Public information meeting about Devens
The Harvard-Devens Jurisdiction Committee will hold a public information session Tuesday, Jan. 27, 7:30 p.m., at the Harvard Senior Center, 16 Lancaster County Road, with a snow date of Wednesday, Feb. 4. Learn about the history of Devens; its current status as an enterprise zone; proposed zoning changes to allow more housing; and what it could mean for parts of Devens to rejoin Harvard in a few years. Residents can attend in person, watch the meeting broadcast live on cable channel 191, or watch on the Harvard Media Cooperative YouTube channel at youtube.com/live/h_ _JRRy 2i9c. Questions for the committee can be sent to HDJCquestions@gmail.com.
Real estate taxes due
Real estate tax payments are due Monday, Feb. 2.
Cash or checks may be brought into Town Hall between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Thursday. Checks may be left in the drop box in front of Town Hall at any time.
Online via UniPay by electronic check, credit, debit, or bill pay through your personal bank. Bill pay checks are accepted but if using bill pay, taxpayers should mail the checks seven to 10 days ahead of the deadline; late fees will be assessed if checks do not reach Town Hall by then.
A check may be mailed to the lockbox processing center at Town of Harvard, Dept 2700, PO Box 986535, Boston, MA 02298-6535. If not received by the processing center by the deadline, it will be sent back to you, and late fees and interest will be applied. If you send payment to the lockbox, you must send a check for the exact amount and a copy of the coupon that is attached to your bill.
For more information visit harvard-ma.gov/300/treasurer-collector.
2026 Town Meeting and election schedule
The town of Harvard will hold one Town Meeting and three elections in 2026. This schedule is subject to change, and Special Town Meetings or elections may be called by the Select Board.
- Annual Town Meeting, Saturday, May 2, noon
- Town Election, Tuesday, May 5, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- State primary election, Tuesday, Sept. 1
- State general election (midterm), Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Town board nomination papers available
Nomination papers are available for people seeking to run for election to open seats on the Select Board, School Committee, and trustees for the Harvard Public Library and Warner Free Lectures. Papers and information on the nominating process are available at the town clerk’s office at Town Hall. Papers must be taken out no later than Friday, March 13, and Town Hall will be open until noon that day. The deadline to return completed papers is Tuesday, March 31.
Judges needed for Science Fair
Judges are needed for the Bromfield School Science Fair, scheduled for Friday, March 6. Judging starts at 3 p.m. with a brief training session, and finishes around 5:45 p.m. Complete the form at forms.gle/XnuYJE7xxUzgm7pp8 no later than Tuesday, Feb. 3, with your contact information as well as the subjects and grade levels you prefer to judge. Contact Kristen VanderVeen at kvanderveen@psharvard.org with questions.
Bare Hill Pond refill to begin
The Bare Hill Pond Watershed Management Committee has announced that the refill of the pond will begin Feb. 1, in compliance with the drawdown order of conditions. Refill can be very slow until rainfall or significant snow melt. Use caution on or around the ice; swings in temperature mean the ice thickness is variable and can change during the refill.
Soccer clinics offered during school breaks
Harvard Park and Recreation is sponsoring indoor soccer clinics for kids of all skill levels in grades K-6 in the Hildreth Elementary School gym. Clinics will run Feb. 17 to 19 (February break) and April 21 to 23 (April break). Led by Bromfield varsity boys soccer coach Alex Horne, the programs will work on skill-building drills, teamwork, fun mini games, and more. Register at harvardma.myrec.com.
‘Keeping Kids Safe and Secure Online’
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts will host a webinar, “Keeping Kids Safe and Secure Online: A Project Safe Childhood Presentation,” Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 6:30 p.m. Advanced registration is required, and space is limited. For the registration link and further details, visit psharvard.org>>Schools>>The Bromfield High School>>Latest News, Friday Memo January 9, 2026.
Permits required for open burning
Open burning season runs from Jan. 15 through May 1. Open burning is regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and enforced in Harvard by the Harvard Fire Department, and an annual permit is required. Visit harvardfire.com/open-burning-permit; the fee is $10.
Permits must be activated on each day of burning; the Fire Chief may prohibit burning on any day due to weather or unfavorable environmental conditions. For daily permit activation call 351-333-5090.
Tom Denney Camp registration open
Registration is open for the Tom Denney Nature Camp in Bolton. The camp is for students entering kindergarten through high school. Activities include swimming, games, arts and crafts, hiking, exploring, campfire cooking, and building shelters. Six weekly sessions run from June 29 to Aug. 7, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; child care is available until 4:30 p.m. Visit tomdenneynaturecamp.org to learn more and register, or email bcttdnc@gmail.com with questions.
Safety education required for boaters
The Bare Hill Pond Watershed Management Committee reminds residents that beginning April 1, Massachusetts will require most boaters born after 1988 to complete an approved boater safety education course and carry a certificate while operating motorized watercraft. Older operators will need to meet the requirement within two years. Penalties take effect this fall. More information can be found at mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-boating-law-summary.
Photos needed for town report
Residents are invited to submit personal photographs to be considered for the town’s 2025 annual report. Photos could feature town trails, one of the orchards, the Harvard General Store, Bare Hill Pond, wildlife around town, or any local events that occur throughout the year. Submit photos by the end of January to Executive Assistant Julie Doucet at jdoucet@harvard‑ma.gov. Include a description for each and a name for the photo credit.
Sand and salt available at Public Works building
The Public Works Department has sand and a sand-salt mix available to residents for use on walkways and driveways. Piles of each are available outside the Public Works Building, 47 Depot Road. Bring your own container and shovel.
Devens noise report
Throughout January, small arms fire.