Environment

Earth Day tour of Boardwalk School campus highlights energy-saving features

May 9, 2026
by
On Earth Day, April 22, approximately 30 curious townspeople toured energy-conserving elements of the Acton-Boxborough (AB) Boardwalk Campus, learning about the systems that make it possible for this building to consume far less energy than other schools of similar capacity, and thus emit less planet-warming carbon pollution. The Boardwalk campus, located in West Acton, houses the Douglas Elementary School, the Gates Elementary School, and the Carol Huebner Early Childhood Program (CHECP). The tour began with a chance to mingle and snack in the school’s STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) lab, followed by a presentation by Energy Manager Kate Crosby.…
Read More

Acton comes together for a cleaner, greener community

May 2, 2026
by
Each spring around Earth Day, residents of Acton roll up their sleeves for a shared purpose: keeping their community clean, healthy, and resilient. This year’s Acton Clean-Up Week continued a tradition that has grown steadily over the past two decades, bringing neighbors together not just to pick up…
Read More

Acton wins Community Climate Impact Award

April 18, 2026
by
During the MassEnergize Community Climate Leaders Conference in early April, Acton was recognized as a “community, team, or organization whose leadership has made a meaningful difference in advancing climate action at the local level.” MassEnergize said that “through dedication, collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to their community, the…
Read More

Acton Nature Watch: Pink Moon March 19-April 16, 2026

April 18, 2026
by
March Mar. 16: On Acton’s first “Big Night,” a YELLOW SPOTTED SALAMANDER safely crosses Fort Pond Road under escort by an Amphibian Crossing Brigade volunteer. Mar. 24: A CEDAR WAXWING flock of 25 birds swarms CRABAPPLE trees between the Silver Unicorn and the Mobil gas station. Mar. 25:…
Read More

A revolutionary roaster

April 4, 2026
by
For decades, George Howell has been at the forefront of a revolution to transform coffee from a commodity into a craft. Today, his influence stretches from his small roastery on School Street in Acton to coffee farms around the world. Howell’s search for the best beans has taken…
Read More

Q&A with 2026 candidates for Water District Commissioner

April 4, 2026
by
This year, there are two candidates running for the position of Commissioner of the Acton Water District (AWD, the District): John Petersen and Stephen Stuntz. This post contains the candidates’ answers to questions prepared by the Green Acton Water Committee. The Acton Water District is an independent government…
Read More

Voters narrowly reject Water District budget, twice

March 21, 2026
by
Voters packed the meeting room at the Public Safety Facility on March 18 for the Annual District Meeting for the Water Supply District of Acton (AWD, “District”). After praise for long-serving AWD official Ron Parenti and the recent completion of PFAS treatment facilities, the meeting took up an…
Read More
A yellow lab dog is lying down with his face between his paws.

Acton’s poop problem

March 21, 2026
by
On a recent walk around NARA park, the paved path around the pond was fouled with at least 15 piles of dog poop. Since this is a common walking path, many had been squished by the shoe of an innocent walker. The problem is not limited to this…
Read More

March 2026 Horticulture Hints

March 14, 2026
by
As the daylight increases, days become warmer, and the snow and ice melt, we look for the coming of spring. There are some things that can be done this month, weather permitting. Bring color indoors To bring color indoors at this time of year, force branches of any…
Read More
1 2 3 … 8

Donate

Free Subscription

Featured Sponsors

Click logos below for more information.