JANUARY 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.
New Year Winter Tree and Shrub Identification
Sunday, January 4
9:15 to 11:30 am
Meets at the Ranger Station (beneath the clock tower)
250 Fresh Pond Parkway, Cambridge
Join naturalist Jeff Adams for a New Year’s winter walk focused on identifying woody plants during the colder months, when many trees and shrubs have shed their leaves. Cambridge’s Fresh Pond Reservation will be our field site. Discover how to identify plants by their branching patterns, bark, buds, galls, and any persistent fruits that remain throughout the season. We’ll also look at winter weeds—hardy non-woody plants that stand up tall even through the colder months. Learn not only plant ID techniques but also fascinating natural history and folklore about the plants we see.
Jeff is an avid outdoor enthusiast & naturalist who’s been enjoying the natural world for 50 years. He’s a member of the Friends of the Fells, The Trustees, Mass Audubon, Sudbury Valley Trustees, Acton Conservation Trust, Arlington Land Trust, Essex Greenbelt, Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions, Newton Conservators and The Massachusetts Archaeological Society, Inc.
CPL Nature Club: Fresh Pond Nature Walk
(Collins Branch Library)
Thursday, January 15
10:15 to11:30 am
Meets at the the Collins Branch Library
64 Aberdeen Avenue
Join us for a social 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 2.5 mile walk is not on a paved path. We will walk on uneven terrain, down hills, and over roots. Meets at the courtyard of the Collins Branch library and walk together to Fresh Pond. Dress for the weather and bring yak-tracks or hiking poles as necessary. Register at the Cambridge Public Library webpage https://cambridgepl.libcal.com/event/15883972
Frozen Footprints: Winter Wildlife
Thursday, January 29
9:00 to 10:30 am
Meets at the Ranger Station (beneath the clock tower)
250 Fresh Pond Parkway, Cambridge
Join the Fresh Pond Rangers on a winter tracking expedition as we uncover who has been where in the winter snow. Learn how to identify common animal tracks, feel real animal pelts, and take a relaxing walk in the refreshing weather! This family friendly walk is not on a paved path. We will walk on uneven terrain, down hills, and over roots. Please dress for the weather and come prepared to do some sleuthing. To register and for important parking information, please contact Agarms@cambridgema.gov or 617-680-2418. Heavy rain cancels.
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and other information about Fresh Pond Reservation
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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
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DONATIONS FOR THE FRIENDS
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 nature programs, maintaining this website, buying supplies for our conservation work on the Reservation, and covering small program expenses for the Fresh Pond Rangers.
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
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