Other Local Events
Below is a listing of upcoming programs from other like minded organizations in the area.
Emerging Clean Energy Technologies
Green Energy Consumers Alliance
The energy system is changing. Emerging clean energy technologies—like smart thermostats, window heat pumps, portable batteries, and plug-in solar—can all help households lower energy bills, improve resilience, and support a cleaner, more affordable electric grid. Join us to learn about these emerging technologies, how they work, and their benefits.
Film Screening: The Little Things that Run the World
This documentary explores the rapid decline of insect populations around the world and what it means for the future of life on Earth. The film also highlights efforts to reverse this extinction crisis and restore healthy ecosystems.
Heat Pumps & Time Varying Rates
Green Energy Consumers Alliance
Join us for an overview of heat pump rates in Massachusetts and what heat pump customers can expect this winter. Topics include: How much can customers save on the heat pump rates and what are the new rates for this upcoming heating season.
Also learn about time-varying rates (TVRs), which could enable new opportunities to save by shifting electricity use to lower-cost times, and how to enroll in these programs.
Plastics is Worse Than You Think: The Hidden Connection Between Plastic and PFAS
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and plastics are often thought of as separate issues, but they are strongly linked with combined health and environmental impacts. Many plastics called fluoropolymers are PFAS including the well-known brand Teflon™. These synthetic, high-performance specialty petrochemicals are used in consumer and industrial products such as non-stick cookware, carpeting, upholstery, paints and coatings, belting, tubing, cabling, rechargeable batteries, and virtually all electronics. PFAS are also frequently used as manufacturing aids in the production of all plastics (e.g., in molding), which can leave behind residues in the resin or finished product. This webinar will discuss why PFAS are so widely used in these applications along with the challenges of replacing these "forever chemicals" in the marketplace.
Newton's GreenEXPO 2026 at the Harvest Fair
Explore a diverse showcase of eco-friendly products, innovative services, and green initiatives from local businesses, community organizations, and city departments. Whether you’re curious about renewable energy, waste reduction, or how to live more sustainably at home, there’s something for everyone—including kid-friendly activities, interactive exhibits, and helpful resources to inspire climate-conscious living.
Emerging Clean Energy Tech
New tech, smaller footprint: what's next in home clean energy
You don't need a full roof or a garage full of equipment to start cutting your home energy use. A new wave of compact, accessible clean energy tech is changing what's possible – even for renters and apartment dwellers. Amanda Barker of Green Energy Consumers Alliance will walk you through three practical innovations reshaping home energy:
Balcony solar — plug-in panels that generate power without a full installation
Window heat pumps — efficient heating and cooling that fits in a standard window
Battery storage & more — smart ways to store energy and stay resilient during outages
Caterpillars Aren't Just for the Birds
A live panel discussion of The Extraordinary Caterpillar film featuring panelists: director Sam Jaffe, botanist Laura Reeves, Homegrown National Park co-founder Dr. Doug Tallamy, moderated by New York Times columnist Margaret Roach. Stream The Extraordinary Caterpillar film on demand, free with registration.
Everything You Need to Know about Charging Adaptors
Green Energy Consumers Alliance
Nowadays there are a variety of adaptors available both for Level 2 and DC Fast Charging for electric vehicles (EVs). But which ones do you need? Join this half-hour webinar to learn about the different types of adaptors, how to figure out which you might need, and where to find them.
Have a Slice, Get Energy Advice
Join our Pizza Party to learn about heat pumps, solar and why electric bills are so high.
Sun Prints at the Farm
Learn how the sun helps grow food and generate clean energy, then harness its power to create your own wearable work of art!
Picnic and Play in the Park
Join Green Newton and the Newton Parks, Recreation & Culture Department for a fun-filled morning with Solar Oven S'mores and lemonade.
Native Plant Sale
Lincoln Land Conservation Trust
Join on May 16th for their 7th Annual Pollinator Plant Sale. A variety of native perennials and shrubs will be available.
Plant Sale
Come join us for our annual plant sale featuring perennials, vegetables, herbs, some annuals and a large assortment of native plants both straight species and cultivars.
How To Love a Forest
Join SVT for a presentation by Ethan Tapper, an internationally recognized forester, ecologist, bestselling author, and digital storyteller from Vermont. His first book, How to Love a Forest: The Bittersweet Work of Tending a Changing World, was published in September 2024, and has since received international acclaim, including winning the 2025 New England Book Award for non-fiction.
Restoring Childhood: Why Playing Freely Outdoors Matters for All
Weston Forest & Trail Association
Guest Speaker: Peter Gray, Ph.D. Professor of Psychology, Boston College & Author of Free to Learn. Children and adults alike learn the most vital human skills—agency, courage, and resilience—through self-directed, unstructured play. Dr. Peter Gray will summarize research evidence showing how the lack of independent activity is a primary driver of psychological suffering in today's youth.
Thoreau’s Forests Confront Climate Change
Will We Still Have Forests in 50 Years? And Why We Should Care
Dr. William Moomaw, a lead author of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize winning climate report, will explore the role of forests and other ecosystems in moderating climate change in combination with new technologies and our behaviors. The threats to our forests from climate change and other stresses will be a major theme. The discussion will be moderated by Delia Kaye, Concord’s Natural Resources Director.
Newton’s Earth Day Festival,
Join us for a celebration of all things green for the whole family! Groove to live music and savor delicious food while discovering countless ways to make a positive impact. Explore booths hosted by local businesses and nonprofits, offering guidance on everything from going solar and choosing electric vehicles to home insulation and composting.
Walking in the Footsteps of Thoreau
An Earth Day Celebration - Multiple groups starting from Concord and Lincoln will meet at the Thoreau Cabin Site to celebrate the natural world and renew our commitment to protect it. A simple meet-up with music, inspiring words, and sharing of wishes & commitments.
Meet at First Parish in Concord Center or St Anne’s Church in Lincoln at 2 pm, arriving by 3 pm to the cabin site.
Learn How to Grow Your Own Veggies
Join Wellesley Natural Resources Commission, Wellesley Conservation Land Trust and Sustainable Wellesley for an afternoon at the Weston Road Community Garden. Learn how to start a garden, proper site selection, crop suggestions, growing tips, how to minimize maintenance, pruning techniques, pest management practices and more. Rain date: May 3, 2026 1-3PM.
The Plastic Detox Film Screening
JP Zero Waste and Greater Boston Beyond Plastic
All are invited to the "Plastic Detox" Movie with a community discussion afterwards. They will discuss the movie, the growing knowledge about the toxicity of plastic, and what we can do individually and as a community.
Land's Sake Earth Day Celebration
Bring the family and a picnic blanket for live music, local lunch, and plenty of hands‑on fun. Enjoy face and rock painting, alpaca visits, farm animals, flower potting with Flower Box Gardens, and unique finds from local artisans. Help get the farm spring‑ready with volunteer projects like mulching, cleanup, and rock removal.
Heat Pumps 101: Incentives, Quotes & More
Thinking about installing a heat pump? Go for it!
Heat pumps provide efficient heating and cooling, lower your carbon footprint, and can qualify for thousands of dollars in state rebates. Over 420 Wayland neighbors have heat pumps, join them and qualify for a lower electric rate next winter that can save you over $500/winter.
Mass Energize Community Climate Leaders Conference
Early bird registration is open. Community organizers, municipal sustainability staff, climate volunteers, students, and anyone working to inspire and empower others to take meaningful climate action. Not sure you’re a “leader” yet? This conference will show you just how powerful your role can be. The conference sold out in 2024 and 2025.
Tree Webinar with Dr. William Moomaw
Join us for a webinar with Dr. William Moomaw on the irreplaceable value of mature trees and the threat posed by the proposed private jet hangar expansion at Hanscom Field.
In Conversation with Chuck Collins
Action Network/Stop Private Jet Expansion
about his new book: Burned by Billionaires: How Concentrated Wealth and Power Are Ruining Our Lives and Planet (published Oct 2025) & how it informs our fight to stop the proposed private jet expansion at Hanscom or Anywhere. Interview by Diane Proctor, League of Women Voters Concord-Carlisle
Solar without federal incentives: Why is still works
Thinking about solar but not sure where to start? Learn how solar works, typical paybacks, financing options, and how it can help lower energy costs while supporting a cleaner, healthier community! We will hear from Boston Solar, a long time local installer, and neighbors who have solar systems. Over 420 Wayland neighbors have installed solar systems – saving money and supporting a clean energy economy.
Third Annual Discussion with MA Climate Chief
What progress have we made against climate change since last year? Congregation Or Atid is pleased to once again welcome Massachusetts Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer to discuss our progress and path forward. This event is free and open to the public.
Georgia O'Keeffe The Brightness of Light
In collaboration with the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust, we invite you to a Winter Carnival film screening of Georgia O’Keeffe The Brightness of Light, a new, comprehensive documentary of her art and life, featuring a Q&A with director Paul Wagner and co-producer Ellen Wagner. Reception to Follow.
In Person
Plastics: The Mounting Threat to Public Health
The League of Women Voters of Needham and Green Needham
The speaker: Dr. Philip Landrigan -- a pediatrician, epidemiologist and researcher. In addition to information about the health impacts of plastics, Dr Landrigan shared information about how plastics are made and why plastic production is booming worldwide.
Plastics: The Mounting Threat to Public Health
Microplastics pose an increasing threat to our health. They last forever and are everywhere - in the food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe and the products we use. Speaker Dr. Landrigan is a pediatrician and epidemiologist, and he directs the Program for Global Public Health and the Common Good at Boston College and the Global Observatory on Planetary Health.
Energy Storage in a Net Zero Commonwealth
Elders Climate Action - Massachusetts Chapter
Speaker: Tom Ferguson is Energy Storage Programs Manager at the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER). In this role, Tom is responsible for developing and implementing new policies and programs to spur the deployment of energy storage throughout the Commonwealth.
Winter Seed Sowing
WORKSHOP
Wildflowers in the Snow, Winter Seed Sowing
Instructor: Jean Milburn Chair, Native Plant Committee, Wayland Garden Club
Open To: All Adults
Materials Fee: $10
To Register: Call 508- 358-2990