Waltham’s green spaces thrive thanks to Waltham Land Trust 

As spring turns into summer, those enjoying outdoor spaces such as the Western Greenway Trail or the trails at the Paine Estate have the Waltham Land Trust and their volunteers to thank for the maintenance and restoration of some of Waltham’s most beloved outdoor spaces.

“We are saving land that is at risk for development. We are restoring ecosystems with the help of our volunteer stewards,” said WLT executive director Sonja Wadman in an interview with The Waltham Times. “We love our open spaces, and we want everyone else to love and appreciate them and get out and enjoy them.”

WLT is known for its work restoring and maintaining the Western Greenway Trail, which runs through Waltham and into Belmont. The organization also owns several small parcels along the shores of Hardy Pond including Smith Point, which features a walking path and wooden bog bridges. 

The WLT also offers programs such as mushroom foray walks, group trail clean-ups and outdoor yoga to the community at low to no cost.

This work comes with challenges. A particular hurdle is the lack of conservation restrictions put in place by the city. A conservation restriction is a document put in place by the city and held by a third-party inspector, who makes sure that the parcel in question is used according to the stipulations and restrictions in the document. For example, if the restriction stipulates that the land cannot have a constructed dwelling and a house has been built on the site, the third-party inspector then takes the matter to court.

“Until the conservation restrictions are in place, our land is in jeopardy,” said Wadman. When there’s no one monitoring the use of land designated for conservation, it opens the door for unregulated improper use with no way to enforce consequences.

Powered by volunteers

Despite this, WLT is able to support and restore Waltham’s natural spaces with the help of donors and volunteers.

WLTt holds monthly fundraisers, where restaurants donate a portion of Land Trust supporter’s bills to the organization. Additionally, a Spring Blues Jam concert and silent auction as well as the Western Greenway 5K offer annual opportunities for community members to enjoy public lands while supporting WLT.

Volunteer land stewards are responsible for the majority of WLT’s conservation work, from programming and removal of invasive plants to litter pick-ups and trail maintenance. Additionally, volunteers can sit on the organization’s board or participate in committees that plan events, coordinate advocacy and write grants. 

“We’re especially looking for younger people to get involved with us in any capacity,” said Wadman. “We’re a fun group, we’re pretty chill. We like to be outside year-round. Come join us!”

Those interested are encouraged to become members of the Waltham Land Trust. Membership rates are $25 for an individual and $50 for a household. There is a discounted rate of $15 per individual for students, the elderly and those unable to pay the full fee. Members can enjoy discounts on events and a biannual behind-the-scenes newsletter that outlines the work that WLT does throughout the year.

Those wishing to volunteer with WLT or get involved with the WLT board or committees can email swadman@walthamlandtrust.org to receive more information.