Feature Articles


 

Survey of Candidate Positions on Open Space and the Environment

Newton Conservators has been advocating for Newton’s open spaces for over 60 years. We believe that voters deserve to understand candidate positions on Newton’s open space, conservation, and climate remediation

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Crystal Lake Cyanobacteria Closure Has Ended

Crystal Lake was closed on August 6th to all uses, including swimming, wading, boating, and fishing, due to an outbreak of dangerous cyanobacteria. Read the city’s announcement of the closing

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mosquito at rest
 

West Nile Virus Risk Level Raised to “High” in Newton

As of August 12, 2025, the risk level for West Nile Virus (WNV) has been elevated to “high” in Newton, Brookline, and Boston.   State health officials announce West Nile

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Conservation News



Newton Grant Opportunity!

Did you know that Newton Conservators offers grants to support conservation, stewardship and understanding of Newton’s open spaces and environmental education? Previously funded projects include pollinator habitat enhancements, scholarships for

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Hammond Pond Parkway: Current News and Future Plans

At one of Newton Conservators’ community’s speaker series in June, we discussed The Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) Hammond Pond Parkway renovation project, currently under construction. This is a

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New Box Steps in Cold Spring Park

The Cold Spring Park loop trail climbs a steep slope as it approaches the Cochituate Aqueduct trail near the Plymouth Road trailhead.  When the trail is snowy or icy, this

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Upcoming Events

Fall Ramble In Webster Woods

Fall Ramble In Webster Woods

Saturday, 10/25/2025    
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
$0.00
Join Barbara Bates, a Newton Conservators’ director and retired Mass Audubon teacher/naturalist, for an easy fall foliage ramble. Learn about the varied habitats of Webster [...]
Hike Newton’s Aqueducts

Hike Newton’s Aqueducts

Sunday, 10/26/2025    
2:00 pm - 4:30 pm
$0.00
Join Henry Finch, a Newton Conservators’ director and avid hiker, on a four-mile trek through woods, meadows, and fields along the Newton sections of the [...]
Webinar: Fish, the Missing Link in Suburban/Urban Conservation

Webinar: Fish, the Missing Link in Suburban/Urban Conservation

Thursday, 11/13/2025    
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Growing up in Newton Highlands in the 1960s and 70s, Bob Mallard was fascinated with the network of streams within striking distance of his home.  [...]
Webinar: Welcome to the Dark Side: Discovering Moths

Webinar: Welcome to the Dark Side: Discovering Moths

Thursday, 12/04/2025    
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Join naturalist Dave Small for an introduction to attracting and watching moths in your backyard. Discover the native plants you can introduce to your landscape to [...]
Webinar: Vernal Pools and Their Special Ecology

Webinar: Vernal Pools and Their Special Ecology

Thursday, 03/05/2026    
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Seasonal ponds, known as vernal pools, are full of life and can be found throughout our area.  Newton has several, including Bare Pond in Webster [...]

Newton Conservators Publications

Newsletters

The Newton Conservators publish a newsletter approximately four times a year. Click to view back issues.

E-Bulletins

Information on nature and environmental events, exhibits, and issues in and around Newton by email.

Trail Guide Book

A 70-page guide containing detailed trail maps and other information about 34 parks and conservation areas in Newton.

Almanac

Spend 12 months getting to know Newton’s parks and conservation areas with your copy of the Newton Conservators Almanac.