Environment Archives

News

‘Every Little Step Counts:’ Belmont Bucks Trend in Recycling Success

July 2, 2026

Every week, trash and recycling bins stamped with the town crest perch on the curb of Belmont curbs and driveways, ready for pickup. On a regular schedule—provided it isn’t a holiday nor the morning after a blizzard—residents’ household contents are whisked away,…

Opinion

The Tree That Gave Linnaeus His Name

June 22, 2026

Here’s a tree for you. It has heart-shaped leaves, is easy to grow in full sun to part shade across a range of soil conditions, and is somewhat drought-tolerant. In June, copious small, yellow, sweet-smelling flowers blanket the tree, attracting so many…

Opinion

Generations: What I Learned Digging in the Dirt

June 16, 2026

Last summer, I wrote a column about attempting to transform my weedy backyard into a beautiful garden. This summer, I have a pretty garden bed with more flowers than weeds and plant names like buddleia roll off my tongue. Here are the…

Opinion

Garden Gems: There’s Something About Trillium

May 26, 2026

A few weeks back, I got an email from Native Plant Trust with the breathless subject line, “Trillium week begins this Sunday!” It went on to say, “Trillium Week at Garden in the Woods is just around the corner! Join us for…

News

Special Town Meeting Adopts Leaf Blower Bylaw Amendment

May 21, 2026

Town Meeting members voted Monday night to amend the town’s leaf blower bylaw in an attempt to increase enforcement and accountability among local contractors. The bylaw amendment was one of three articles considered by members during a special Town Meeting on May…

News

Town Proposes Enhanced Leaf Blower Bylaw Enforcement

May 13, 2026

In the midst of this month’s annual Town Meeting, members will also be asked to consider three articles on a special Town Meeting warrant, including one that aims to enhance enforcement of the new leaf blower bylaw. The meeting is scheduled for…

News

Town Meeting OK’s Funding for Paramedic Training Program, Invasive Species Removal

May 7, 2026

Belmont Town Meeting members voted Wednesday night to ask the Massachusetts Legislature for permanent permission to hold hybrid town meetings. According to former Town Moderator Mike Crowley, who presented the motion, Belmont would join Lexington, Concord, and Wayland, which have already made…

Opinion

Garden Gems: Witch Hazel Adds Color, Scent to Autumn Gardens

November 29, 2025

It is late November and a buttery cloud appears to have settled in my garden. This pleasant apparition is the fall foliage of common witch hazel; the thick, soft, scalloped-edged leaves turn a beautiful golden yellow in the fall, and, as if…

News

‘Iconic’ Concord Avenue Tree to be Removed

November 21, 2025

For at least the last century, the town green has been marked by the iconic European copper beech tree. But now, after years of the tree suffering beech leaf disease, the town has made the “difficult decision” to remove the tree, located…

Opinion

Garden Gems: Rats in the Radishes

October 20, 2025

Catching sight of a scurrying rat when you are heading out to weed the dahlias or gather tomatoes is one of the most unsettling things that can happen in the garden. The most stalwart gardener may reach for the phone to call…