10 per year, retroactive to January 1. If you would like to join us, please mail a check made out to Friends of Fresh Pond Reservation to the address below. If you care to make an additional donation, we thank you, and promise to put it to good use.
Friends of Fresh Pond Reservation
31 Mount Pleasant Street
Cambridge MA 02140-2613
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You can sign up for the
City of Cambridge's user-friendly and informative
Recycling and Composting Newsletter
by emailing recycle@cambridgema.gov
Also, check out the Recycling Division's Website
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