Help the Commission on Disabilities
All residents—students, elders, families, teachers, caregivers, friends, employers, and employees, whether living with or without a disability—are invited to respond to the Commission on Disabilities survey regarding accessibility to buildings, services, and programs in town. Help the commission identify continued challenges and assess the impact of improvements.
For a link to the survey, go to harvard-ma.gov>>News/Announce ments>>Accessibility Survey.
Permits required for open burning
Open burning season runs through May 1, and a permit is required. Visit harvardfire.com/open-burning-permit; the fee is $10. Rules for burning, including a list of allowed items, is available at harvard-ma.gov/documentcenter/view/181.
Permits must be activated on each day of burning; the Fire Chief may prohibit burning on any day due to weather or unfavorable environmental conditions.
For daily permit activation call 351-333-5090.
Select Board community hour
Come share your thoughts, ideas, and feedback with Select Board members Eric Ward and Eve Wittenberg Thursday, April 9, 7 p.m., at the Harvard Public Library, 4 Pond Road. This is an opportunity to ask questions, learn more about ongoing community initiatives, and engage directly with local leadership.
Black bears are becoming active
In the next few weeks, bears will begin to emerge from their winter dens and search for food. Residents can help keep bears wild and out of neighborhoods by taking down bird feeders, feeding pets indoors, and securing garbage and compost. Owners of backyard chickens or bees should consider electric fencing.
Further recommendations are available at mass.gov/news/take-precautions-black-bears-are-active-and-searching-for-food.
Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
The Select Board has proclaimed this month as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Residents and drivers are urged to exercise increased awareness and courtesy toward all riders, particularly when pulling out and backing out from parked positions, making left turns, and changing lanes.
Info session on proposed municipal solar project
The Select Board and the Harvard Energy Advisory Committee will hold a public information session Thursday, April 16, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., regarding a proposed municipal solar photovoltaic project on town-owned land on Stow Road (the gravel pit site). The session will be held at the Harvard Senior Center, 16 Lancaster County Road, and will include a project overview, discussion of financing pathways, anticipated environmental and fiscal considerations, and project timeline. All residents are encouraged to attend and participate in this important conversation.
Enroll for fall kindergarten
Kindergarten enrollment at Hildreth Elementary School is now open for Harvard and Devens children turning 5 years old on or before Aug. 31, 2026. Enrollment is online, and the deadline is April 10. Details are on the enrollment tab at hildreth.psharvard.org. For more information, contact Jessica Reynolds at jreynolds@psharvard.org with any questions.
Register for swimming lessons
Registration is now open for swimming lessons at the town beach at Bare Hill Pond. Visit harvardma.myrec.com/info/activities>>Beach Programs: Learn to Swim 2026 to register. There will be three sessions: June 29-July 10, July 13-24, and July 27-Aug. 7. Spaces generally fill quickly.
Register now for Tom Denney Camp
Registration is open for the Tom Denney Nature Camp in Bolton. The camp is for students entering kindergarten through high school. Activities include swimming, games, arts and crafts, hiking, exploring, campfire cooking, and building shelters. Six weekly sessions run from June 29 to Aug. 7, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; child care is available until 4:30 p.m. Visit tomdenneynaturecamp.org to learn more and register, or email bcttdnc@gmail.com with questions.
Saturday hazardous waste collection
The Devens Regional Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center will accept hazardous waste Saturday, April 4, 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.
Loaves & Fishes
The Loaves & Fishes food pantry, 234 Barnum Road, Devens, provides food to people in need who reside in Ayer, Devens, Dunstable, Groton, Harvard, Littleton, and Shirley. Pantry hours are Wednesdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. to noon; first Tuesday, 4 to 7 p.m.; third Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon; last Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon. Visit loavesfishespantry.org for more information.