Watertown News (https://www.watertownmanews.com/category/more/)
Sidewalks will be close in East Watertown in areas where the new sidewalks are being replaced this week. The Mt. Auburn Street Project also includes installation of drainage and tree trenches. See more details provided by the City of Watertown, below. No work will be performed on Monday, May 25, 2026, for Memorial Day.
The following announcement was provided by Mount Auburn Cemetery:
Mount Auburn Cemetery, the American Green Zone Alliance (AGZA), and Quiet Communities announced that Mount Auburn has become the first cemetery in the United States to earn AGZA Green Zone® Certification, cutting carbon emissions by 16 tons annually. The designation marks a shift from gas-powered handheld landscaping equipment to battery-powered tools, creating a cleaner, quieter, and healthier environment for people and wildlife alike and offering a model for how cemeteries and other large landscapes can operate more sustainably. The AGZA Certified Green Zone program is a four-level program designed to transition landscape maintenance operations away from fossil fuel-powered equipment to battery electric-powered equipment and other low impact alternatives. AGZA and Quiet Communities implement the program for parks, municipalities, institutions, and businesses across the country, providing education, training, support, and metrics that demonstrate reductions in emissions, noise, and other impacts over time. “As the first garden cemetery in the United States, we have a responsibility to continue leading in how landscapes like ours are cared for,” said Matthew Stephens, President & CEO, Mount Auburn Cemetery.
The following announcement was provided by Trees for Watertown:
Come to a FREE Workshop on Saturday May 23 at the Watertown Free Public Library, 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
What is a micro-forest? A micro-forest is a multi-layered plant community of native species — a special kind of “mini pocket park” that can provide urban cooling and natural habitat, and eventually can sustain itself without significant human care, even in a space as small as the corner of a Watertown Yard. Much like the larger Miyawaki forest at Watertown’s Lowell Middle School (Stop by to visit! The forest is beautiful in its second Spring!), a well-designed micro-forest creates a resilient urban oasis of shade and beauty for humans, and food and shelter for native birds and animals. Miyawaki forests, public shade trees, private shade trees, pollinator gardens, bioswales — especially when native plant species are used, all these forms of natural green infrastructure support the urban ecosphere that supports us, and all temper the punishing effects of climate change.
Populace closed out the day at a venue on Main Street during 2026 Watertown Porchfest. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)
The combination of free concerts, the a warm spring day, and the hopes of seeing a Grammy nominated singer made Watertown Porchfest 2026 a huge community celebration. The third annual event boasted more than 200 performances at over 80 locations around Watertown on Saturday, May 16. Some of the venues were institutions — such as the Watertown Free Public Library, First Parish Church, and Gore Place — as well as multiple businesses. Watertown Middle School students held a bake sale during Watertown Porchfest.
The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Community Foundation:
The Watertown Community Foundation has awarded $39,475 in the inaugural Education and Youth Development grant cycle. This new grant program creates access to opportunities for Watertown youth that foster skill-building, creativity, leadership, confidence and resilience, while creating pathways for all young people to thrive. The Watertown Public Schools (WPS) was the largest grant recipient, receiving $22,575 to support six programs and provide student internship support. One of the grants, totaling $5,000, was awarded to the WPS Student Opportunity Fund, which covers the cost of student activities, field trips, and clubs for families who need support. This grant increases the district’s Student Opportunity Fund by approximately 25% for the 2026–2027 school year — a year that will see the reinstatement of athletics and activity fees at the middle and high school levels.
Sidewalks will be torn out and reset on parts of Mt. Auburn Street and Arlington Street this week as part of the Mt. Auburn Street Project. Construction on Mt. Auburn Street will take place on four days this week.
The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Pride Committee:
Watertown Pride returns for its fifth year on Saturday, June 6, featuring a parade that kicks off at Moxley Park at 11 a.m. and culminates in a festival at Saltonstall Park from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Attendees can enjoy live music, drag, a circus performance, food trucks, family-friendly activities, public health resources, and opportunities to connect with LGBTQIA+ neighbors and allies. As always, Watertown Pride is free and open to all. The Watertown Free Public Library Bookmobile at Watertown Pride 2025
Saltonstall Park is wheelchair accessible, and the City of Watertown Communications Department is funding American Sign Language interpreters on the main stage. Braille maps will be provided by Perkins School for the Blind. Keynote Speaker Chastity Bowick at Watertown Pride 2025
Attendees are encouraged to gather at Moxley Playground at 10 a.m. on the morning of June 6 to make signs or decorate their outfits, bicycles, and strollers with colorful Pride regalia.
The Recreation Department will expand the Summer Parks Program, and offers multiple field trips over the summer. See more in the announcement from the City of Watertown, below. Join us for the Summer Parks Program with our brand-new expansion to Casey Park! The Summer Parks program will now be available at 2 parks (Arsenal and Casey) throughout the summer! Summer Parks Field Trips
The Summer Parks Program will be going on 4 field trips coming down the pike this summer and they Include:
Water Wizz
Canobie Lake Park
WooSox Game
Nova Adventure Park
We will also be doing some events such as Archery and Waterslides!
The following announcement was provided by Watertown Citizens for Peace Justice and the Environment:
The Palestine Committee of Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice and the Environment is sponsoring an important educational program on Thursday, May 21, 2026, 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Watertown Savings Bank Room at the Watertown Free Public Library, 123 Main St., Watertown. The Massachusetts Special Commission on Combatting Antisemitism released its policy recommendations in December 2025 affecting K-12 and Higher Education, Public Safety and Law Enforcement and the Workforce. The Commission’s composition, processes and procedures, and recommendations have been criticized by many Jewish leaders and allies. Their critique centers on the fact that the Commission fails to fully or accurately address anti-semitism and puts free speech at risk. Come learn more!