The Walden Woods Project

08/30/2026

On this day in 1837, David Henry Thoreau graduated from Harvard University at the age of 20, with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He and two others spoke at their commencement on "The Commercial Spirit of Modern Times, considered in its influence on the Political, Moral and Literary Character of a Nation". See more: https://www.walden.org/log-entry/30-august-1837-cambridge-mass/

Not long after graduating, he switched his names to Henry David. He returned home to Concord and began teaching, but quickly quit because he objected to the use of corporal punishment on students.

08/29/2026

"Mr. Thoreau" enjoyed sharing watermelon with friends at his Walden house today!

08/27/2026

Planning today protects Walden Woods tomorrow.

Please consider joining Walden Legacy Circle members like Barbara, who says "I want to support The Walden Woods Project since it does such an amazing job of protecting the places I love...adding a legacy gift to my will is an ideal way to do that" and Dave, who feels "my legacy gift to the WWP is made to show my support and respect for all of the efforts that have been made over decades to preserve in perpetuity this magical and historic property."

Please visit our website for more information. Thank you for your consideration.

Keeping Thoreau's Legacy Alive.

08/26/2026

08/24/2026

Did you know that Henry David Thoreau grew prized watermelons? 🍉 He hosted annual parties for his family and friends to celebrate his harvest. 🍉 You are invited to a watermelon party this Saturday, August 29th at the Walden Pond State Reservation! 🍉 No need to RSVP - come by anytime between 12 and 2 pm. 🍉 Mr. Thoreau will receive guests of all ages at the replica of his Walden house and share a fresh juicy treat! 🍉

08/22/2026

Join the Concord, MA farming community at the 15th annual Stone Soup dinner on Sunday, September 20th! A collaborative effort between the town's farmers, chefs and food purveyors, it shares the freshest flavors Concord has to offer. 🌻 This special event sells out quickly! Proceeds will support initiatives aimed at promoting and sustaining agriculture in Concord. Get tickets and more info at www.stonesoupconcordma.com

08/21/2026

Interdisciplinary artist Faith Johnson came to our campus yesterday to lead a guided meditation and share her performative short film, "North is a Circle". Filmed in the Nordic regions pri­mar­i­ly with­in the Arc­tic Cir­cle, this poetic jour­ney explores the com­plex­i­ties of ances­try in rela­tion to Earth-based belong­ing, inter­species spir­i­tu­al con­nec­tion, and heal­ing through sub­tle actions, orig­i­nal sym­bols, and metaphors. Learn more about Faith and see a trailer: https://www.faithjohnson.net/ #/north-circle-gallery-2/

08/18/2026

Catamounts - also known as cougars, pumas, or mountain lions - were once native to the Northeast. Learn about the possibility of restoring them to the region during a "Conversation about Wildlife and Conservation", co-sponsored by RESTORE: The North Woods and The Walden Woods Project. Join us on Thursday, August 27th at 6:30 pm ET for an online discussion with Renee Seacor, Rewilding Director at Mighty Earth. She brings diverse experience in wildlife conservation, environmental advocacy, and environmental law to her work as leader of the group’s Bring Catamounts Home campaign.
During this free presentation, Renée will explore the science, conservation questions, and possibilities surrounding the return of this iconic species that disappeared from the region by the early 1900s—and what it could mean for forests, wildlife, and communities across the Northeast.
Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/DCk_U5xtSteEWuQW9mQN8A #/registration

08/17/2026

It’s National Nonprofit Day! What a perfect opportunity to thank all of you for your generosity and support over the last 36 years. We are also grateful for the other organizations - both here in our local community and beyond - who collaborate with us on our mission to keep Thoreau’s legacy alive. Onward!

08/15/2026

“I was rich, if not in money, in sunny hours and summer days.” – Henry David Thoreau, Walden