Beaver Brook Reservation

In collaboration with the Waltham Historical Society, Treasurer Marie Daly presents a talk on A History of Beaver Brook Reservation, Waltham and Belmont Massachusetts.

The Beaver Brook Reservation is a 59-acre public park under the care and control of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. The reservation spans the border of Belmont and Waltham, and is divided into north and south sides by Trapelo Road. Not only was the reservation the first park established by the Metropolitan Park Commission (now the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation), it was the reason the park commission was founded. The public’s appreciation of the beauty and natural aspects of the park sparked a movement to save the land from encroaching development and for public enjoyment.

The history of the park spans thousands of years from pre-contact settlements of indigenous people, to colonial water-powered industries, and to the landmark preservation initiative of the late nineteenth century. The lecture describes the natural features of the park; outline the history of its land use; and review the groundbreaking efforts to save its beloved features.