The Walden Woods Project

I was an employee of the Walden Woods Project fresh out of college in 2003…and over 20 years later, I am STILL inspired by and working with what I learned during my time there!!! The staff was, and continues to be, an incredibly caring and dedicated group of people working tirelessly for the environment on all fronts - weaving together land conservation, place-based education, community outreach, literature exploration, food production, current issues like climate change…all through the unique lens of author Henry Thoreau’s life and words. History informs the present here in the most profound and beautiful way. The Walden Woods Project is the gift that keeps on giving, and I cannot recommend them enough!

The Walden Woods Project is an outstanding example of a multifaceted approach to preservation. Not only have they worked tirelessly over the course of three-plus decades to acquire environmentally-sensitive and historic properties in Thoreau's Walden Woods, but they've kept the writings and philosophies of Henry David Thoreau alive and accessible through outreach and scholastic programs. This legacy is a gift to all of us and our future generations.

The Walden Woods Project was a wonderful opportunity for our students. In preparation, students had been reading select chapters from "Walden" and studying the Transcendentalist movement broadly. What the visit with Jeffrey Cramer and the wonderful staff of the Walden Woods Project provided was a chance to experience this history and these ideas not as relics of an inert past, but living and livid forces that responded to the time they lived in, that potentially offer us ways to respond to our own. The effort to change the narrative around Thoreau in particular, from an isolated hermit to an engaged and empathetic member of a community, felt inspiring. The visit to the museum and subsequent hike and time spent at the cabin site were chances to connect to this place in time, to feel those connections in material ways beyond the printed page. A great resource and wonderful opportunity for high school students in particular!

I'm an Engish professor from California who has read and taught Thoreau for years. My first visit to Lincoln was in the 1980s when I was a graduate student at Boston College. I visited the Walden Woods Project in January 2024 while staying with friends in Concord, and was able to learn about the mission and history of Walden Woods Project from Curatorial and Education Assistant Zoe Pollak, and Cathy Lemay, who gave a tour of the historic home on the property. In our conversation, Ms. Pollak shared her deep knowledge of Thoreau's writings and biography. Ms. Lemay showed a fascinating slide deck of the property's history, explaining the evolution of the Walden Woods Project from its earliest days, and the progress made since. I was reluctant to leave, and hope to visit the Walden Woods Project again on my next trip East.

I've been familiar with The Walden Woods Project since 1998, and am continually impressed by the organization's positive impact. Their work on land preservation is exemplary, as is their education and outreach. They've evolved and continue to evolve with impressive innovations, including an organic farm and an important resource library. Walden Woods is exceptionally well run, both in terms of leadership, staff, and board. I've always felt very confident that they make a positive impact that far exceeds it's budget. Finally, I'm very comfortable and supportive of their financial stability and stewardship. All in all, a very impressive, impactful, important institutional.

The resoucres availble through the The Walden Woods Project / walden.org made my thesis, Envisioning a Thoreauvian School, possible. They have all the writings of Thoreau available online. Any assistance I needed regarding finding additional material was only an email / phone call away.

The preservation of the history of all things Thoreau - the man, his writings, the era, connections to his associates, his and that time and area's impact on American history are priceless.

Fast forward to our current era, the services available to school programming, as well as public education through the facilities of the WWP, appear invaluable to me.

I would score the WWP a 6/5

I came into contact with the Walden Woods Project through my work as a historian. A few colleagues and myself were producing public programming encompassing abolition, sectionalism, and the Civil War- into which the likes of Thoreau and Emerson are rich New England voices.

The staff at Walden Woods were excellent in their knowledge of the sources and how to direct research through their collection in a constructive manner. Moreover, they were present to share their knowledge, exchange ideas, and otherwise keep a scholar company. That was pleasant, and the space itself is cozy and well adorned with first editions of timeless books- great stuff.

The collection itself was ample for our needs, especially for Thoreau as the central figure. A good selection of journals and letters from others such as Emerson, Fuller, and others were available in print as well. The staff helped direct us toward anything only available online.

Great place if you're interested in Transcendentalism, the American Renaissance, 19th century American History, natural history, and much besides.

Like many others, I first learned of The Walden Woods Project through their association with the music world. I have long admired their work, and just recently had the opportunity to work with the organization on some educational efforts. The Walden Woods Project staff was thoughful, approachable, and committed to expanding their mission to the general public. As someone with a background in non-profit marketing, I certainly appreciate that The Walden Woods Project uses more than 70% of funding for valuable programs. I value and admire the work they do. Remembering our "environmental roots" while also building for the future is an important cause, and one for which The Walden Woods Project is an excellent steward.

As a transplant to Massachusetts I feel incredibly fortunate to have settled near Walden Woods. As I learned the history of the Walden Woods Project and its efforts to protect and preserve this historic land, my appreciation for its mission grew. Whether hiking around Walden Pond, attending an educational event, enjoying fresh produce from the farm, or bringing out-of-town guests to experience the area, I'm reminded frequently of a treasure in my life. It's not difficult to imagine what the area might have looked like today without the Walden Woods Project's intervention to save the land from certain development. People world-wide come here to walk in Thoreau's footsteps, and thanks to the Walden Woods Project they can.

The Walden Woods Project is an organization that is deeply committed to its cause and the local community. They are effective and compassionate stewards of the Walden area and Thoreau's legacy. They are committed to conservation and positive environmental action beyond their local community. This is a very well run organization that sets an incredible example in their community.

I have taken two groups of students to visit Walden Woods, and on both occasions, our experience was exceptional! Our knowledgeable tour leader Sarah Walker and the resident Thoreau scholar Jeff Cramer were both so generous with their knowledge and time that our students had a rewarding trip that left them with a better appreciation for Thoreau as an author and for Walden Woods as a valuable site worth conserving. Thank you, Walden Woods Project!

Great experience using this library/archive to access historic collections. Incredibly diligent & accommodating staff at a beautiful New England location.

Research for a local preservation project brought me to the archive at the Walden Woods Project. The facility is beautiful, and the friendly and highly professional staff helped me to gather all of the information I needed! Looking forward to another excuse to return!

I appreciate the role that The Walden Woods Project plays to preserve the natural surroundings of Walden Pond and to promote the legacy of Henry David Thoreau. I have been blessed to enjoy their efforts first-hand. I spent a week participating in the Approaching Walden workshop back in 2019 and I have benefitted from continued contact with the staff ever since. I have attended presentations they provide via Zoom and utilize the resources on their website quite often. As a college professor and teacher educator I know how important it is to have great resources and the Walden Woods Project provides some of the best. I am proud to be a yearly supporter of this organization.

The Walden Woods Project helped design and lead a fantastic field trip for our middle school students. They learned a great deal about Thoreau, his work, and his activism, and got to spend some wonderful time walking and thinking in the woods. It was a unique experience that they all enjoyed and it was a great complement to our curriculum.

The folks who work at The Walden Woods Project are second to none when it comes to service to their donors and their community.

I have worked with the folks at the Walden Woods Project - Jeff and Sarah - for the last year. The organization has been an invaluable resource for a high school English teacher like me. First I participated in the weeklong summer Approaching Walden workshop in 2022, which was one of the most enriching and relevant professional development experiences I've had. The week at Walden provided a rich educational environment for professionals to collaborate and learn from one another. I continue to draw on the learning experiences from Approaching Walden and the resources from the WWP to supplement and enhance my classroom instruction. In the fall, I brought my students to Walden for a field trip. Sarah and Jeff were supportive and helpful throughout the process, both in helping me plan curricular materials in advance of the trip, but also during the daylong visit. I plan to return next year. The Walden Woods Project is a valuable partner of mine in my continued professional growth.

The Walden Woods Project is a multifaceted non-profit that serves the community by sharing Thoreau's history and legacy in so many meaningful and exciting ways. They have excellent education and outreach programs, including their Approaching Walden professional development program for educators. I have also loved being a customer of their farm stand and enjoyed local produce grown at the farm and surrounding areas. The Walden Woods Project staff is dedicated to the mission of preserving the land, literature and legacy of Henry David Thoreau to foster an ethic of environmental stewardship and social responsibility, and are a delight to work with.

Bonjour,

I am a Global Citizen, Human/Civil rights, Environment, and Development Advocate. In December 1990, I started to support the Walden Woods Project and remain since then, one of its followers.

From Boston to Concord/Lincoln and New York, I participated in innovative and fundraising & advocacy events including both 1992 & 1993 Walks for Walden and LIVE concerts with Don Henley and Friends among them Sting, Elton John, and Niels Young…. What a musical treat and memorable experience.

Since its creation, The Walden Woods Project fulfilled in flying colors, its initial goal to preserve endangered Walden Pond from development. But the Project’s achievements went further beyond and its commitment to preserving the land, literature, and legacy of Henry David Thoreau through conservation, education, research, and advocacy is stronger than ever. Thanks to the Project‘s founder, Don Henley, its more than committed team (Very special greetings to Juliet and Kathy), prominent authors, entertainers, political leaders, environmental activists, and other dedicated friends of The Walden Woods Project.

For me, French native, Henri David Thoreau and Walden Woods are part of the universal democratic and natural heritage of Massachusetts, and I would encourage any Citizen to discover and support the Walden Woods Project through its highlighting activities on-site or online, keeping in mind that:

HEAVEN IS UNDER OUR FEET at the individual, collective, and more Global Levels…

Catherine-Katrina

When news told of developers at the ready to clear Walden area woods for commercial use, I was stunned and had to help stop the destruction of this historical land. I discovered a nonprofit organization, the Walden Woods Project, was on a mission to save, protect the iconic Walden Woods forever. I contacted Juliet Troffi at the organization, asked if I could, please, volunteer to help their cause. Juliet brought me on board. That was 22 years ago!

The Project’s dedication, extensive knowledge, eagerness to educate and provide informative lectures to the growing public is remarkable to witness. Their hard work is why the Walden Woods Project has succeeded and endured for 32 years and counting. From the bottom of my heart I love you and thank you.

Jane Q.

I participated in the truly inspiring "Approaching Walden" Professional Development Program for educators in 2021 and was deeply impressed by the rich, interdisciplinary, and thought-provoking schedule on place-based learning and Thoreau's legacy.

My experience with The Walden Woods Project started in 2020, when I first got interested in Transcendentalism. As someone who lives in Rio de Janeiro, I never had a chance to visit Walden in person, which proves how relevant and welcoming the WWP is to any aspiring scholar through their website & social media resources.
At walden.org, all the information concerning Walden is gathered and organized very thoroughly (no pun intended) in a way that enables you to research quite seamlessly. Without them, writing my undergrad thesis would be borderline impossible.
In 2021, I attented "Approaching Walden", a virtual seminar for educators. Ms. Sarah Walker and Mr. Jeffrey Cramer were both amazing hosts, and the seemingly tough task of presenting subjects related to Nature and a very specific sense of place turned out to be a socially & intellectually stimulating experience in which not only I learned, but also had fun and got a dose of hope, inspiration & optimism.
Thank you !!!

We have been fortunate to work with Kathi Anderson, Executive Director and her dedicated team at The Walden Woods Project. Since being founded in 1990 by Don Henley, the Walden Woods Project has made a positive impact on critical conservation issues and has kept the legacy of Henry David Thoreau alive with the support of its passionate Board. They have preserved and protected Walden Woods and Walden Pond that so many visitors enjoy each year. The Organic Farm, the Thoreau Institute Library and the Visitor Center all showcase this local treasure and foster environmental stewardship. Definitely must visit!

I love the mission of The Walden Woods Project... to preserves the land, literature and legacy of Henry David Thoreau in beautiful Lincoln, MA. Thank you for everything you do!

My story with this excellent organization began in the 1990s. The people who work here are dedicated to helping the environment. They are the kindest people I have ever known. I am proud to say I am a member. I trust them completely. Patty Hardy

Truly wonderful and passionate people make up this great organization. I worked as an intern for a couple seasons and had a blast learning about Thoreau’s legacy and the historical and environmental preservation they do. Walden Pond is beautiful. Transparent and ethical staff, very trusted.

The Walden Woods Project is a beautiful organization. They value Thoreau’s work and his homestead. All the staff are friendly and knowledgeable. As I can trace my bloodline back to Thoreau, it’s an honor to know that The Walden Woods Project takes such care in honoring my family. They help to conserve the historic lands and educate future generations on the value of Thoreau. They preserve his legacy and I am forever grateful for all their work. I will always support and share their endeavors as the work they do is important for our generation and those beyond it.

I first met Jeffrey Cramer on the page while reading his wonderful annotated editions of Thoreau’s Walden and his one volume edition of Thoreau’s journal I to Me. Those two books were essential preparation for my first Annual Thoreau Conference where I was on a panel with Alireza Taghdarreh, an Iranian scholar who was working on the first translation of Walden into Farsi, the Persian language of Iran. Jeff Cramer and the Walden Woods Project were instrumental in bringing Ali to Concord and, through Taghdarreh’s translation, bringing Thoreau to Farsi readers and scholars. The Walden Woods Project/ Thoreau Institute has an international reach as well as a dedicated and deep local audience. Walk through the old wood forest, take a step into the light filled library, search the archive, marvel at the hand-written pages from Thoreau’s journal and you will understand why this non-profit is so vital to the community. In the difficult days of the pandemic, their programming has been sustaining. Recently I had the chance to read my Thoreau poems for The Walden Woods Project with three other poets inspired by Henry David Thoreau. All of us shared our poetry, then asked each other questions about craft. It was a marvelous evening and we had a generous and enthusiastic crowd who filled the chat box well past our allotted end time. The zoom webinar was as close an approximation of a live poetry reading as was possible thanks to the efforts of Sarah Walker and Jeff Cramer and my fellow poets!
Catherine Staples https://www.walden.org/education/stewardship_lectures/

We moved to Lincoln MA in 1976. Walden Pond was our local swimming hole, and Walden Woods served as a recreational area for walking and horseback riding. We, naïvely, took for granted that it would remain as we had found it.

Luckily for us, for the towns of Lincoln and Concord, for the Commonwealth of MA and the world, Don Henley was not so naïve and took action when he saw the threat of potential commercial development.

In 2000, I became a Selectman in Lincoln. Through my work as a public official, I came to more fully appreciative the role Henley and the Walden Woods Project played in conserving not only land, but also other historic resources, including the estate (now on the Historic Register) that houses their offices.

WWP has been an exemplary partner in both land conservation and custodians of the environment.
In addition, the vast array of programs have enriched our community and beyond.

Working with Henley and the brilliant staff, led by Kathi Anderson, sensitive collaborations with neighbors, towns and other stakeholders had led to further protection of land and additional historic resources.

It is often the case that some tension may exist between a non-profit and the host community. This is not the case with WWP. In fact, the partnership between the Town of Lincoln and WWP could serve as a model for just how valuable such a partnership can be.

My town and the world will be beneficiaries of the work of Henley and WWP in perpetuity.

Sara Mattes
Lincoln Selectman 2000-2012

In the late 1980s, I was involved with a grassroots nonprofit group in Concord, Mass, working to stop two proposed developments that would have devastated Thoreau's Walden Woods. One was a large "office park" and one was a sprawling condominium complex. We were able to raise public awareness and generate support for halting the projects. But it looked like we did not have the reach or resources to win the battle.

Fortunately, our efforts brought the issue to the attention of Don Henley. As someone who was long devoted to the message of Henry Thoreau, he contacted us and told us he was outraged when he heard about the proposed developments in Walden Woods. He immediately began supporting our efforts. He also founded the Walden Wood Project, which began a concerted campaign to raise the funds needed to buy the lands proposed for development.

Mr. Henley, executive director Kathi Anderson, and the others involved with the Walden Woods Project were able to convince the developers to sell their lands. After a nationwide fundraising campaign, the Walden Woods Project was finally able to buy these lands and permanently protect them. There is little chance that this preservation effort would have succeeded without the extraordinary work of this dedicated organization.

Today, these beautiful forest lands are still intact and ecological damage that was done in the past is healing. They are a vital part of the Walden Woods Project's work to protect and promote the legacy of Henry David Thoreau and other parts of Thoreau Country. They are a key part of efforts to preserve and connect a network of natural lands and waters that absorb and store carbon to fight climate change, provide critical habitats for native wildlife, and offer green spaces that benefit the health and well-being of the public.

I now lead a small New England-based nonprofit organization, RESTORE: The North Woods, and we continue to work with the Walden Woods Project on critical conservation issues that have included protecting the Maine Woods, saving Massachusetts forests, and encouraging citizens across the region to act on behalf of wild nature.

The Walden Woods Project has been a leader in land conservation for Lincoln and Concord Massachusetts over the last three decades. Their recent collaboration with the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust (LLCT) resulted in the permanent protection of over 10 acres of land in the heart of Walden Woods. Not only was their technical expertise critical, but their ability to work collaboratively with multiple partners including immediate neighbors, residents and town officials resulted in yet another successful outcome in protecting the natural and historic resources of Thoreau's Walden. The Walden Woods Project continues to be a key partner in Lincoln's land protection efforts with over 40% of the town's land now in permanent conservation.
- Geoff McGean, Executive Director, LLCT

The Walden Woods Project programs for schoolchildren and the general public, as well as its online materials about Henry David Thoreau and his networks help people to understand the history of Americans' advocacy for environmental care and social responsibility. The Project serves as a very important interpreter of academic scholarship for general audiences, showing the relevance of historical American writers and activists to our current moment and thereby deepening our understanding of the issues that face us such as climate change, racial justice, and gender equity. The Curator of Collections of the Thoreau Library at the Walden Woods Project reached out to our Margaret Fuller Society to build the holdings about one of Thoreau's important mentors, the writer and woman's rights promoter Margaret Fuller. As the Margaret Fuller Society Collection grows, the Project is expanding to show that she not only aided Thoreau's early writing career, but also served as one forerunner of Thoreau's concern for social justice and equality, as well as his courage to brave public opinion in the interest of the common good. In highlighting these two writers, as well as others in their circle, the Walden Woods Project demonstrates the ongoing need to promote the ideals on which the United States was founded, as well as to be critical of shortfalls from those ideals. People benefit from knowing more about such visionaries as Henry David Thoreau, Margaret Fuller, and the many people and projects they inspired--and the Walden Woods Project works very hard to make sure that as many do as possible.

Walden Woods Project remotely hosted the launch of my latest book, To Reach The Spring. WWP's staff delivered a first-rate event to a large and engaged audience deeply interested in the climate emergency and eco-crisis.

The Walden Woods Project was there for me when I needed help with research into Henry David Thoreau for a non-fiction picture book that I am illustrating (coming out in 2022). I wrote to them with very specific questions about Henry David Thoreau, and Jeffrey Cramer promptly helped to clear up all of them, greatly aiding in my research. Their work has helped me to form a more accurate representation of Thoreau beyond what I was able to glean from Walden and other writings, and will allow me to pass this along to the young readers of the book I am illustrating. They directly help to preserve the legacy of Thoreau's writing and history, and work to give others access to this important part of American history and philosophy. I am very grateful that they were there to help when I needed them.

This is a wonderful organization and a beautiful place. My children love visiting Walden Woods and Walden Pond, and I'm glad to know the Walden Woods Project protects it so thoughtfully. They are devoted to its preservation and do an excellent job.

I worked for both The Farm at Walden Woods and The Walden Woods Project last year and I couldn't speak more highly about this organization. The staff is dedicated, passionate, and they are some of the nicest most encouraging people that I have ever worked with. I was able to gain invaluable information about the growing and selling of organic produce through the farm. Working with the Thoreau Project gave me better insight into the inner workings of a nonprofit and fundraising. I've been able to take these experiences with me going forward and apply them to my future career. The preservation and education that they are doing not only helps connect the public to nature but does a wonderful job of preserving the history and legacy of Henry David Thoreau.

The Walden Woods Project is a great nonprofit dedicated to the preservation of the environment and education of the works of Henry David Thoreau. It was started 30 years ago to prevent the corporate development of these historical lands and has grown in the protection and acquisition of additional lands, a library to preserve the written documents of Thoreau which are there for educational teaching of the younger generation and for reference to those who seek the knowledge. Also, a farm was acquired to promote local agriculture and provide fresh produce. As a member of this organization, I appreciate the personal touch and sense of family provided by the Walden Woods staff. The Zoom meetings have turned out to be a pleasant surprise bringing together people from all over to join in the Thursdays with Thoreau. Looking forward to future lectures and discussions via Zoom. Thank you Walden for all you do to promote conservation, protect historical land and the teachings of Henry David Thoreau.

This is a most wonderful library of the life and works of Henry David Thoreau. I’ve been helping index of all the animals mentioned in his journals. Calling it a Bio Blitz, the education department makes gathering the information into a fun event. I’ve also enjoyed their book discussion groups and have met many interesting Thoreau scholars and enthusiasts. I highly recommend The Walden Woods Project

An invaluable educational & community-building resource; during this time of sheltering @ home, WWP, via its weekly Zoom offerings (on varying Thoreau-contemplated themes that feel especially timely & topical), creates a much needed and enriching space for thought provoking, engaging, and mind/soul nourishing conversation.

I have attended many live programs, back in the old days, at the Walden Woods project. I always eagerly await the announcement of their compelling lectures and eminent speakers.
Now, recently, with COVID-19, the institute has offered a series on interactive experiences through Zoom, Thursdays with Thoreau. These have been inspiring during these times (spring 2020) when we truly need to link to nature and Thoreau's message.
Their educational outreach is outstanding! I am a proud member of Friends of Walden Woods.

The Walden Woods Project is devoted to the preservation and education of the legacy of H.D. Thoreau and the woods that inspired the writings of Thoreau. The WWP also helps teachers around the world --giving lectures, workshops, and lesson ideas that will enhance their classrooms and their teaching of Thoreau. I have enjoyed the "Thursdays with Thoreau" conversations for this month of April, and I hope it can continue (even after the quarantine). It has been a perfect way for using Thoreau's writings to inspire us through this devastating situation. I have met some wonderful people and been deeply inspired by these moving conversations using Thoreau and his quotes and writings as focal points. It would be great to continue these Thursdays--at least though May (or for as long as we must be in this "home" situation). Thank you to Jeff, Whitney, and Sarah for such a great experience and inspirational virtual conversations. I have learned so much not just about Thoreau, but about myself and the 21st century we live in. This is what I look forward to every Thursday. This has really given me sense of understanding and being in this crazy world we live in. I will leave with my favorite quote so far--what Jeff said in the "Society" week---"If I am not I, who will be?" Find your "Walden."

I love the Walden Woods Project. I am so grateful that they exist in the Northeast community! They put on top-notch educational programs, lectures, and meet-and-greets that are so well crafted and help connect likeminded individuals who are concerned about the environment and Thoreau's legacy. I particularly loved their owl program a few years ago. They brought Mark and Marcia Wilson of Eyes on Owls to their headquarters (which is a gorgeous turn-of-the-century estate directly behind Walden Pond). I had a chance to learn about the owls native to my area and even meet them up close. The WWP's programs truly foster a sense of local environmental connection and awareness!

I volunteered at The Farm at Walden Woods last Summer, and it was an incredible experience! The crew there was uplifting, dedicated, and fun to work with. I now have a greater understanding and appreciation for the land as well as the farmers who dedicate their lives to cultivating delicious and healthy food. Thank you!

Great customer service!! I purchased a mini Thoreau bust from their online store and received personal and friendly customer service! You don’t get that often nowadays. It was very refreshing and made me proud to support their organization.

In 2017, I had this cockamamie idea to fly fish in places that are mentioned in literature that involve fishing. I planned a six week trip I called the Storied Waters tour and decided to blog about my trip and hopefully turn my blog and trip into a book.

I decided to start the trip at Walden Pond, as a nod to Thoreau, one of the first great nature writers. He was fascinated by fish, and during his trips to the Maine Woods he tells of catching trout and "chivin" which we now call fallfish or chubs. Like many folks, I had read Walden in high school and had thumbed through The Maine Woods while camping in the Maine woods. But my understanding of Thoreau and his life was somewhat limited.

Before starting my trip, I decided I needed to immerse myself in Thoreau's writing and learn more about Walden Pond. I wanted to start my trip off with a solid foundation of knowledge and be able to offer something new and interesting in my own writing. So I called the Walden Woods Project and asked if I could come visit to prepare for my trip.

Juliet Trofi was very responsive and seemed genuinely interested in my idea. Apparently, not many people approach Thoreau from a fishing standpoint. Go figure. Anyway, she set me up with a meeting with Matt Burne, the conservation director, to talk about the pond, its ecology and its management/preservation. Jeff Cramer wasn't able to make the meeting, but he generously offered me some insights and advice via email. The good folks at WWP gave me a great boost of energy and enthusiasm for my trip, for which I will be forever grateful.

Next month, I'll be returning to WWP for the first time in two years to talk about my newly released book, Storied Waters, and what I learned about Thoreau during my journey and my subsequent readings. Did he ever fly fish for trout? Well, I have a theory and we can discuss it during my visit to Walden Woods. I look forward it!

David A. Van Wie

Walden Woods is a treasure maintaining the importance and currency of the work of Henry D Thoreau and maintaining / preserving the land in Concord that he has made holy. The dedicated work of the Walden Woods Organization is a gift to people from all over the world. I had visitors from India who insisted that I stop, so that we could dip our feet into "the holy Ganga." Very cool, I thought.
Jerry & Gaby, Chair, Jhamtse International Inc.

My husband and I were fortunate enough to take a year off of work and travel to all 50 states. We made it a goal to volunteer with at least one non-profit organization in each state, intending to experience the beauty and diversity of our country and immerse ourselves in all the good that was being done in local communities around the nation.

For our 40th state, Massachusetts, we knew immediately what organization we wanted to contact in hopes of spending a day volunteering. That organization was the Walden Woods Project. As a Henry David Thoreau enthusiast, I’m inspired to “live deliberately,” and I could think of no better way to show my appreciation than to give back to a place that preserves and protects his legacy.

After reaching out via email, Juliet Trofi responded immediately to my request to volunteer and we were able to spend a gorgeous fall day in Mid-October working beside the informative and courteous crew at The Farm at Walden Woods. My husband and I have spent several years learning and working on sustainable farms and we were thrilled to get our hands in the sacred soil, knowing that this was one of the many ways this organization preserves and extends Walden Woods.

We were overwhelmed with the kindness we received from all the staff including Juliet Trofi, Jeffrey Kramer, Dan Schmid, and Robert (Bobby) Friberg. This experience could not have been better. The multi-faceted work that is being done was inspiring and brings so much positivity to the community.

During our year long journey, we ended up volunteering at 71 different organizations. I can say without any hesitation that our time spent volunteering at the Walden Woods Project, and interacting with the knowledgeable staff was at the top of our list!

We partnered with the Walden Woods Project on a recent event and had a fantastic experience with WWP staff and a successful evening at their beautiful venue. The mission of Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives (FDFI), founded by descendants of Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington, is to combine lessons from the legacies of both men to "advance freedom through knowledge and strategic action." We found a natural fit with WWP and their commitment to education and social responsibility in all they undertake.
All of our interactions with WWP were positive. Prior to the event, we were interested to learn- through the excellent resources and research of WWP staff- of connections between Frederick Douglass and Concord previously unknown to us. The event itself was well organized and seamlessly run by cheerful, efficient staff who listened to our objectives, recruited and connected us with local partners and participants, and built an enthusiastic and knowledgeable audience. We continue to engage in follow up activities with both WWP and the additional partners they helped us establish. We look forward to working with the Walden Woods Project for many years to come!

The Walden Woods Project is a phenomenal organization which not only treasures and protects the "land, literature, and legacy" of one of America's greatest pioneering thinkers and citizen scientists -- Henry David Thoreau -- but fosters education, wellness, and research in students, teachers, and anyone who wants to "live deliberately."

I first visited The Walden Woods Project in July of 2017, when I was fortunate to be chosen as a participating teacher in their annual Approaching Walden week-long professional development program. To say that it was life-changing would be an understatement, and the lessons I learned that week are continuing to be passed on to my students and those they choose to touch. It was a phenomenal, priceless experience that I will never forget.

Since then I have traveled to The Walden Woods Project to do my own research at the Thoreau Institute's Henley Library and picked the brain of its curator, the incredibly knowledgeable (and patient!) Jeffrey S. Cramer (who has been described as the world's leading expert on Thoreau, and I would totally endorse that opinion.).

The Walden Woods Project is a wonderful, inspiring place. I cannot possibly recommend it enough.

My name is Jeffrey Steen. I am a photographer living in Wilmington, Delaware.
Over the past several years, I have been photographing places and items related to Mr. Thoreau.

Recently, I became aware of the Walden Woods Project, a jewel of Thoreau related literature and items seemingly hidden in close proximity to Walden Pond.

After learning of the Project, my initial meeting at the Project's offices resulted from a "cold call" knock on the office's front door.

From the beginning, Project staff have been kind, inquisitive about my interests, and responsive to my requests.

They have provided insight about public use of Mr. Thoreau's words, shown me artifacts related to Mr. Thoreau's life and times, and introduced me to others involved in the Thoreau world.

Most importantly, I have been encouraged in my photographic aspirations, including a collection of Thoreau related images that will serve as a platform for Thoreau related themes.

It has been a pleasure associating with them; their support has been invaluable.

In the event that a reader of this review is inspired to support interest in Mr. Thoreau and his intellectual contributions to society, including his wonderment at the intricacies and value of the natural world, the Walden Woods Project would be at the top of organizations deserving of consideration.

I was among the lucky few to get invited to attend a professional development course led by The Walden Woods Project called Approaching Walden. Not only did I gain valuable resources for my classroom, but I learned about myself and how to better interact with my world. Everyone there helped me to completely change my outlook on life and how to share that with my students. I can’t wait to bring my experiences back to the classroom. I wish I could experience Approaching Walden over and over again!

Fantastic organization. The staff at Walden Woods Project has a true and visible passion for their mission. They treated the 20 of us educators like respected family from the moment we arrived. The weeklong program was an exercise in living out the ideals of Thoreau. Cannot say enough about how valuable they are to educators, students, conservationists, and beyond!!!

American Heritage Trees is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to honor American history and promote environmental stewardship. We accomplish this through the cultivation and sale of descendent trees related to famous people, historical sites and events.
The work of American Heritage Trees is undertaken in partnership with the parent tree owners, which provides an opportunity for mutual promotion of the organizations. Our nonprofit serves as a catalyst to educate Americans about their rich national heritage, including Presidents, writers and poets, and others, as well as seminal events in our nation’s history.
Partnerships are the key to our organization and its success. We have been partners with Walden Woods Project since 2015, working closely with Juliet Trofi and Matt Burne. They are wonderful!! Walden Woods Project is one of the most organized and structured organizations we have as Partners, always staying on top of each facet of our partnerships. You can always count on them to identify the most relevant and best trees to represent Walden Woods and the essence of Henry David Thoreau’s philosophy. Then they are very prompt at collecting the seeds at the proper time and sending to American Heritage Trees for propagation. Currently, the Walden Woods Red Maple is one of our most popular trees. As a small token of all their work and effort, American Heritage Trees shares a portion of the sales with Walden Woods Project.
We hope to continue this great Partnership with Walden Woods Project for many years to come!!

Having visited Concord on a number of occasions and toured all of the prominent writers houses it was great to visit the Walden Woods Project. I first visited the project in 2000 and met the curator of collections and toured the facility. I have returned a number of times since, over the years and have enjoyed using the facilities and talking about Thoreau with Jeffrey Cramer, the curator of collections. The archives are amazing and host so much Thoreau related material. The reading room or ‘Henley Library’ is and amazing beautiful room with original copies of Walden on display as well as other Thoreau related items.

In addition to all this their biggest achievement is the work they have done and continue to do over many years to protect the beautiful woods at Walden Pond. Almost all of the woods are now protected thanks to the Walden Woods Project and they are working on the last area that remains under threat. Testament to this work is the 600,000 Visitors who visit Walden Pond each year.

The Project also run an education programme for students and teachers. And is well known for its education programs.

In short the Walden Woods Project is a professionally run non profit organisation that promotes Henry David Thoreau through education, conservation, as well as protecting the land that Thoreau loved for generations to come.

The walden woods project is an ambassador for being at one with nature, protecting conservation namely land surrounding Walden Pond, and promoting Henry David Thoreaus' legacy.
I have been lucky enough to attend some events with the walden woods project over the years and the work they do is highly credited.

Our church's high school youth toured Walden Woods June 1, 2018. This tour was one of the highlights of our visit to Concord. After visiting the Alcott and Emerson Houses, Walden Woods brought us back into nature. It brought to life some of Thoreau's thoughts to life in a way no indoor experience could.
The tour guide was exemplary. She drew the connections between Thoreau's thoughts and our Unitarian Universalist faith. She guided us toward deep thought with a journaling exercise and Thoreau quotes that spoke to our Seven Principles.
This is a tour we will want to repeat when we bring our next group.

We have had a strong relationship with Samantha Corron and The Walden Project for 4 years as a placement site for high school interns.

Over those 4 years Samantha /TWP have exceed their role hosting interns and have become a premier site for students. Past students rate their intern experiences at " 10" .

Thank You Samantha for your great contribution to the students and the community.

Peter J Bagley, Managing Director CLI

The Walden Woods Project is well known for its important conservation work, as a steward of Walden Pond and the surrounding environment. It also committed to promoting the legacy of Henry David Thoreau through its educational outreach programs and as home to the Thoreau Institute, a world-class academic research facility. Over the past ten years, I have had the pleasure of working with Jeffrey Cramer on a number of different Thoreau-related projects. Jeff is a respected scholar and a friend to educators and researchers alike. Whether you are an elementary school teacher or a college professor, Jeff and his staff are dedicated to helping you bring Thoreau's life and works into your classroom. And as a Thoreau scholar myself, the depth of the Henley Library's holdings and special collections, and its proximity to Harvard's Houghton Library, makes the Thoreau Institute at the Walden Woods Project the destination for anyone who is writing about Thoreau.

I had a great experience at the Walden Woods Project as an archives intern from Simmons College. I was able to learn about Thoreau, the Institute, the collections, and enjoy the beautiful location.

Sitting peacefully inside the woods of Lincoln, Massachusetts, the supporting institutions of The Walden Woods Project are an ideal setting for the study of all things relating to the American author Henry David Thoreau. Central to these institutions is the Thoreau Institute. The Institute’s Henley Library is rich in archival resources, and ranges in its coverage from the nineteenth century into the twenty-first century. Jeffrey S. Cramer, Curator of Collections, is a knowledgeable Thoreau scholar, and a gracious guide to all that the Library contains. The Library’s facilities are impeccably kept and comfortable, and they sit but a short distance from the hallowed ground of Walden Pond. Whether a visitor is interested in the New England region’s historical past or the environmental imperatives of the present, The Walden Woods Project has much to offer.

The Walden Woods Project has been unfailing in its support of the Vernal Pool Association, a Massachusetts nonprofit environmental outreach organization. WWP continues to share with us their beautiful facilities, tucked into the tranquil woods where Thoreau once trod, for our board meetings and day-long environmental programs for educators.
-Susan Ranney
Member, VPA Board of Directors

American Heritage Trees is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to honor American history and promote environmental stewardship. We accomplish this through the cultivation and sale of descendant trees related to famous people, historical sites and events.
The work of American Heritage Trees is undertaken in partnership with the parent tree owners, which provides an opportunity for mutual promotion of the organizations. Our nonprofit serves as a catalyst to educate Americans about their rich national heritage, including Presidents, writers and poets, and others, as well as seminal events in our nation’s history.
Partnerships are the key to our organization and its success. We have been partners with Walden Woods Project since 2015, working closely with Juliet Trofi and Matt Burne. They are wonderful!! Walden Woods Project is one of the most organized and structured organizations we have as Partners, always staying on top of each facet of our partnerships. You can always count on them to identify the most relevant and best trees to represent Walden Woods and the essence of Henry David Thoreau’s philosophy. Then they are very prompt at collecting the seeds at the proper time and sending to American Heritage Trees for propagation. Currently, the Walden Woods Red Maple is one of our most popular trees. As a small token of all their work and effort, American Heritage Trees shares a portion of the sales with Walden Woods Project.
We hope to continue this great Partnership with Walden Woods Project for many years to come!!

Have you ever stumbled? Falling backwards only to land right in the middle of your childhood? There I was, once again wandering the wild woods of my childhood and my only companion was Thoreau. The feel of pine bark under by hands, or my feet as I climbed to the very top of my world. Safe within the arms of a pine tree’s limbs, I would spend hours reading the wisdom that was Thoreau. It all came rushing back to me that very first day I connected with walden.org.

In going to the walden.org web site, a person can find Thoreau’s works easily downloadable for reading. Additionally, the stewards of Thoreau’s works have translated his words into life experiences that they readily share on the site. The vast and continually updated information and programs at walden.org is an endless wealth of all things Thoreau. Even their Facebook page enlightens and engages.

The daily immersion of Henry David Thoreau helps me to become the inquisitive child once again within the arms of my favorite pine tree. I will be forever grateful to walden.org and those who strive and succeeded in protecting Thoreau’s legacy.

Cherry "Charlie" Pride

I worked as a conservation intern for WWP during the Spring of 2016 designing an interpretive trail on the organization’s Bear Garden Hill parcel of land. After interning for 4 months, I can confidently say that this is one of the most structured and worthwhile organizations I have had the pleasure of encountering. Every staff member, regardless of department or job function, is extremely passionate about the work they perform. Matt Burne, Conservation Director and my former supervisor at WWP, works hard to preserve and maintain many regional areas for public use and plans outings to educate the public on New England wildlife. He has such enthusiasm for his work and helped me realize my goal to work with amphibians in the future.

The organization balances important American history with their modern goals to preserve Thoreau’s legacy and land and to educate the public about his life and literature. You would be hard-pressed to find a more worthwhile and interesting non-profit in which to involve yourself.

(Many staff also own dogs which made every work day spectacular)

I was first introduced to this organization while working at The Farm at Walden Woods, a small organic produce farm that sits near Walden Pond. From my time working on the farm, I learned all about the good work that The Walden Woods Project does to conserve the land around Walden Pond and preserve the memory of Henry David Thoreau. I was surprised and delighted to learn about the many ways the Project works to promote conservation while also providing extensive resources for educational programming and historical preservation. This multifaceted nonprofit does more than just protect Walden Pond; it inspires others to "live deliberately", staying true to Thoreau's original intentions when he first came to live by the Pond so many years ago.

I am a public high school teacher in an experiential, field-based program.

This program has been successful, in large part, because we have sought out partner organizations which can help deliver an engaging learning experience to a diverse group of kids: the kind of work at which The Walden Woods Project excels.

As a direct result of WWP's efforts, I have seen students become much more deeply aware of Thoreau and of local history. But more than that; students have been pushed by Walden Woods Project staff and interpretive materials to consider Thoreau's legacy - and the relevance of this legacy to the contemporary world.

I have seen a walk around Walden turn into a meditation on ecological change - and a tour of Brister's Hill become a meditation on racial and ecological justice. The Walden Woods Project is able to nudge students (of all ages) from learning toward real reflection, and then to action. This organization is an invaluable part of the community. And by "community", I mean the broad and far-flung body of idealists, naturalists, and imaginative learners who will carry Thoreau's legacy into the future.

Doing research on Thoreau is very rewarding, but at times it can be a challenge, especially when you delve into the far corners of his life and writings not previously given extensive study. The Thoreau Institute at Walden Woods has it all, books, letters, documents, and a curator who is extremely knowledgeable in the subject. Help and direction is always forthcoming. In addition, it provides excellent educational services and programs. Walden Woods represents the Top of the line; the Gold Standard in studies of Walden, Thoreau, and related subject material.

Robinson Farm is a small raw milk, organic cheese dairy in Hardwick Massachusetts. The folks at Walden Woods understand their network of supporters and visitors and their interest in our local community. Working with this organization is such a pleasure. Being part of their select farm suppliers is a real honor and having their support of our farmstead operation makes for a wonderful relationship. Luckily winter is almost over and we get to again collaborate this year

Well run library and research facility. Great resource for professional historians and history buffs. Actively seeks out volunteers. Keeping the spirit and inspiration of Thoreau alive in Concord for generations to come.

The preservation and education that occurs at the Walden Woods Project honors, and shares, Thoreau's legacy and the interconnectedness of 19th century Concord and surrounding area with today's world. While some forget that Thoreau was an author, many recall that he was deeply connected to his environment and left lessons about appreciating the natural world around us. The Walden Woods Project reminds visitors, including educators and students, that there was and is more to Thoreau than "Walden," although many writings relate closely to his most famous work and the wooded lot where he lived for two years, two months, and two days.

All of my interactions with the Walden Woods Project have convinced me of their loving commitment to the conscientious management of Walden Pond and the surrounding woods, and their respect for the people who benefit from preservation of the area. They have an impressive library that can accommodate both casual and serious study. Their staff is gracious and highly knowledgeable. I attended a week-long institute for teachers at their headquarters and found the experience to be quite valuable and, in some respects, life-changing. In their education programs, they promote the idea that we should all have "a sense of place" in our environment, which helps us to realize better our unique perspective and contribution to the world and also to become better stewards of our earthly home. Can you tell I love the Walden Woods Project? Get to know them, and you will, too!

The Walden Woods Project is a great nonprofit that enriched my life and taught me so much about Concord and Henry David Thoreau. The area is so rich with history and life and I was very impressed by their knowledge and expertise. I hope to visit again soon!

Excellent discussions, ideas to take to the classroom, and rich historical discussions. Fabulous experience for anyone wishing to implement place-based learning curriculum.

They offer exceptionally well-organized educational programs! They are making a significant impact on people and place with their efforts to educate about Thoreau's legacy. Wonderful staff, too!

An amazing organization and place to learn more about Walden Pond, Henry David Thoreau, and the Transcendentalists

This nonprofit is run by thoughtful, sincere, and inspiring people who love what they do and so extend themselves beyond expectations. The result of their efforts is excellent, most worthwhile use of all resources. Highest praise!

Spent a week here for the seminar and was completely inspired, both professionally and personally. Cannot recommend their programs highly enough!

While taking an Honors class at UMASS Lowell on Thoreau’s 'Walden', I had the opportunity to go to the Thoreau Institute at Walden Woods with my class. We were able to meet with Jeff Cramer and have a discussion about who Thoreau was and what Walden meant to us and to the world. Because of the Walden Woods Project, I was able to learn and experience Thoreau’s works beyond the walls of the classroom, giving me a deeper appreciation of everything that is Thoreau and Walden Pond. This experience has set me on a course of realizing a new dream of someday specializing in Thoreau’s works as a PhD.

The Walden Woods Project fosters an academic, supportive, and encouraging environment. It is an invaluable tool for studying Thoreau and meeting with like-minded individuals who wish to discuss Thoreau's writings and philosophies. The Walden Woods Project has helped me with my academic studies and I am now using its resources to do an independent study on Thoreau. In return I have been helping WWP plan events for the upcoming bicentennial of Thoreau's birth. I am gaining valuable work experience while exploring the writing of an author I'm passionate about. This is the best resource available for anyone studying Thoreau.

I have volunteered for the Walden Woods Project over the course of the past year and have found them to be an exceptional organization. Their mission is to preserve the land, literature, and legacy of Henry David Thoreau through conservation, education, research and advocacy. They use their protected land to foster an ethic of environmental stewardship and social responsibility. They reach out to engage the local community in their efforts to instill a respect for the environment and adhere to Thoreau's philosophy. Every year, they seek to inspire young people to embrace the ideals of Thoreau and gain a sense of responsibility for stewardship of the environment through their “Live Deliberately” Essay Contest. The founder of the Walden Woods Project, recording artist Don Henley, is committed to this stewardship. To show his continued support for this organization, and to inspire others to join his mission, Mr. Henley recently held a fundraiser, in Boston, in which he, along with the other members of the Eagles, performed a benefit concert to raise funds for the Walden Woods Project.

I would enthusiastically encourage anyone interested in Henry David Thoreau and/or the preservation of the environment to consider donating to this wonderful organization.

It my great pleasure to attend the 2015 "Approaching Walden" teacher workshop hosted by the Walden Woods Project. It was a really transformative event, full of stimulating conversation about Thoreau and his legacy with so many curricular applications. I especially appreciated the organization's generous support to bring in educators from outside the area to Concord, and the thoughtful preparation on the part of the very knowledgeable and dedicated staff there. I look forward to supporting the Walden Woods Project in the future.

The Walden Woods Project is an amazing organization that not only looks to keep the ideas of Thoreau alive and relevant, but also encourages people to take a deeper look at the history of the area from a multi-disciplinary perspective. They encourage visitors to learn about the land, those who lived on it and around it, and to understand how the voices and movements of the past still have great relevance today. I couldn't be more appreciative for the work that they do and hope they will continue to inspire people for generations to come.

The WWP reflects the passion and deliberateness of Thoreau's writing. Time well spent!

Until I attended Approaching Walden, an institute for educators, I was not aware of all that the Walden Woods Project offers. This may be, in part, because I am not from the Concord area, but nevertheless, this is a hidden resource. From the stunning grounds--a hunting lodge and state-of-the-art-library--to the hiking paths leading to Walden Woods and the pond, the setting makes tangible the ideas of Thoreau. Additionally the staff could not be better at helping people grasp Thoreau and his works in his time but also how his writings offer insight into our lives in the 21st century. Any time spent at the Walden Woods Project will be humbling and grace-filled, whether is be a saunter on the grounds or time spent learning from the staff.

I attended The Walden Woods Project's annual Approaching Walden professional development week for teachers. The experience far exceeded my expectations, both personally and professionally! It is clearly evident that this staff is passionate about the work that they do in conservation, education, and scholarship. I would highly recommend this organization to any educator seeking resources on Transcendentalism, Thoreau, the history of the Concord, MA, area, or conservation and natural history in the Walden Woods. I also hope the general public sees them as a valuable resource for what they have to offer for individuals and groups throughout the year. Keep up the good work, WWP!

I took an excellent week-long course with WWP and found the team of people there to be highly dedicated and passionate. The organization has a multi-faceted mission that can inspire people of all ages to be better global citizens.

By far the best professional development I have had in at least 10 years. Staff is knowledgeable, professional, dedicated, and kind. They work to ensure that everyone has an excellent intellectual and useful experience.

I went to several lectures about Thoreau given by Jeff Cramer that were fascinating. As Director of the Lincoln Public Library, I have had opportunities to refer people to the Thoreau Institute to further their research and knowledge of Thoreau. What an incredible resource!

I participated in the Walden Woods Project in the summer of 2012. I can honestly say in my 20 years of teaching, I don't think I have ever had a more rewarding professional development experience . I was the only science teacher present among a group of mostly English teachers with a few history teachers mixed in.

My interest in the Project stems from my role as an Environmental Science teacher and a love of the works of Thoreau and Emerson. I was warmly welcomed by the Thoreau Institute staff and the program, incorporating nature appreciation into teaching through literature, was fantastic. We spent five days doing various group and independent writing exercises, learning the history of Henry David Thoreau, exploring his writings, and visiting historic sites around Walden Pond and Concord.

As a Connecticut resident and child of an English teacher, I grew up learning about and visiting this area, but seeing it from an adult perspective and discussing how I could use it to help my students learn a sense of place was incredibly meaningful. Further, the other teachers that I met, from all over the country, were completely accepting of me and even a little fascinated that a science teacher has students read literature in science class. Above all, I made several friends whom I have stayed in close contact with since.

The Thoreau Institute is a beautiful facility, the library is incredible and the staff is knowledgeable and dedicated to preserving this great American resource. This spring, I was also able to contribute by acting as a reader for the Project's annual essay contest. The fact that the Institute manages to have so many irons in the fire, both educationally, historically and environmentally in their work for preserving that natural area around Walden Pond while maintaining such high standard of performance is most admirable in a non-profit organization. I cannot speak highly enough about the Walden Woods Project and the Thoreau Institute. It will be my pleasure and honor to keep serving as an academic volunteer for as long as they will have me, and I hope to have the opportunity to attend another workshop before ending my teaching career.

Most Sincerely,

Deb Field
Science Educator
South Windsor High School
South Windsor, CT

Having been a fan of Thoreau's view of the world since I was a teen, I am excited to know that there is a nonprofit taking care of the Walden Woods until I can get there to see it for myself! I am also glad that the Walden Woods Project does outreach to help people of all ages discover both Thoreau's writing and the special place where so much of it took shape. In addition to donating, I volunteered as a Guest Reader for one of the outreach programs, a teen essay contest. It's wonderful to see members of the busy next generation write about taking time to let places like Walden Pond enrich their lives.

In 2001, I was a participant in the annual summer teachers' workshop, Approaching Walden, run by the Walden Woods Project. After immersing myself in the works of Henry David Thoreau, surrounded by the woods he roamed and enriched by the various experts brought in to share their insights and knowledge, I returned to the classroom with exciting new ideas and a curriculum unit I'd developed that reinvented the way I was teaching Walden and Thoreau's other works. My students became engaged and responsive in ways they never had previously. Since my retirement in 2007, I have been on staff at Approaching Walden, sharing my classroom successes with each summer's participants. The energy, support, and inspiration provided by the Walden Woods Project's summer institute for teachers resulted in some of the most rewarding lessons I shared with my students, and I am gratified to see that same enthusiasm in each successive group of AW participants. The Walden Woods Project educational outreach has a profound effect on all those who experience it.

I'm really interested in preserving green space used by so many people living in and visiting the area. I'm also really interested famous local writers that give Concord and surrounding towns such a rich literary history. The Walden Woods Project does so much on both these fronts. I recently volunteered with them for a fundraising event. It was beautifully run, raised a lot of money and awareness, and was a blast! I highly recommend getting to know this organization!

My experience with the Walden Woods Project was as a participant in the Approaching Walden seminar. It far exceeded my expectations. I was totally engaged in the offered seminars and field trips. My learning extended beyond my teaching field, English, into the realm of science! It was all fascinating!

I am a teacher in Jacksonville, Florida who LOVES the New England area.
My Master's degree is in English, with a focus on American writers.
When I had the opportunity to spend time in the natural beauty of WALDEN WOODS, to listen to THE scholar on Henry David Thoreau, to collaborate with colleagues from across the United States with a similar aptitude towards this icon, and to walk the trails and pond with a dedicated naturalist, well, it was a no-brainer, and more importantly, a time with the divine! I am SO THANKFUL for this place and the hospitality and preparation of the entire staff to share the message that Henry's message is TIMELESS and RELEVANT to this generation!
Walden Woods is a very special place and I am very thankful to Don Henley for taking the initiative to save this place. It offers a place for introspection by channeling Henry David Thoreau's concern for the intangibles that make life matter! The interpreter was spot on and the proximity of this place to other literary giants who are remembered, with Henry, at Sleepy Hollow is also not to be missed.

I had the opportunity to chaperone on a trip to Walden Woods and what a pleasure it was to get out of the hustle and bustle of school and walk in Thoreau's footsteps for a day. The Walden Woods Project interpretative guides walked along with us on the trails and through Thoreau's house answering questions and keeping it interesting for our students.

After visiting Walden, we toured The Great Manse, right down the street. I can't believe this great jewel is so close to my home and I have never visited! Our tour guide at The Great Manse was an incredible storyteller.

I highly recommend these tours to anyone interested in American history and/or literature.

I love bringing students to Walden when my junior English students study Thoreau, Emerson, and Hawthorne. Working with the Walden Woods Project gets better each time. Whitney, who coordinated our recent trip was terrific. Jeff (Thoreau scholar) and Matt (field biologist) showed us different sides of Thoreau in their complementary ways that made the visit meaningful and memorable.
ECraig-Olins

I am so impressed with the Walden Woods Project. I am a teacher at a local high school, and I called to see if I could bring my students to visit Walden and Brister's Hill. Everyone I spoke with was incredibly helpful in making this visit happen. They arranged a carefully planned out day, provided experts to guide us, and even supplied us with a writing prompt based on Thoreau's journals.

My students loved the day, and I did too. It made an exciting way to connect with Emerson and Thoreau. It's wonderful that they make themselves so available to helping teachers bring these authors to life.

I participated in the Walden Woods Project seminar "Approaching Walden" this summer. It provided, hands down, the best professional development I have ever had. I learned from educated members of the staff, and the select participants who joined me on my journey. The program was well thought out, diverse, and thoughtfully executed. I will forever value the time I spent in Thoreau's woods and am grateful for the opportunity.

This summer I had the great pleasure of attending The Walden Woods Project's 'Approaching Walden' seminar for teachers. The professional development I received was far beyond my expectations. The multi-day event was carefully and thoughtfully developed, with a tremendous amount of learning packed in to each day. The staff was knowledgable and willingly shared their expertise. Experiencing the artifacts curated by the Walden Woods Project, as well as having time to explore the area, was just incredible. Interacting with other educators in this inspiring setting allowed me to deepen my thinking about my own practice. I particularly enjoyed the way the seminar was geared to multiple disciplines; there truly was something for every content area. The work that this team does is invaluable . . . and they do much more than just this outreach to teachers. An amazing organization!

The Walden Woods Project provides a program for teachers called "Approaching Walden." I cannot speak highly enough about this program. On a daily basis, I implement something that I learned at the seminar in my classroom.

I participated the the Approaching Walden Summer Seminar and this was the best professional development opportunity I have participated in. The speakers were incredibly knowledgeable and the activities were worthwhile. It renewed my interest in Thoreau and gave me lots of things to bring back to my classroom.

The Walden Woods Project is a tremendous asset: 1. educationally providing lectures and various activities including summer programs and web-sites for teachers. 2. making available a top-notch library and curator preserving collections of materials by Thoreau and others. 3. Acquiring and preserving land around and in Walden Woods whenever feasible 4. Developing and maintaining a Thoreau Walk at Brister's Hill that is both beautiful and enlightening. 5. Advocating for projects and laws that preserve the environment. And there is certainly more...

Over the last few years, I have worked with the wonderful staff of the Walden Woods Project on several cutting-edge educational projects, and these experiences have been some of the most fulfilling of my entire career as a teacher. There are countless reasons to both praise and recommend this organization to others, and as many people have already attested to here, these reasons would not be limited to education. However, what is evidently of central concern to all of those who are involved with the WWP, is this institution’s unique ethos of stewardship, education, and conservation.

One would be hard pressed to name any other figure of comparable prestige, whose life and philosophy are so inextricably linked to a particular place, as is Thoreau’s. My students know this intuitively, their work constantly bears this out, and perhaps tellingly, it is those from other countries and cultures who seem to appreciate this special status most fully. They are a constant reminder that we should not take this wonderful legacy and land for granted, and like me, are grateful to those who are working to secure this jewel for future generations of students.

I have volunteered and have donated my time, energy, and a little money to the Walden Woods Project from shortly after its birth in April 1990! Back in time, before WWP, I found it devastating to have read that Walden Woods and the surrounding area were under the threat of development. I was then equally relieved and ever so thankful when I read The Walden Woods Project was formed to prevent such a calamity of development. I immediately contacted "The Project" to see how I could help be a part of the solution.

The Walden Woods Project is an outstanding non profit. They have a terrific staff of caring, dedicated people and a great core group of volunteers; they truly get things done. I am honored to have had the opportunity to have been a small part of the team.

I am truly grateful to Mr. Don Henley for his insight, thoughtfulness and courage in creating The Walden Woods Project and for all those who have and those who continue to labor tirelessly to secure the integrity of this historically important area.

"The earth I tread on is not a dead, inert mass. It is a body, has a spirit, is organic, and fluid to the influence of its spirit, and to whatever particle of that spirit is in me. "
Journal, Dec 30, 1851
Henry David Thoreau

The Walden Woods Project is the type of organization that I can really appreciate! They have helped save Walden woods, the land that Henry David Thoreau lived on, wrote about and loved throughout his life. Because of the WWP the land that Thoreau knew so well has been saved and preserved from over-development and destruction! This is where the modern conservation movement got started and it is safe from harm because of the WWP's involvement. This is something that is so important that it can not over overstated. Generations of people can now see the land Thoreau wrote about, and experience it as he would have. That's HUGE!

I’ve been volunteering for, and donating to, the Walden Woods Project for 14 years now and am impressed with the results achieved over the years, especially when it comes to the conservation of important lands adjacent to or near Walden Pond, and to the great work they have done and continue to do with educators and students. The library at the WWP’s Thoreau Institute is a repository for one of the greatest collections in the world devoted to Henry David Thoreau and people from all over the world go there to study and do important research. The Walden Woods Project has also been a great supporter of the arts and artists, and hosts a Stewardship Lecture Series with a variety of presenters that is free an open to the public.

Have been involved with The Walden Woods Project over 10 years and have seen the important parcels of land they are preserving for future generations . . . a great organization doing great work! Not just talking the talk, but also walking the walk. Keep walking!

The Walden Woods Project sets an example, acts as a resource, and offers some environmental solutions and hope to my high school students and to fellow educators. My students can see protecting the environment in action, all the work that must be done on the local as well as national political scenes from protecting the landfill from becoming a bus parking lot, to purchasing and protecting the land. I have had students volunteer at the Thoreau Institute, part of the Walden Woods Project, students, under the guidance of another teacher who took a course for educators on Thoreau, actually build a replica of his cabin. Several teachers from our school have taken courses there and availed themselves of the speaker series. The Walden Woods Project has also become part of our school's Senior Service Day. Students learn about invasives from the staff and spend time clearing sections of the woods. Other students have taken part in their essay contests on the environment and also have taken part in the student global initiative to exchange environmental ideas. The project is a steward for Walden Woods so future students may learn there as well and an educator for present students to learn the value of its environment and to become its protectors in the future. The educational resources are amazing.

I first began volunteering with the Walden Woods Project well over ten years ago and since then have continued to volunteer intermittently and have attended a number of the Project's events. I also follow the Project through the local news. I am so grateful that this organization has quietly and persistently worked to protect historic and environmentally sensitive land in Concord and Lincoln. This is not only important to those of us who live here, but also to anyone who cares about American history and literature, as Walden Woods is central to the history of Transcendentalism and the environmental movement. The WWP raises public awareness about important environmental issues and supports education about Thoreau and environmentalism both locally and worldwide. Ever since I first volunteered back in 2000, I have felt so appreciated by this organization. It has been a privilege to work with them.

In Defense of Open Space

I would like to rebut the criticism of the vote to maintain the Concord Land Fill as a natural open space, which was posted on April 10, 2013. I am not a resident of the area, so I cannot address all of the points brought forth.

However, I believe that the need for natural open space is greatly underestimated and misunderstood in the United States today. Because an area contains grasses, weeds and wildflowers does not mean that it is useless and should be developed.

Americans seem to have a conception that trees are the only useful flora. This idea was unintentionally created. By the beginning of the twentieth century, the country was quite deforested. The intensive focus and extensive and somewhat successful campaign for reforestation has caused open spaces to be forgotten.

Although construction still occurs by removing trees, a somewhat limited psychological barrier seems to exist (except among developers) against cutting them down. However, no such inhibition occurs in regard to open fields, which are frequently perceived as wasted land, simply sitting there, and encouraging unwanted pests. Plus, they are cheaper to develop.

However, a healthy ecosystem cannot exist without such areas. Meadows are an integral part of the food chain. By providing food, shelter, and areas for nesting and courtship, this habitat attracts a multitude of wildlife. Most of which is not seen (insects and microbes) or is disdained by humans (mice and ticks).

An even more neglected place is edge habitat, which has been lost by the destruction of meadows and trees. As Aldo Leopold notes, “The variety and density of life is often the greatest along edges.” Hence, this habitat provides more benefits than forest and grassland alone, creating a complex community. Some species specialize and thrive in this area, including endangered and rare ones.

Next, the idea of NOT preserving land associated with Thoreau, because it was clear cut in his lifetime is simply flawed. It is still a historic place, associated with the writer, and can be used as an example of a bad use of land, now being rectified.

To focus specifically on the individual's comments regarding the bus depot, I disagree with the statement, "There won't be any runoff from the buses to the pond." The only major method to stop runoff would be if the proposed parking lot and the roofs of any buildings would be permeable surfaces. Most average builders do not understand the concept of permeable asphalt and green roofs. Most likely, the town of Concord (like other governments) would select the lowest possible bidder on the contract for the project, which would mean the use of oil based asphalt, which does not absorb water. Hence, rain could run from the developed area to the pond or to the road, where it would flow to the nearest storm drain and into a probably overloaded water treatment system. Storm water rolls across land and streets, picking up contaminants, such as chemicals from coal tar pavement sealants, that are environmentally dangerous and harmful to humans.

Also, the bus depot would bring another environmental hazard to the area, the much revered suburban monoculture known as the lawn. Currently planted turf grasses have shallow roots, in comparison to meadow plants and grasses. Hence, the creation of a lawn ends soil stablization and water absorption, causes runoff and erosion, and creates a lack of biodiversity, as well as the need to mow with polluting lawnmowers.

The writer states that "the buses will have to be kept in another town, at great expensive and much larger *local* gas emissions and pollution." A closer examination should be made of this situation. For maximum benefit, the buses would have to operate on natural gas or propane or be flex fuel vehicles. Routes would have to be carefully planned; bus sizes carefully selected. Pickups would be for multiple students, not stopping at adjacent homes. Furthermore, a more forward looking plan should be discussed. Due to the increase of cyber schools and home schooled students, the need for buses for may be reduced fairly soon.

While no charity is perfect, the Walden Woods Project has maintained its focus on land preservation and purchased property to that end. Once land is developed, it remains so, especially on the densely populated East Coast. I have never seen anyone tear down a housing development to build a forest.

Saving and keeping Walden Woods is an extremely important task. I firmly believe that over the years the Projects goals and work has been wonderful. The Project is not only holding on to Thoreau's vision and the lessons he left for us to learn, it is helping protect a vital piece of our history. In this country we have seem to have lost the importance of our past. We are so busing running to get to the next best thing, instead of appreciating what we have.

I have been a visitor to the Woods for years now and never found the pond to have an odor. And the idea of closing it off to the public is exactly what Thoreau would be against. He encouraged us to go out there and learn from nature. And yes it is separated by a major road, however I still am able to lose myself in the woods and begin to hear my own heartbeat again as well of the planets'. I feel sorry for those who are unable to connect with the woods in this manner. It is very special.

I am so proud to have been a supporter of this project since the beginning, I have planted many trees and bushes and there is a special feeling I get knowing that even after I am gone there is a small part of me there and will always be there to keep it special. I will continue to support this project strongly and am glad I am not alone.

He writes: "The Town of Concord is building a parking lot on the old dump." The old dump? Anyone find that ironic? Thoreau who: "went into the woods to live deliberately," ended up with a dump litering these same woods? Really? As I remember the WWP helped get the dump closed and cleaned up several decades ago. So today, there is no dump, no office project, no affordable housing, no ballfields, no shopping malls, no Dunkin' Doughnuts. Just green space. A place to go and reflect or hike or swim.

The WWP has been at it up there for nearly 25 years. What work they have done with the money that they have raised has come mostly from private donations and grants. From real people. I'm glad that they are there, because clearly we tend to do some foolish things in the name of progress.

I live very near Walden Pond, which is actually in Concord, MA, and never swim there, because the beach smells, due, it is believed, to overuse as a state beach.

I just received a mailing from the Walden Woods project. On the front of the postcard is a photo, carefully angled to show the "closeness" of a proposed school bus parking site to the Pond (the site is on a capped landfill) while hiding the fact that there is a major commuter road between this site and the pond. There won't be any runoff from the buses to the pond.

The other side of the card has one outright lie, where they state that a town committee concluded that the school buses should remain at the High School, despite the fact that the committee actually said that parking the buses at the school was not an option.

There is also a lie by omission, which ignores the reality that no one has found another useable site to park the buses in town, despite a large number of searches. If we don't build a lot, the buses will have to be kept in another town, at great expensive and much larger *local* gas emissions and pollution, which would certainly adversely affect the pond.

A number of years ago, this group derailed an affordable housing project, claiming it would interfere with Walden Woods. They promised to buy and give to the town a better, larger site. Now, many years later, they have facilitated a donation from the state to the town of surplus land, land that has a potentially toxic site and might wetlands on it, tests aren't yet complete, and it is unclear if it will even be buildable.

Several years ago, they attempted to stop the building of playing fields, claiming that the area was part of Thoreau's Walden Woods, although the area had been clearcut for firewood in Thoreau's time.

The most useful thing that the Walden Woods Project could do, would be to lobby the state to close the Pond as a state beach, or at least, restrict access to it, including pedestrian access, since many park illegally and walk in, to avoid the full parking lot, which is currently the only restriction of access to the beach.

The town of Concord is building a parking lot on the old dump, which 1) will be screened from the State Reservation, 2) will have no runoff to affect the woods or pond, and 3) will save energy and be less environmentally invasive than any other option, which is the smartest and least harmful option to the woods and the pond in the long run. Since there is no other place in town to build the parking lot, not building it at the dump would be harmful to the town's environment, which includes Walden Pond.