APRIL 2026 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.
Ongoing Volunteer Opportunity: Fresh Pond Stewards
Thursdays through October
10:00 an to 12 :00 noon
Meets at the Volunteer Tool Trailer
Between the Water Department parking lot and the reservior
250 Fresh Pond Parkway
Fresh Pond Reservation, Cambridge
April through October, give back to the place you love by becoming one of our volunteer weed warriors! This is a weekly, open opportunity to volunteer. We have the tools, we have the training, we just need the hands! Every week is a different target area and a different task depending on the natural calendar’s seasonal needs. Help us remove invasive plants, restore trails, or plant some trees. Come once, or come every week! For more information contact Ranger Omar at omejia@cambridgeMA.gov
Do you have a dedicated group of 10-25 people with at least 1.5-3 hours to give? Reach out to Ranger Amanda at agarms@cambridgeMA.gov to schedule a “Day of Service” group volunteer opportunity.
Tour of the Walter J. Sullivan Water Purification Facility
Monday, April 6
6:00 to 7:30 pm
Meets at Front Door of the Water Treatment Plant
250 Fresh Pond Parkway
Fresh Pond Reservation, Cambridge
Find out how water that falls as rain in the suburbs 10 miles west of Cambridge is transported to Fresh Pond and then tested, treated, and delivered to the City's residents and businesses! Learn about the plant's state-of-the-art technology that keeps our community's tap water clean. You'll have the chance to speak with water treatment staff, see equipment in action, and check out our water quality lab.
Advnce notice required for organized groups of 15+ people.
Questions? Call 617-349-4770
Parking passes available. Free and open to the public
Future CWD tour dates in 2026: May 4, June 1, July13, August 3, September 14, October 5, November 2
Cambridge City Run
Sunday, April 12
Begins at 9:00 am
Meets at the Cambridge Water Department
Fresh Pond Reservation
250 Fresh Pond Parkway, Cambridge
Please join the Friends of Cambridge Athletics at the 38th annual Cambridge City Run, a 5k honoring Paul Rider. The first 400 registrants get free t-shirts, so register now while supplies last! Donate, participate virtually, or register as a family! Please be aware that both parking lots will be closed for the duration of the race.
Fascinating Fungi of Fresh Pond
sponsored by Friends of Fresh Pond Reservation
Sunday, April 12
2:00 to 4:00 pm
Meets at the Ranger Station (beneath the clock tower)
250 Fresh Pond Parkway, Cambridge
Join expert Mycologist Lawrence Millman in a walk around Fresh Pond to find and identify mushrooms. Larry Millman is a writer-mycologist who’s written several books on his fungal findings, including Fungipedia, Fascinating Fungi of New England, and Foraging With Jeeves. In the last 20 years, he’s documented 399 fungal species at Fresh Pond. Perhaps you will be the lucky one to find #400! This walk is not on a paved path. We will walk on uneven terrain, down hills, and over roots. Please dress for the weather. To register and for important parking information, please contact Agarms@cambridgema.gov or 617-680-2418. Registration caps at 15, don't miss this fascinating event!
Remember, foraging and harvesting is not allowed at Fresh Pond! This program is for educational purposes only.
CPL Nature Club: Spring Bird Watching at Fresh Pond In-Person
(O'Neill Branch Library)
Saturday, April 18
Starts at 10 am
Meets at the the Ranger Station (beneath the clock tower)
250 Fresh Pond Parkway, Cambridge
All ages are welcome to join us as we observe birds at Fresh Pond. We will look for birds migrating to or through our area as well as year-round resident birds. As we walk we will discuss general birdwatching tips and learn more about the birds we share our outdoor spaces with. A limited supply of binoculars will be available.
In case of inclement weather, this event will be canceled.
For more information, contact the O'Neill Branch at 617-349-4023.
Earth Day Mosey with Stephanie Haug
Wednesday, April 22
10:30 am to 12:00 noon
Meets at the the Ranger Station (beneath the clock tower)
250 Fresh Pond Parkway, Cambridge
Please join Ranger Amanda Garms and Stefanie Haug for a mindfulness oriented nature walk at Fresh Pond Reservation. Step into the quiet magic of the water, woods and wildlife for a gentle guided walk with sensory and meditation practices. Together we’ll breathe deeply, slow down, and observe as we interweave quiet walking with shared reflections and a tea ceremony outdoors. Wear warm, comfortable clothes for a gentle walk with very little elevation. Bring a portable seat, if desired.
To be held monthly on the last Wednesday. Come once or come every time to deepen your appreciation of the changing of the seasons.
TO REGISTER, please contact agarms@cambrdigema.gov or 617-680-2418.
CPL Nature Club: Fresh Pond Nature Walk
(Collins Branch Library)
Monday, April 27
10:15 to 11:30 am
Meets at the the Ranger Station (beneath the clock tower)
250 Fresh Pond Parkway, Cambridge
Join us for a short walk of Fresh Pond Reservation with Ranger Amanda Garms and Library Associate Michael Roberson.
We will observe seasonal changes in our environment, enjoy the fresh air, and get some exercise in nature. This walk is not on a paved path. We will walk on uneven terrain, down hills, and over roots.
Register:
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SAVE THE DATE!
FRESH POND DAY IS COMING!
Saturday, June 13
11:00am to 3:00pm
Meets at Fresh Pond Reservation
250 Fresh Pond Parkway, Cambridge
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The Reservation's monthly E-mail newsletter has information about upcoming events, news, and what's going on in nature right now, brought to you by the Cambridge Water Department and the Fresh Pond Rangers.
Our newsletter has moved! If you were previously subscribed to our newsletter, no action is required. However, if you are a new subscriber, please sign up for our city licensed newsletter hosted by Constant Contact at the link above or use the QR code below.
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***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
DONATIONS FOR THE FRIENDS
Friends of Fresh Pond Reservation is an all-volunteer organization and we rely on contributions to support many of our activities. These include maintaining this website and buying supplies for our conservation work on the Reservation. We also cover expenses for the Fresh Pond Ranger Programs, including stipends for professionals who lead nature programs, live animal displays and live music for Fresh Pond Day, and program materials such as guidebooks and hand lenses.
If you would like to become a supporter, please mail a check made out to Friends of Fresh Pond Reservation to the address below. We thank you, and promise to put every penny to good use!
Friends of Fresh Pond Reservation
31 Mount Pleasant Street
Cambridge MA 02140-2613
If you'd prefer to make an electronic donation, please do so via Venmo to @FriendsOfFreshPond by scanning the QR code below.
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