A project of Newton Community Pride, Mayor’s Office for Cultural Affairs and the Newton Parks and Recreation Department

Sunday April 26, 2020
9am — 4pm

Rain or Shine
Morning, Afternoon and All Day Projects

Morning Projects are 9:30 – 12:30
Afternoon Projects are 12:30 – 3:30

ProjectVillageTimeDescriptionAgeVols*Avail*
Angier Beautification ProjectWabanAll DayLandscaping the front and back of the school. We have a large outdoor space with many plant and flower beds that need to be mulched. There are some yard waste and trash that needs to be cleaned and picked up.Age 8 & older100
Auburndale Community LibraryAuburndaleAfternoonGardening and yard work on the grounds of the Auburndale Community Library. The project site is a food pantry donation collection site.
Suitable for persons with disabilities
Age 8 & older40
Bigelow – Signage for Recycling!Newton CornerMorningAre you interested in promoting recycling and helping middle school students learn more about recycling? Help us label recycle bins and trash cans in all classrooms at Bigelow Middle School with new signage about what can and cannot be recycled.
Suitable for persons with disabilities
Middle school (age 11) and older5
Bigelow BeautificationNewton CornerMorningJoin us as we beautify the grounds of Bigelow Middle School. We plan to rake, clean, and mulch garden beds, prune shrubs and trees, etc.Middle school (age 11) and older 20
Blue Heron Bridge at Charles River Walkway Invasives Plant PullNewtonvilleAfternoonHelp our river and our parks and native species by removing Garlic Mustard, a non-native plant invader that poisons the soil and harms our native species. It is easy and fun to pull out. Other invasives may be removed as well.Middle school (age 11) and older30
Bowen Elementary School PlaygroundThompsonvilleMorningWe will work to beautify the Bowen playground: cleaning, weeding, mulching, etc. We hope to create a more beautiful, welcoming and safe place for Bowen students and families while helping students see the value in volunteerism and foster a sense of community and accomplishment.Age 8 & older40
Bulloughs Pond Clean UpNewtonvilleMorningGeneral pond clean up. This includes raking leaves, picking up fallen branches and trash.Middle school (age 11) and olde40
Burr School Spring Clean UpAuburndaleMorning40
Cabot@Carr cleanupNewtonvilleAfternoonWe’ll perform a small clean up the grounds of the school and tidy the planters out front. (Should be done by 2:30pm)Age 8 & older16
Carroll Center for the Blind: Walk for INDEPENDENCENewton CentreAll DayAssist with events including a 1-mile and 3-mile walk through Newton neighborhoods and a post walk fun-filled fair.
Suitable for persons with disabilities
High school and older50
Centre Street Food PantryNewton CentreAfternoonHelp give the pantry a spring cleaning and move shelving.High school and older15
Cold Spring Park Cleanup – THIS PROJECT WILL BE ON SATURDAY, APRIL 27Newton Four CornersAfternoonHelp us clean up the park! We will divide into teams (each with at least one parent/adult) and clean up different sections of Cold Spring Park. THIS PROJECT WILL BE DONE ON SATURDAY, APRIL 27
Suitable for persons with disabilities
Middle school (age 11) and older54
Cold Spring Park Invasives PullNewton HighlandsMorningWe will continue and expand our vigilance in getting Garlic Mustard out of Cold Spring Park. Garlic Mustard is a non native plant invader that shades out native species and alters the habitat of native butterflies and birds. It is very easy to identify and fun to pull.Middle school (age 11) and older30
Cold Spring Trail Extension Renewal – This project will be held on MAY 5WabanAfternoonWe will add wood chips along the trail extension between the loop trail in Cold Spring Park and Beacon St. near the Zervas parking lot. We will also collect trash from that area and Zervas, remove invasives, and clear debris from the trail.Age 8 & older20
Countryside SchoolNewton HighlandsAll DayGeneral cleanup of Countryside school classrooms and grounds. Work will include indoor and outdoor projects such as painting, cleaning, gardening and raking, etc.Age 8 & older100
Cradles to CrayonsOak HillAfternoonHelp us with sorting at our donation site at Temple Beth Avodah. Then we’d like to invite you to come to our Brighton Giving Factory (155 N Beacon Street, Brighton) to have the full volunteer experience and see our Giving Factory in action.Adults only10
Disaster Preparedness Door Hanger Project – NonantumNonantumMorningCity of Newton Health and Human Services Department needs your help spreading the word about CodeRED emergency alert system. Participants will canvass the village of Nonantum and place door hangers to educate citizens about the emergency alert system and how to sign up. Teams will be given walking routes which are approximately 1.5 miles long.
Suitable for persons with disabilities
Age 8 & older20
Dolan Pond Invasives Plant Pull and CleanupWest NewtonMorningHelp this hidden ‘gem’ conservation area and its native species by removing plant invaders such as garlic mustard, a non-native invader that poisons the soil. It is easy and fun to pull out. We may do some general clean-up as well. This project is sponsored by the Newton Conservators. Dolan Pond is a great birding and nature area with 4 vernal pools. Painted turtles, wood ducks, migrating warblers, orioles, and other interesting birds are typically seen.Middle school (age 11) and older25
FA Day Middle SchoolNewtonvilleMorningHelp make FA Day Middle School beautiful. We will work outside to clean up the grounds around the school and spread mulch, plant flowers, and water plants. Inside, we will do clean up and projects as requested by the teachers.
Suitable for persons with disabilities
Age 8 & older25
Farlow Park Pond Debris RemovalNewton CornerAll DayWe’ll clear the Farlow Pond basin of debris and sediment and prepare it for the City to fill with fresh water. Please join us!High school and older30
Franklin Elementary SchoolWest NewtonAfternoonJoin us for a clean up of the Franklin School grounds!Age 8 & older30
Friends of Kennard ParkNewton CentreAfternoonJoin us for a clean up of Kennard Park. In the Park we will be doing general trash and brush clean up as well as removing the invasive vines on the stone wall.10
Gas Leaks Tagging with Mothers Out FrontMultipleMorningJoin with Mothers Out Front Newton to tag gas leaks in Newton and raise awareness in our community. There are over 600 gas leaks in Newton and we will be “tagging” leaks in 5-6 key areas within the city. Meet at City Hall at 9:00 (Estimated time for tagging leaks at a site is an hour) As part of this project we will provide maps and tagging flags to place near the leak sites; educational materials about how leaks occur and how to report gas leaks; and ideas on how to create awareness using social media. Mothers Out Front is part of the Newton Coalition for Climate Action and we advocate for swift transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy to ensure a livable climate for all children. To learn more: https://www.facebook.com/NewtonMOF/ Suitable for persons with disabilitiesAge 8 & older40
Historic East Parish Burying GroundNewton CentreAfternoonSpring clean-up at Newton’s historic East Parish Burying Ground (1660), including most areas within the burying ground and adjoining sidewalk. Activities will include raking, hauling and piling leaves; collecting dead wood; some minimal trash removal; clearing the perimeter fences of winter debris; and sweeping and tidying the sidewalk areas near and around the entrance gates. This is a unique opportunity to participate directly in the preservation of this historic treasure, to learn about Newton’s early community, and to enjoy the company of fellow volunteers as you literally touch history with your own hands.Middle school (age 11) and olde40
Historic South Burying GroundNewton HighlandsAfternoonSpring clean-up at Newton’s historic South Burying Ground (1802), including most areas within the burying grounds and adjoining sidewalks. Activities will include some minimal trash removal; raking, hauling and piling leaves; collecting dead wood; clearing the perimeter fences of winter debris; and sweeping and tidying the sidewalks and area around the entrance gate. This is a unique opportunity to participate directly in the preservation of this historic treasure, to learn about Newton’s early community, and to enjoy the company of fellow volunteers as you literally touch history with your own hands!Middle school (age 11) and older30
Historic West Parish Burying GroundWest NewtonAfternoonSpring clean-up at Newton’s historic West Parish Burying Ground (1777), including most areas within the burying grounds and adjoining sidewalks. Activities will include some minimal trash removal; raking, hauling and piling leaves; collecting dead wood; clearing the perimeter fences of winter debris; and sweeping and tidying the sidewalks and area around the entrance gate. This is a unique opportunity to participate directly in the preservation of this historic treasure, to learn about Newton’s early community, and to enjoy the company of fellow volunteers as you literally touch history with your own hands!Middle school (age 11) and older40
Home for adults with disabilities – spring cleaningWest NewtonMorningJoin us to do the spring yard clean up at a home for adults with intellectual & developmental disabilities. Tidy garden beds, rake the yard, plant flowers, and stay after for a cookout with the residents!
Suitable for persons with disabilities
Age 8 & older10
Horace Mann SchoolNewtonvilleAfternoonPlease join us for an afternoon of outdoor clean up, and some playground/gardening work!
Suitable for persons with disabilities
Middle school (age 11) and older 40
Houghton Garden Invasives PullChestnut HillAfternoonWe will pull the invasive species Garlic Mustard from near the entrance to Houghton Garden. Help keep this invader out of Houghton Garden! Meet at the entrance to the Garden/T crossing.Middle school (age 11) and older40
Hyde Playground Community Build – 2 day project!Newton HighlandsAll DayJoin us on this two day event constructing a playground. This event will be held on both Saturday April 27 and Sunday April 28, 2019. Join us for both days or just one day!Adults only20
Lincoln Eliot Elementary SchoolMultipleMorningThis will be our tenth NewtonSERVES project at Lincoln Eliot. We will do outdoor projects including general cleaning up, raking, spreading mulch and fibar, and prepping and planting our school garden. Adult workers are needed – kids ready to work with parents are also encouraged to come.Age 8 & older40
Lower Falls/Hamilton Park Clean UpLower FallsAll DaySpring clean up of the park and playground40
Mason Rice Elementary SchoolNewton CentreAll DayJoin us for some spring cleaning, gardening, painting and carpentry.Age 8 & older20
Mason-Rice GardenNewton CentreAll DayFUN IN THE DIRT!!! Clean up and prepare the garden for planting. Remove dead plants, spread compost and mulch, turn over soil, trim bushes and repair fences and barriers.Age 8 & older20
Newton Centre T StationNewton CentreAll DayJoin us as we clean up the area around the Newton Centre T station. Work will include mulching, raking and trash removalAge 8 & older35
Newton Centre: Piccadilly SquareNewton CentreMorningHelp us spruce up the area where Union and Centre Streets meet and some nearby spHigh school and older3
Newton Early Childhood Program Playgroup Clean upNonantumMorningJoin us in preparing the gardens for student learning and help us clean up the playground for safe play for preschoolers.
Suitable for persons with disabilities
Age 8 & older15
Newton North Operation Bold PaintNewtonvilleAll DayJoin us to brighten up Newton North by adding color (painting) to some classroom walls!
Suitable for persons with disabilities
High school and older80
Newton Power Choice door hanger distribution – citywideMultipleAll DayGreen Newton, in collaboration with the City, is seeking volunteers to distribute door hangers in Newton neighborhoods to promote Opting Up to 100% Green electricty in the Newton Power Choice program.High school and olde30
Newton South High SchoolNewton CentreMorningBring your family and friends and join us in getting the grounds at Newton South High School ready for spring! We will be cleaning lawns and garden beds, raking leaves, and spreading mulch.Age 8 & older60
Newtonville Beautification ProjectNewtonvilleMorningWe’ll be putting flowers in the Newtonville planters time: Morning40
Oak Hill Middle SchoolNewton CentreAfternoonJoin us for a fun afternoon of beautifying the grounds at Oak Hill Middle School! We will be cleaning and weeding gardens, spreading mulch, and planting flowers to guide Oak Hill’s grounds into a beautiful springtime.Age 8 & older60
Peirce Elementary SchoolWest NewtonAll DaySpring clean up of the school grounds. This will be an outdoor project. Projects include debris/yard waste clean up, trash removal and planting flowers. Additional projects may be added as needed.
Suitable for persons with disabilities
Age 8 & older40
Photography -NewtonSERVESMultipleAll DayJoin us in photographing the volunteers at all the NewtonSERVES sites! Capture the excitement, the camaraderie and the accomplishments of the day with your camera (which can be your phone).High school and older6
Quinobequin Park CleanupWabanMorningWe’ll be clipping vegetation and picking up trash on the Quinobequin trails and alongside the parkway. Please join us!Age 8 & older30
Richardson Field CleanupWabanMorningClean up of Richardson Field. Work will include: Distribution of playground mulch and general cleanup of the playground and surrounding areaAge 8 & older25
Saw Mill Brook Parkway (10am-2pm)MorningLet’s clean up the Parkway together. We’ll be raking up leaves and picking up trash.40
Second Step Spring Clean upMultipleMorningJoin us in a spring clean up of the grounds.Middle school (age 11) and older6
SNEAKER REUSE & RECYCLING PROJECTNewton CentreAll DayStudents for a Greener World will collect sneakers for reuse or recycling. Sneakers can be brought to collection boxes at City Hall on NewtonSERVES day. Sneakers will be sorted and taken to the Nike outlet in Wrentham for recycling OR to an organization that will distribute useable sneakers to individuals in need.
Suitable for persons with disabilities
Middle school (age 11) and older10
Stearns Park Spring FacialNonantumMorningLandscape and Fields Cleanup: raking and bagging leaves/twigs/debris; cutting back overgrown vegetation; sweeping walkways; cleaning tennis courts, removing fallen tree limbs, mulching trees and bushesAge 8 & older 40
Underwood Elementary SchoolNewton CornerAll DaySpring cleanup of children’s garden, spaces surrounding school building, and playground. Projects will include bed repair, weeding and mulching, planting bulbs and small plants, leaf composting, hedge and shrub trimming, and spreading fibar around play structures. Also painting the roof over the Underwood sign.Age 8 & older40
Upper Falls Greenway CleanupUpper FallsMorningClean up trash, rake path, and cut back any overgrowth and fallen trees from the Greenway.Middle school (age 11) and older25
Waban Common BeautificationWabanAll DayMulching all flower beds.High school and older25
Waban Square Bed MulchingWabanAfternoonWe will mulch the beds in Waban Sq: the garden by the T stop, by Starbucks, along Beacon St, and the WLC if there is time.
Suitable for persons with disabilities
Age 8 & older60
Ward School Service Day and Food DriveNewton CentreAll DayWe’ll be doing indoor and outdoor projects including painting and cleaning, as well as playground and garden maintenance. We will also serve as a site for Newton Food Pantries donations. Please sign up via Newton Serves website or email raqueloliva@gmail.com.
Suitable for persons with disabilities
Age 8 & older60
Washington Park Spring Clean-UpNewtonvilleMorningThe Washington Park Clean-Up has been organized by Park Friends. People who live on the park and any other interested volunteers work to remove debris and trash from the park and do some landscaping work(weeding, spreading mulch, etc.) Free drinks and donuts on site offered by neighbors!
Suitable for persons with disabilities
Age 8 & older20
Weeks Field Clean UpNewton CentreAfternoonGeneral clean-up and beautification, including mulching.
Suitable for persons with disabilities
Age 8 & older25
Wellington Park Wake-upWest NewtonAfternoonThe project will include raking, mulching, weeding, planting, and other garden and park clean-up activities.40
Williams Elementary School Spring CleanupAuburndaleAfternoonWe’ll rake up leaves and sticks, spread mulch, clean up the grounds, and tackle other beautification projects
Suitable for persons with disabilities
Age 8 & older85

* Vols is the number of volunteers requested or the maximum number of volunteers to be accepted
* Avail is the number of remaining open slots