Fixit Clinics are free workshops where people bring broken stuff—from bikes to blenders to blazers—and volunteer coaches share their tools and know-how to help troubleshoot and (hopefully) repair items. These meet-ups build hands-on skills, confidence, community, and a culture of reuse and repair; they are family-friendly and open to all. The City of Boston Environment Department is partnering with Boston Building Resources to host one of these events. 

REGISTER YOUR ITEM

VOLUNTEER TO COACH OR OBSERVE

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

• A broken gadget, small appliance, computer, toy, textile good, or other item

• A description of what’s wrong and anything you’ve tried to fix it

• Useful tools and parts, if you have them

• A desire to learn and share your knowledge!

This natural area is home to beautiful rock outcrops, heritage trees, and attractions like the Bear Dens. However, it needs our help to stay healthy and remain an important park for us and future generations. We hope that by bringing people together to work towards restoring the ecological health of the Long Crouch Woods, we can showcase this area's beauty and potential.

For this event, there is no experience necessary! The focus is to clean up trash and glass from the site, clean up trails, remove invasive understory plants, and build habitat walls with the brush generated; all of which are done to improve overall forest health and increase visibility into the woods. There will be lots of learning opportunities for residents of all ages and backgrounds. 

The event will happen, rain or shine. We will cancel in the case of extreme weather such as thunderstorms. Staff will provide all the tools, supplies, and instruction needed for the project(s). Please dress in comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing, as well as wearing closed toe shoes. We recommend participants bring their own water, snacks, sunscreen, and bug spray. All ages are welcome, we just ask to note if any children will be joining for the day!

For the understory plant removal aspect, expect to be utilizing hand cutting tools like loppers and pruners, moving brush, raking, and maybe even kneeling/crouching. Please let us know in the form if you have any special accommodations or needs in order to joyfully participate!

There is limited street parking near the entrance we are meeting at,  but it can be limited, so we also encourage you to bike, walk, or take public transit. There is also public parking at the Playstead and Giraffe Gate of the zoo, which is about a 10 minute walk to the school street entrance.

We hope to see you there, and we would also love to hear your ideas for future projects! Be sure to fill out our Google Form to sign up.

Showcasing what’s possible in municipal government, this open-to-all event highlights how innovation and creative problem-solving can drive progress while improving city services.

The project team for the Rutherford Ave/Sullivan Square Design Project will explain our procedure of making design decisions, share the proposed design alternative, and review the project timeline and next steps. We will leave time at the end for your questions.

The tour will start at the Itasca Street entrance (249 Itasca Street) and conclude with a social hour and refreshments at the Colorado Street entrance (206 Colorado Street). 

WHAT TO BRING

Comfortable clothing for the trails, curiosity, and any stories from Mattahunt that you may have.

This event will occur rain or shine, except in cases of severe weather such as thunderstorms. 

We will begin with an educational site walk, and then care for new tree plantings and clean up debris. 

No experience necessary! Tools and instruction provided by Urban Wilds Program staff. Please wear sturdy footwear and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Long sleeves and pants recommended. 

Join us to celebrate Earth Day and work on the following tasks:

• Invasive plant removals within the woodland areas adjacent to the Blackwell Footpath and South Street to improve the ecology of these areas and build upon efforts from previous volunteer events. 
• Litter clean up between Bussey Brook and the train tracks, as well as along the South Street wall.

Tools and gloves will be supplied, but if you have a favorite pair of work gloves, feel free to bring them!

* Please note that the event will be rain or shine!

Meeting Point: The South Street Gate entrance to the Blackwell Footpath. There is plenty of parking on nearby Flora Way and this entrance is within walking distance from the Forest Hills T Station.