Cooler Concord

Clean up Your Assabet - OARS Giving "Back" Tuesday
2025-12-02 17:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Nashoba Brook Bakery, 152 Commonwealth Avenue #3, Concord, Massachusetts, 01742, United States
Celebrate the launch of 40 Years, 3 Rivers with OARS on Giving “Back” Tuesday!
WHEN: Tuesday, December 2, 2025 | 5–7 PM
WHERE: Nashoba Brook Bakery, 152 Commonwealth Avenue #3, Concord, MA 01742
Instead of asking for donations on Giving Tuesday, OARS 3 Rivers is giving back. Join us for an evening of snacks, drinks, and community, and meet the OARS team!
This event also kicks off our December theme: Clean up Your Assabet. Special “Clean up Your Assabet” T-shirts will be on sale—get yours before they run out!

Come be part of the very first celebration in a year of exciting events honoring OARS’ 40th anniversary!

Registration is highly encouraged, although not required.

Safe Cycling in Concord with Dr. Peter Furth
2025-11-20 18:30 - 20:00 | Concord Free Public Library (Goodwin Forum), 1322 Main St, Concord, Concord Free Public Library (Goodwin Forum), 1322 Main St, Concord, Massachusetts, US
Mass cycling – meaning lots of people riding for everyday transportation – is critical to public health, climate, safety, and livability goals. Hundreds of kids riding to the high school and middle school; hundreds of commuters riding to the train station; thousands more doing errands and going on recreational rides. Mass cycling can only be achieved by “low-stress connectivity” – meaning people have a bike route with little traffic stress from home to their destinations. We’ll describe what low-stress connectivity looks like and how it is measured, so that it can become a goal for a community like Concord. We’ll describe some innovative road designs for creating low-stress bike infrastructure without road widening, including flexpost-protected bike lanes, advisory lanes, and sidepaths.
About the Speaker:
Peter G. Furth is a researcher and professor of civil engineering at Northeastern University known for his work in transit planning, traffic signals, and bicycle infrastructure. He is a recipient of three “best paper” awards from the Transportation Research Board for research in public transportation planning and in traffic signal signal control, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals for his development of the Level of Traffic Stress approach to bicycle network planning.
This program is offered in partnership with the Concord Chapter of Mothers Out Front, a volunteer-led organization dedicated to ensure a livable climate and better future for all children and Bike-to-School Concord.

The Great Pumpkin Smash at Codman
2025-11-02 15:00 - 19:00 | Codman Community Farms, 58 Codman Road, Lincoln, MA, US
Join us for a smashing good time at the 5th Annual Great Pumpkin Smash at Codman Community Farms! This family-friendly event is all about having fun while also making a positive impact on our planet.
Why Smash Your Pumpkins?
Did you know that composting your Halloween pumpkins can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions? When pumpkins end up in landfills, they break down and produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Don’t let your Halloween creations meet this grim fate! Give them the chance at a second life by recycling them into soil!
Event Highlights

Pumpkin Smashing: Bring your jack-o’-lanterns, and decorative gourds to smash and feed to the Codman Farm pigs and cows!

Tasty Treats: Farm fresh food offerings provided by Codman Community Farms and ice cream cookie sandwiches prepared by the Ice Cream Bike (vegan and gluten free options available)!

Composting Corner: Get tips on how to get started with composting in your home or with a curbside collection program!

Prepare your pumpkins for smashing by removing any stickers, candles, and other decorations. Please leave your painted pumpkins at home. Suggested donation of $1 per pumpkin to benefit our host, Codman Community Farms.
Come By Bike: Want to make this event greener? Arrive with your pumpkins by bike to be entered into a raffle with a bike themed prize!
Volunteering: We would love to have your help! Email info.concord.ma@mothersoutfront.org and request the Pumpkin Smash volunteer form.
This event is organized by:

Codman Community Farms

The Lincoln & Concord Chapters of Mothers Out Front

Weston Community Children’s Association (WCCA)

October Sustainable Concord Coffee
2025-10-21 12:00 - 13:00 | First Parish Church, 20 Lexington Rd, Room Side Entrance, Concord, MA, US
Samiksha (Sami) Poudel, Environmental Engineer working for Concord Public Works, will talk about the new Stormwater Enterprise Fund.

Community Bike Ride with the Concord Chapter of Mothers Out Front
2025-10-05 13:30 - 16:59 | Bruce Freeman Rail Trail parking lot (behind MBTA Commuter Rail Station), 50 Beharrell St, Concord, Massachusetts, US
Join the Concord Chapter of Mothers Out Front for a fun, family-friendly ride on the beautiful Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, starting in West Concord at the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail Parking Lot, (50 Beharrell Street) and heading south to Sudbury. From there, we’ll hop onto a short stretch of the Mass Central Rail Trail, ending behind the Whole Foods Market Plaza in Sudbury, where we will stop for groceries and a snack. Round trip will be just under 15 miles of safe trail riding. For more information and to register email: info.ma.concord@mothersoutfront.org

Climate and Emergency Preparedness
2025-09-22 17:00 - 19:00 | Concord Free Public Library, 129 Main St, Room Goodwin Forum, Concord, Massachusetts, US
ARE YOU PREPARED? Come celebrate National Preparedness Month on Monday, September 22, 2025 at 1:00 PM, the first day of Climate Preparedness Week. The Concord Free Public Library, Concord Health Department, Concord Fire Department and Central Middlesex Medical Reserve Corps (CMMRC) cordially invite you to join us in the Goodwin Forum at the Main Library to learn more about preparing for climate extremes and possible consequences.
This program will cover preparing a plan, go bags for you and your pets, sheltering, important papers, phone numbers and medications to name a few. Deputy Chief Latta will present, from his many years of experiences and responding, the reality of what being unprepared can look like. Lois Luniewicz, Coordinator for the CMMRC, will review emergency preparedness plans. Each participant will leave with a plan template, a magnet to affix the plan to the refrigerator and a better understanding of why being prepared makes sense-for everyone!
Assistant Chief Walter Latta Jr. has been a member of the Concord Fire Department since 2018. Prior to Concord, he served as a Firefighter and Captain with the Maynard Fire Department. He serves as a Logistics Manager for the Massachusetts Task Force One, a FEMA Urban Search and Rescue team. He has been deployed to Puerto Rico for Hurricane Irma and Maria, Oregon Wildfires, and several other disasters throughout the country. He holds a master’s degree in Public Administration, and is a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program. Assistant Chief Latta is credentialed as a Chief Fire Officer by the Massachusetts Fire Service Commission.
Lois Luniewicz holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology, with a chemistry minor, has completed classes towards her Masters in Environmental Health and acquired multiple certifications in Emergency Preparedness. She is both a Massachusetts Certified Health Officer and Registered Sanitarian as well as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist through the National Environmental Health Association. Her career has included disciplines in the environmental field as an Engineering Assistant and Bacteriologist/Chemist, Public Health and Food Safety. She was also Chair for the Westminster Conservation Commission for fifteen years. While Health Director for the Town of Grafton, she was co-founder of the Grafton Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) and following her retirement has held positions as Coordinator for the Worcester Regional MRC, Regional MRC Coordinator for Hampden County and is currently Coordinator for the CMMRC. She is also a member of the Worcester and Hubbardston CERT Teams.
No registration required.

Concord Celebrates Sun Day
2025-09-21 18:00 - 20:00 | First Parish in Concord, 20 Lexington Rd, Concord, Massachusetts, US
Rise Up for a Sun-Powered Planet!
Join us for a fun, inspiring and free event as we celebrate Sun Day in Concord. Sun Day is a nation-wide day of action on September 21, 2025, celebrating solar and wind power, and the movement to leave fossil fuels behind. Here in Concord, Sun Day will celebrate our town-wide progress to power our community with clean affordable energy. Concord residents, businesses and Town departments are fighting climate change and saving money by installing solar panels, using heat pumps, and switching to electric lawn equipment and electric vehicles. Thousands of Concordians have made the transition to harnessing the power of the sun for their homes and transportation. And you can, too.
Learn about local, sustainable energy!
Every choice we make to use clean energy matters. Clean energy helps protect the people and places we love from the ravages of climate change. It saves money and makes our homes more comfortable, all year long. It says “yes” to energy independence, clean air and clean water, and “NO!” to science deniers and polluting fossil fuels.
Sun Day in Concord is an easy way to explore clean energy options for your next purchase of a car or appliance. Learn about available incentives and rebates to help you transition to sustainable homes and transportation. Hear how your neighbors and other residents made the decision to power up with solar energy or to capitalize on Concord’s green electricity to reduce their utility bills. And take the opportunity to talk to an experienced energy coach who will answer your questions, and help you understand your options – at no charge!
Make Art that Revolves Around the Sun!
Bring the whole family for fun art activities, music, giant puppets and more. Local arts groups will offer hands-on art projects for participants of all ages. Add your own creative expression to a large community-created quilt that celebrates our sun-powered future. And join us in a community singalong of popular songs about the sun.
Celebrate with Us!
Come join the event between 2:00 and 4:00pm on September 21. To RSVP (for our planning purposes) please sign up for the event here.
For more information
If you want to have your organization participate, please contact Scott Richardson (scott@longwoodsoftware.com). If you have questions about attending, please contact Brad Hubbard Nelson (bradhn@mindspring.com)
Sun Day is sponsored by Concord’s Climate Action Committee, the Concord Municipal Light Plant, Mother’s Out Front, the First Parish Environmental Team and others.

Finally recycle your plastic, for real!
2025-09-11 17:00 - 18:00 | The Umbrella Arts Center, 40 Stow Street, Room Gallery and Lawn, Concord, MA, US
Join Ridwell founders for a special event to learn how to keep items out of the landfill that can’t go in your regular recycling bin.

SMALL ACTIONS, BIG IMPACT

If every household in the US had access to recycle the tricky plastics that Ridwell members do, the future of plastic waste would look very different.
We’re here to solve that problem.

What is Ridwell?

Ridwell started when a father and son couldn’t find anywhere to recycle their old batteries. Now we’re a certified B-corp with a network of specialty recycling partners, giving hard-to-recycle items a second life instead of sending them to landfills.
For more information visit https://www.ridwell.com/mail-in

20 Annual Concord Ag Day
2025-09-06 14:00 - 18:00 | Main Street, Concord Center, Concord, Main Street, Concord Center, Concord, Massachusetts, US
Concord Ag Day is a once a year farmers’ market celebrating local agriculture organized by the Concord Agriculture Committee to showcase Concord farms and local produce. This unique market showcases the bounty of Concord’s many farm businesses at the height of the growing season.
Ag Day 2025 will feature your favorite Concord Farmers selling their bounty, as well as the return of the famous Scimone Farm Speedway and Veggie Racers sponsored by Vanderhoof Hardware!
Leonard Solomon will be back preforming 11am-1pm!
In addition, several Concord nonprofits will be there with information on a variety of environmental and ‘ag’ related topics.
Back again this year: The Vegetable Hall of Fame!Come show off your best and oddest vegetables you produced this summer – either bring it in person, or bring a photo for us to display!(if you bring a vegetable in person, please pick it back up at the end of the day!)
Come celebrate Concord Farms!

______________________________________________
Concord Farms participating in Ag Day 2025:

Arena Farm
Barrett’s Mill Farm
Colonial Gardens
Hutchins Farm
Marshall Farm
Saltbox Farm
Scimone Farm
Verrill Farm
Walden Woods Project Farm
______________________________________________

AG Day 2024: A huge thank you to the Town of Concord, the Concord Light Department, the Concord Police Department, Vanderhoof Hardware, Minuteman Media, Stone Soup Dinner, Concord Printing, Reinhard Goethert, Leonard Solomon, all of our participating farms and nonprofits, and all of our amazing hard working volunteers for making this event possible!
Done playing with your veggie racer from 2024? The wheels and axles can be dropped off anytime at Vanderhoof Hardware for use next year!

Interested in participating in Ag Day 2026? Please email Liza @ Hutchinsfarm.com to be added to our outreach list. Applications for tabling will go out in late June/early July. As always, space is limited and submitting an application does not guarantee a space – very sorry! Please see the “About” page on this website for more information.

Repair Cafe
2025-08-16 16:00 - 19:00 | Concord Free Public Library, 129 Main St, Room Goodwin Forum, Concord, Massachusetts, US
Volunteer for our First Repair Café!
What do you do with a broken toaster? Or a bike with a flat tire? Toss it? No way! The Concord Free Public Library Green Team is organizing its first Repair Café the Workshop on August 16.
Have Something In Need of Repair?
Save your broken jewelry, clothing, small household appliances, & more from the landfill by mending them with help from your neighbors! Join us at our Repair Cafe Saturday, August 16 from 12 to 3 PM. Limit one item per participant.
Want to Help?
Are you handy and have the skills and tools to repair broken electronics, household appliances, bikes, small furniture, mend clothes and more? Sign up on our volunteer repair coach form and join us for an afternoon of repairing broken items together!

Water Quality in Concord's Rivers
2025-06-17 12:00 - 13:00 | First Parish in Concord, 20 Lexington Rd, Concord, Massachusetts, US
Elissa BrownRiver Ambassador for the SuAsCo Wild and Scenic River Stewardship Council
Water quality in the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Rivers has changed wildly over time – from pristine pre-Colonial times to the days when sewerage and industrial waste spewed from the many water-power fueled mills along the rivers. Today’s rivers have recovered significantly since those days but contain residuals of our historical past. Current regulations aim at further reducing contamination in the rivers, but contamination remains and knowledge of emerging contaminants is in its infancy. Elissa Brown spent most of her career in the environmental consulting field primarily working with soil and groundwater quality issues – from Safe Drinking Water Act compliance to assessment and remediation of hazardous waste sites. After 30 years, she retired from private practice to become the Conservation Agent for the Town of Dedham working to protect wetlands and manage stormwater. Since her retirement from Dedham, she has served as the River Ambassador for the SuAsCo Wild and Scenic River Stewardship Council. In that role, she serves as “boots on the ground” for the council, spreading the word about the unique value of our rivers and coordinating with other stakeholders in advocating for their protection. She also spends a lot of time paddling on the rivers, maintaining put-ins, and helping out with such efforts as aquatic invasive species removal and water quality sampling. Over the years, Elissa has served on Concord’s Natural Resources Commission, Planning Board, Public Works Commission, and a variety of other ad hoc committees. She has a bachelor’s degree in Geology and a master’s degree in Geochemistry.
Hosted by ConcordCAN. Arrive at 7:45 am to enjoy coffee, treats, and conversation

Farming into the Next 250 Years: Climate and Land Challenges in Concord
2025-05-15 22:00 - 23:30 | Concord Free Public Library, 129 Main St, Room Goodwin Forum, Concord, Massachusetts, US
Learn about how regional farmland loss and climate change challenge Concord’s agriculture, and the strategies being adopted by farmers, the Town of Concord, and the broader Massachusetts farming community to meet the changing conditions.
About the speakers:
Jamie Pottern (American Farmland Trust) works across New England to address land access barriers for farmers, protect farmland, and provide support to conservation organizations and communities. She is the co-author of American Farmland Trust’s Farms Under Threat: A New England Perspective research report, which analyzes threats and opportunities for a more resilient and justice-driven agricultural system in New England. Jamie developed and managed AFT’s New England Farmer Microgrants Program in its first two years and continues to provide programmatic support and guidance to small grant-making programs in New England and across the organization. Prior to joining AFT, Jamie managed the Farm Conservation Program at Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust in north central Massachusetts and served as the Land, Community & Education Director at Agrarian Trust. Jamie holds a Masters in Sustainable Landscape Planning & Design from The Conway School, a BA from Brandeis University in Environmental Studies and International & Global Studies, and a certificate from The Farm School’s Learn to Farm Program.
Caro Roszell (American Farmland Trust) works on farmer network organizing, technical support and research around agricultural practices and soil health. Prior to coming to AFT, Caro served as the Education Director and Soil Health Projects Manager for the Northeast Organic Farming Association, Massachusetts Chapter. Caro served on the Advisory Team for the state-commissioned Massachusetts Healthy Soils Action Plan and is the author of “Farmers Share Experiences and Challenges Adopting Healthy Soils Practices.” She holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Bard College and is a SARE Climate Adaptation Fellow. In January 2022, Caro was appointed to the Massachusetts Food Policy Council.
Delia Kaye (Town of Concord) has been Concord’s Natural Resources Director since 2006. She works with the Natural Resources Commission and its subcommittees, other Town officials, and volunteers to conserve and steward natural resources, including agricultural lands, in Concord. Delia grew up on a small farm in Vermont and is an avid gardener. She holds a B.S.in wildlife biology from the University of Vermont and is a Certified Wildlife Biologist. In 2020, Delia was honored by the Sudbury Valley Trustees with the “Distinguished Public Service Award”.

Taking Climate Action, Together and Now!
2025-05-04 23:15 - 2025-05-05 00:15 | First Religious Society in Carlisle, 27 School Street, Carlisle, Massachusetts, US
Taking Climate Action.
Together and Now !
Dr. Juliette Rooney-Varga,
Professor in Environmental Sciences, Director of the Climate Change Initiative, and
Co-director of the Rist Institute for Sustainability and Energy at UMass Lowell.
Her research focuses on the nexus of climate change and sustainability science and decision support.
She will join us on
Sunday, May 4, 7:15 p.m.
First Religious Society in Carlisle
27 School St., on the Common
for an interactive discussion on climate action that we can take now.
as individuals, as a community, and as engaged citizens
who want to profect our democracy and support effective climate policy that benefits all.
Your questions and your voice are welcome.

Concord Family Bike Festival at Thoreau School
2025-05-04 17:00 - 19:00 | Thoreau School, 29 Prairie Street, Concord, MA, US
May is National Bike Month! As part of Safe Routes to School, celebrate spring and sustainability during the Concord Family Bike Festival at Thoreau School.
Grab your helmets and water bottles, and pedal on over! There will be fun for all ages and abilities, whether you are using a balance bike, just learning to pedal, want to check out an e-bike, or are interested in learning more about accessible biking options. We’ll have bike safety courses and tips, bike checks, bike decorating, and more! Get ready for Safe Routes to School’s Bike to School events in May.
We will have skill-building workshops beginning at about 1:15 pm and 2:15 pm for children of all skill levels. You can plan your visit around one of these workshops, but there will also be drop-in activities.
What to bring:

Your bikes, including balance and pedal bikes if you have them! (There will be bikes to borrow!)
Your helmets
Your water bottles

All are welcome to join. While this is hosted by Thoreau School, it is not just for Thoreau students! Register to receive weather-related updates. Caregivers should plan to stay with their beginning bikers.
Any questions or want to volunteer, please reach out to fowler@concordlibrary.org
Rain Date: Sunday, May 18, 1-3

First Parish Environmental Team
2025-03-25 23:00 - 2025-03-26 00:30 | First Parish in Concord, 20 Lexington Rd, Concord, Massachusetts, US
We invite one and all to join the First Parish iEnvironmental Team (ET) at its monthly meeting. The FP Environmental Team takes part in activities including Environmental Education, Personal Actions, or Legislation and Advocacy. Meetings are held monthly.
First Parish in Concord is an accredited Green Sanctuary congregation, but our work has just begun. A Greening the Campus initiative is currently working on moving our multiple buildings off of fossil fuel heating and insulating.
The 7th UU Principle affirms our “respect for the interdependent web of existence, of which we are a part.” We “honor all beings” and work for a greater appreciation of our interconnections with the natural world. How and where we live, work, play, and pray impact all beings, now and for future generations.
ET provides leadership in translating this principle into individual and community action. We work closely with UU Mass Action, MassPowerForward and a regional group of neighboring UU churches.

Opportunities for Action from MA Climate Bill
2025-03-16 16:30 - 18:00 | First Parish in Concord, 20 Lexington Rd, Concord, Massachusetts, US
What Opportunities Does the Recently Passed MA Climate Bill Provide for Action in the Coming Months?
This forum at First Parish in Concord is open to all, and festures two speakers:

Michael Barrett – author of the climate bill and MA State Senator for the third Middlesex district including Bedford, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Waltham and Weston. He serves as Senate Chair of the Legislature’s Committee om Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy
Elizabeth Henry, Executive Director of the Environmental League of Massachusetts, is committed to Massachusetts lead the Nation in environmental policy and getting on a pathway to net zero emissions.

The forum is sponsored by the Environmental Action Team of First Parish in Concord, and co-sponsored by ConcordCAN, the League of Women Voters of Concord Carlisle, Mothers Out Front and Stop Private Jet Expansion.

Concord Green Home Tours
2025-03-15 17:00 - 20:00 | Various locations around town, Concord, Various locations around town, Concord, Massachusetts, US
Times are changing! Think about ditching that old, dirty oil and gas and switching to the future of clean, affordable, and healthy living. We’re talking about 21st-century electric heating, cooking, and car travel that’ll make you feel good AND help preserve a future for our planet.
Find out what more and more Concord residents are doing to combat climate change, improve air quality, generate clean energy, and move toward a safer, healthier, greener, and more resilient future. This free home tour features several electrified Concord homes, by your neighbors who have done it. Find out how they made the switch and how the experience has been.

Experience for yourself the comfort of a heat-pump heated home in winter

See the latest technology for induction cooking, water heating, car charging and solar power generation

Hear the unfiltered story from another homeowner

Meet a Heating/Cooling Coach from CMLP, who can help you figure out heating, cooling and weatherization

Talk with one of CMLP’s EV Specialists, who can answer your questions about buying, charging and driving an EV

Find out about the electrified rebates and incentives offered by Concord Light

Green home tours will be offered at four locations on Saturday March 15th. Complete this form to attend one or more of the home tours, which last about 60 minutes including the tour, questions and answers on relevant topics and refreshments with the homeowner and other neighbors.

Wreath Composting at Fowler
2025-02-01 15:30 - 21:00 | Fowler Branch Library, 1322 Main Street, Concord, MA, US
Keep your wreaths out of the trash! Due to the wires and decorations, wreaths cannot be composted as they are, but with some wire cutters, a bit of elbow grease, and about ten minutes of your time, you can keep them out of the landfill. Bring them to Fowler where Mothers Out Front and volunteers will show you how to remove the wire so the greenery can be composted and the forms reused! We will meet in the backyard, so wear your work gloves and bundle up! If you have wire cutters, please bring them with you!
Can’t make it on February 1? Stop by ahead starting January 27 to visit our self-serve Wreath Compost Workstation! Bring work gloves and borrow our wire cutters to take apart your wreath!
In the case of bad weather on Saturday, any updates will be posted on the library event calendar: cfpl.info/wreathcompost
For questions, please call Fowler at 978-318-3350.
Thank you to Mothers Out Front and Concord Public Works for their efforts!

ConcordCAN Sustainable Coffee: Building Sustainable Housing
2025-01-21 13:00 - 14:00 | First Parish Church, 20 Lexington Rd, Room Side Entrance, Concord, MA, US
Concord is one of a small group of towns that has joined a pilot program that requires all new construction to be fossil free. If you are wondering about such construction, Dan Gainsboro has many years of experience in building all-electric houses. He will speak to his methods of building houses that are energy efficient, comfortable living spaces and, at the same time, creating village-like communities that naturally encourage social interaction of the residents.
Dan Gainsboro is a Concord resident and Director of NOW Communities, which specializes in creating community-focused neighborhoods that emphasize sustainability and energy efficiency. The firm’s first major residential development, Concord Riverwalk, was an immense success – earning acclaim from planners, architects, and environmentalists alike, and generating tremendous demand for its cottage-style units. NOW Communities has been recognized with some of the architecture and urban development industry’s most prestigious awards, including Builder Magazine’s Project of the Year, the National Association of Homebuilder’s Community of the Year, and the American Institute of Architects’ New England Design Honor Award.

Winter Seed Sows at Verrill Farm
2025-01-12 18:00 - 21:00 | Verrill Farm Greenhouse, 11 Wheeler Road, Concord, Massachusetts, US
Save the date for our third annual Winter Seed Sow Workshop hosted by Verrill Farm (11 Wheeler Road, Concord) and register for your spot! In this free workshop, led by Isabel Bailey of the Concord Pollinator Health Committee, we will learn how to sow seeds into milk jugs for easy, outdoor, over-wintering germination of native pollinator-supporting plants. To accommodate more people, we will offer demonstrations at 1 and 2:30. After attending a demonstration, participants will prepare the growing containers and plant seeds. Plan to browse our resource table and learn about plans for a local Pollinator Pathway, too!
This workshop is hosted by Verrill Farm, and it is a collaboration between the Concord Pollinator Health Committee, the CCHS Green Team and the Concord Free Public Library. It is made possible in part through the support of the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library, a patron-supported non-profit organization.
What to bring:
Clean, translucent, and empty gallon jugs if you have them. Remove the cap. (Additional jugs will be provided.)Gardening gloves (if desired)Scissors. (The workshop will provide some to share.)Duct Tape (we will have rolls circulating, too.)Cardboard box, tray, or other container to take home jugs (We have some to share.)Description of area where you’ll transplant your seedlings (shade, sun, partial sun/shade)
Families welcome (please register total number of attendees!)
Registration for 1 PM: https://concordlibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/winter-seed-sow-at-verrill-farm-all-ages/
Registration for 2:30 PM: https://concordlibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/winter-seed-sow-at-verrill-farm-all-ages-2/
If you have questions please call Fowler Branch Library at 978-318-3350.

Sustainable Aviation Fuels: Can they meet 2050 climate goals?
2025-01-09 00:00 - 01:00
Much of the research and policy conversation about the future of “sustainable aviation fuels” has been funded by the aviation industry. This webinar features independent researchers who receive no aviation industry support.
Topics & Panelists:
• The Science of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs): Types of SAFs, their stages of development, their promise and limitations
– Neil Rasmussen, MIT
• Crop-based biofuels and their implications for land use and resources – Dan Lashof, World Resources Institute
• Sustainable Aviation Fuel as a Policy Question: What are the trade-offs? – Chuck Collins, Institute for Policy Studies
Sponsored by the Institute for Policy Studies, Program on Equality;
Sierra Club Massachusetts; Massachusetts Climate Action Network;
Mass Power Forward; Stop Private Jet Expansion at Hanscom or Anywhere; Center for Biological Diversity.

ConcordCAN Sustainable Concord Coffee
2024-11-19 12:45 - 14:00 | First Parish Church, 20 Lexington Rd, Room Side Entrance, Concord, MA, US
Raptors, foxes, coyotes, and other predators keep our ecosystems in balance. But rodent poisons—specifically second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs)—harm thousands of these creatures in Massachusetts each year after they eat a poisoned rodents. SGARs can also harm children and pets who eat the poison itself. Come learn about this issue and what we can do in Concord and statewide to help ban their use.
Gwen Shipley is an award-winning biology teacher at Chapel Hill Chauncy Hall School and an enthusiastic birder who volunteers at Drumlin Farm. She is also a Co-Leader of Mass Audubon’s Council (an advisory board) and one of their Nature Champions Meaghan Sinclair is an accomplished wildlife photographer who who is interested in the intersection of mental health and time spent outdoors. She is currently working toward her Mass Audubon Field Naturalist certification.

The Great Pumpkin Smash at Codman Farms
2024-11-03 15:00 - 19:00 | Codman Community Farms, 58 Codman Road, Lincoln, MA, US
Why Smash Your Pumpkins?
Did you know that composting your Halloween pumpkins can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions? When pumpkins end up in landfills, they break down and produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.
Don’t let your Halloween creations meet this grim fate! Give them the chance at a second life by recycling them into soil!
Event Highlights:

Pumpkin Smashing: Bring your jack-o’-lanterns, and decorative gourds to smash and feed to the Codman Farm pigs!

Tasty Treats: Enjoy Codman Farm sandwiches and ice cream from a local vendor!

Composting Corner: Get tips on how to get started with composting in your home or with a curbside collection program!

Live Music: Enjoy the sounds of local musicians as you mingle and learn about sustainable practices.

Prepare your pumpkins for composting by removing any stickers, candles, and other decorations. Please leave your painted pumpkins at home. Suggested donation of $1 per pumpkin to benefit our host, Codman Community Farms.
Come By Bike: Want to make this event greener? Arrive with your pumpkins by bike to receive amazing prizes!
Interested in volunteering, please fill out our google form: https://forms.gle/E4NV3ssHzzeUngZy8
This event is organized by:

Codman Community Farms

The Lincoln & Concord Chapters of Mothers Out Front

Weston Community Children’s Association (WCCA)

Lincoln Family Association (LincFam)

Backyard Composting
2024-10-26 13:00 - 14:30 | Daisy Hill Farm, 60 Wood Lane, Unit #4529, Acton, Massachusetts, US
Join us at Daisy Hill Farm in Acton, MA to see a backyard garden compost system in action! We’ll demonstrate how to build and turn the pile, sift “finished” compost, and apply it to your garden and yard. Learn to identify different stages of compost, handle challenges, and understand what should and should not be composted. Discover how to manage food scraps in the kitchen and compost through the winter.
Not only will you learn how to turn your food scraps, fall leaves, and yard waste into “black gold,” but you will also gain insights into the science behind decomposition and the ecological impact of making and using your own compost. Discover how “black gold” can improve both plant and soil health. We’ll discuss various compost bin options, including DIY and commercial systems, and how to choose the best one for you. You’ll leave with an informational composting packet and excitement to start your composting journey!
The course fee is $39. You can register online at the CCACE website.

ConcordCAN Sustainable Coffee
2024-10-15 12:00 - 13:00 | First Parish Church, 20 Lexington Rd, Room Side Entrance, Concord, MA, US
Arrive at 7:45 am to enjoy coffee, treats, and conversation A Presentation on Mothers Out FrontBetsy Olsen-Mackowski

Since its founding in 2013 Mothers Out Front has grown into a nationwide grassroots organization focused on climate justice, community organizing, and environmental advocacy. Mothers Out Front is a great option for volunteering because of its local roots, focus on the future, and urgency to empower each of us to turn anxiety into action.
Their events always have engaging components for families and children. They also have a toolkit template that is used consistently so that we can amplify our voices by working together. Legislatively, they have been pressuring the State House and Senate to reconvene to pass the state climate bill. Also, Concord MOF does a monthly program at Fowler Library on the last Saturday of the month called the Sustainability Studio, which involves story time and a craft for younger children and families.

Seed Saving at Fowler
2024-10-05 18:00 - 19:00 | Fowler Branch, 1322 Main St, Concord, Massachusetts, US
Join gardener Jess Myles to learn about seed saving in this hands-on workshop! Gain valuable skills that you can use in your own garden. You will also be able to contribute to the Concord Seed Lending Library here at the CFPL. This year, we will have a particular focus on native plants. Gardeners, plant lovers, and environmentalists of all ages are welcome.
This program will be held in the Fowler backyard. Our rain location will be the meeting room. Please register on the library event calendar in order to receive updates.

Flyways: A Film Screening and Talk with Peter Alden at Fowler
2024-10-03 20:00 - 21:30 | Fowler Branch Library, 1322 Main Street, Concord, MA, US
Join us for a second screening of Flyways, from PBS Nature. This film follows a conservation movement of bird-loving experts and citizen scientists as they mobilize to the challenge of understanding and saving shorebirds. After the film, local naturalist Peter Alden will lead a discussion.
Looking for a feet-on-the-ground nature experience? We hope you were able to join us on Saturday, September 28 at 3 pm for a West Concord Nature Walk.
This programming is made possible through a grant from SciStarter.

A West Concord Nature Walk with Peter Alden
2024-09-28 17:00 - 19:00 | Fowler Branch Library, 1322 Main Street, Concord, MA, US
Join naturalist Peter Alden for a nature walk from Fowler Library to the Assabet River Bluff Sanctuary, with a focus on birds and plants. Learn about migration patterns and observe impacts of changing climate on our local land.
**Please note the earlier time (1 pm), and be sure to wear your long sleeves and bug spray!**
Rain Date: October 5, 1 to 3 pm.
This program, a companion to the screenings of Flyways on September 24 (Main Library) and October 3 (Fowler Library), is made possible through a grant from SciStarter.

Fowler Sustainability Studio with Mothers Out Front
2024-09-28 15:00 - 16:00 | Fowler Branch Library, 1322 Main Street, Concord, MA, US
Our September Sustainability Studio: Storms, Blackouts & Shadow Puppets is organized in collaboration with the Concord Chapter of Mothers Out Front, a volunteer-led organization dedicated to ensure a livable climate and better future for all children.
Join us to explore stories about how communities respond with resilience to storms and power outages. Big storms and other forms of extreme weather can be scary for children, but knowing what to expect and how to prepare can help kids feel more confident and secure no matter what weather comes our way!
After sharing some stories, we will have a blast creating shadow puppets from recycled materials.

Emergency Preparedness Talk with Assistant Fire Chief Walter Latta, Jr.
2024-09-27 14:00 - 15:30 | Concord Free Public Library, 129 Main St, Room Goodwin Forum, Concord, Massachusetts, US
Join Assistant Fire Chief Latta as he shares his recent experiences as a Logistics Manager for Massachusetts Task Force One, a FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Team. He will talk about his recent deployments including the Hawaii Wildfires, Vermont Flooding, and Hurricane Ian in Florida as a member of the Incident Support Team. We will also learn about his team’s response to Puerto Rico during Hurricanes Irma and Maria, Oregon during the wildfires, and other disasters across the country. We are looking forward to this remarkable opportunity to learn about Assistant Chief Latta’s experiences, and how you too can be prepared for an emergency.
Assistant Chief Walter Latta Jr. has been a member of the Concord Fire Department since 2018. Prior to Concord, he served as a Firefighter and Captain with the Maynard Fire Department. He serves as a Logistics Manager for the Massachusetts Task Force One, a FEMA Urban Search and Rescue team. Most recent deployments included Hawaii Wildfires, Vermont Flooding and was deployed to Florida for Hurricane Ian as a member of the Incident Support Team. He has also been deployed to Puerto Rico for Hurricane Irma and Maria, Oregon Wildfires, and several other disasters throughout the country. He holds a master’s degree in Public Administration, a Facilities Engineering degree from Massachusetts Maritime Academy, and is a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program. Assistant Chief Latta is credentialed as a Chief Fire Officer by the Massachusetts Fire Service Commission.
