Registration open for Summer Fun program
The Harvard Park and Recreation Department will offer a summer program for kids ages 5 to 11. Activities, led by teens, will include games, sports, hiking, arts and crafts, and a chance to cool off in Bare Hill Pond. Kids start and end each day at the pond and venture nearby to the playing fields, HES playground, and Bromfield tennis courts. Each week-long session has a different theme and runs from 1 to 4 p.m. daily; register at harvardma.myrec.com.
Register for lessons at the pond
Swimming and boating lessons at Bare Hill Pond are filling up quickly. Register your child’s spot at harvardma.myrec.com.
Using rodenticide wisely
According to Friends of Worcester Wildlife, rodenticide is killing more than just rats and mice: A 2020 study at Tufts Veterinary School found that 100% of red-tailed hawks coming to their facility had anticoagulants in their systems. Anyone using anticoagulant rodenticide—even in bait boxes designed to be “safe” for pets and children—should know that alternatives can be effective without killing birds of prey, such as hawks, owls, and bald eagles, and predators, such as foxes and coyotes. Pets can also be at risk.
To learn about safer rodenticide, go to the storymaps site at bit.ly/3AMWZyC and click on “How you can help.”
Recycle your Styrofoam
Styrofoam recycling will take place Saturday, May 31, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the DPW, 47 Depot Road. The recycling company will collect #6 bulk white packing Styrofoam and Styrofoam coolers. All foam must be clean, dry, and free of tape. The recycling company does not accept foam packing peanuts, food containers, or insulation board, and does not accept #4 LDPE expanded polyethylene. For more information or to volunteer, contact the Board of Health at boh@harvard-ma.gov.
Job opening: Beach director
Park and Recreation Department seeks a beach director for the summer of 2025. For more information and to apply, go to harvard-ma.gov/human-resources/pages/employment-opportunities.
Nature camp registration open
Registration for students K through high school is open for the Tom Denney Nature Camp in Bolton. Activities include swimming, games, arts and crafts, hiking, exploring, campfires, and building shelters. Six weekly sessions run from June 30-Aug. 8, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; before and after care are available. Visit tomdenneynaturecamp.org to learn more or register, or email bcttdnc@gmail.com.
Drought status eased, normal conditions
Recent rains and increased groundwater levels have prompted the state to lower the drought status in the Central Massachusetts region, which includes Harvard, to level 0: normal conditions. Communities to the north and east remain at level 1, mild drought. For details visit mass.gov/info-details/drought-status.
Mercury in largemouth bass
The Board of Health reminds residents of advisories about eating largemouth bass caught in Bare Hill Pond and Mirror Lake. These advisories have been in place for approximately 20 years due to mercury found in the fish. Catch and release is recommended. For advisories in freshwater bodies, statewide, go to mass.gov/doc/public-health-freshwater-fish-consumption-advisories-2025-0.
Elderly and disabled tax aid
The Elderly and Disabled Taxation Aid Committee administers funds to assist elderly and disabled town residents with the costs of property taxes. The committee is accepting applications for aid until Wednesday, May 28. Guidelines to qualify for aid and application forms are at the committee page on the town website, harvard-ma.gov.
Park-and-ride shuttle to Littleton station
The Montachusett Regional Transit Authority (MART) provides commuter shuttle service connecting Harvard residents to the Littleton commuter rail station. Shuttles stop at the Holy Trinity parking lot at 15 Still River Road and at the business plaza at 285 Ayer Road, and shuttle riders can park their cars at these locations. For pickup times, go to mrta.us>>Schedules and Maps>>Harvard Commuter Shuttle.
Hazardous waste collection
The Devens Regional Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center will receive hazardous waste on Wednesday, June 4, and Saturday, June 7, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.. at 9 Cook Street (rear), Devens. Closed during rain; reopens when rain stops. For information on items accepted, packaging, and fees, visit DevensHHW.com.
Devens noise report
- Throughout May, small arms fire
- May 23, helicopters.
Register for Jimmy Fund walk
Registration is now open for the 2025 Jimmy Fund Walk, scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 5. Funds raised from the walk support all forms of adult and pediatric patient care and cancer research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. To register for the walk or to support a walker, visit JimmyFundWalk.org or call 866-531-9255.
