Info sessions on proposed municipal solar project
The Select Board and the Harvard Energy Advisory Committee will hold public information sessions regarding a proposed municipal solar photovoltaic project on town-owned land located on Stow Road (the gravel pit site). Sessions will be held at the Harvard Senior Center, 16 Lancaster County Road:
- Wednesday, March 25, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- Thursday, April 16, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Meetings will include a project overview, discussion of financing pathways, anticipated environmental and fiscal considerations, and project timeline and will provide opportunities for community input. All residents are encouraged to attend and participate in this important conversation.
Boater safety courses required
New state regulations requiring boater safety courses take effect April 1, and affect operators of motorized watercraft born after 1988. More information can be found at mass.gov/info-details/
massachusetts-boating-law-summary. For a schedule of free boating safety courses offered by the Massachusetts Environmental Police and links to online course providers, visit mass.gov/info-details/boating-safety-course-schedule.
Mud season: Exercise care on town trails
With mud season starting and the ground vulnerable to potholes, rutting, and erosion, the Conservation Commission asks residents to exercise care on town trails. Minimize trail damage by following these guidelines:
- Horseback riders and bicyclists should avoid trails until they firm up.
- Vehicles should keep to gravel parking areas and off muddy edges.
- Trail walkers and runners should avoid widening wet trail areas by keeping to existing trails or rock hopping.
- The running track through the woods at Harvard Park is built with drainage and a compacted surface; it is a good option at this time of year.
Residents urged to conserve water
The state has declared a level 3 “critical drought” throughout Worcester and Middlesex counties. Although Massachusetts received up to three feet of snow in February, that snowfall has not yet recharged groundwater. Residents are urged to minimize overall water use and to aggressively reduce indoor water consumption. For more information, visit mass.gov/info-details/drought-status.
License your dog
All dogs must be licensed annually on or before April 1, and puppies must be licensed at 6 months of age. New dogs and those belonging to new residents must be licensed within 30 days. A late fee per dog will be assessed after April 1. To learn more and to download a registration form, visit harvard-ma.gov/374/dog-licenses.
Attention high school seniors
Each spring, the Harvard Woman’s Club gives scholar awards to high school seniors graduating from the Bromfield School, or Harvard residents who are graduating from other public secondary schools. The club encourages seniors who are actively involved in community service to apply. Applications must be received no later than March 27. Information and applications are available on the Harvard Woman’s Club website at harvardwomansclub.wordpress.com/scholarship.
Rabies clinics for pets
The Nashoba Associated Boards of Health has announced the schedule for their 2026 rabies vaccination clinics for pets. Harvard residents may go to any of several clinics in surrounding communities now through early April. For a list of clinics and dates visit the NABH website nashoba.org>>News & Events>>Annual Pets Rabies Clinics.
Residential electric rate increase
Electric rates under the town of Harvard’s aggregation program will increase effective with the March 2026 meter readings and will remain in effect through November 2027. Given average use of 600 kWh per month, the new rates represent an increase of $8.45 per month over current rates. For details visit harvard-ma.gov>>News/Announcements/Residential Electric Aggregation Program Rate Increase Notification.
Watch out for amphibians
Residents are reminded to watch for amphibians as they emerge from their winter retreats and travel to breeding sites. As they move across the landscape, they often cross roads. Avoid traveling on small roads near wetlands and vernal pools on warm, rainy nights.
Sports gear swap
Harvard Park and Rec will host a swap of sports gear to take place at the Lions Club “Spring into Health” wellness fair, Saturday, March 21, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Hildreth Elementary School. From cleats and balls to rackets and skateboards, athletes of all ages can come swap what they no longer need and score what they do. Bikes and skis are not accepted. Drop off swap items Friday, March 20, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the HES gym.
Hazardous waste collection
The Devens Regional Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center will accept hazardous waste on Wednesday, April 1, and 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.
Devens noise report
- Throughout March, small arms fire
- March 20-23, grenades.