The Walden Woods Project

As Thoreau was an advocate of life-long learning, we offer a variety of programs for audiences of all ages, bringing people together to explore the extensive ways in which Thoreau’s words and actions have current-day application—and to recognize those who embody Thoreau in their daily work, service and research. Most of our public programs are free to attend.

Our highly interactive, place-based programs equip educators with the skills and knowledge necessary to facilitate learning about the writing, life and philosophy of Henry David Thoreau, while nurturing students’ own sense of place and environmental ethic. We welcome educators from a wide range of disciplines, reflecting the variety of skills and interests of Thoreau and the breadth of his legacy. Graduate credit options are available for most of our professional development programs.

The Walden Woods Project is pleased to welcome groups who wish to explore Thoreau’s Walden Woods throughout the year. These guided experiences include: A Transcendental Conversation in our Library, A Walk at the Pond, Thoreau's Path on Brister's Hill, Henry's Hat: An Elementary Excusion, A Day at Fairyland - for Preschoolers, Unitarian Universalist Groups, and Faith in a seed (seasonal farm/service project and program).

Each year, the Live Deliberately Essay Contest invites youth around the world, ages 14-18*, to consider a selected Henry David Thoreau quotation and accompanying prompt. Contestants are asked to write a thoughtful essay that uses personal experience and observation to demonstrate how that year’s quotation and prompt relate to their own lives and to the world around them. Like Thoreau, these young people use the power of their words to convey vivid stories, personal conviction and human compassion. The Essay Contest is typically open from mid-November to mid-February and the winners are announced in late late April.

The contest has two age groups: 14-16 and 17-18*. One winner will be identified in each age group and will receive a $500 cash prize, plus an annotated edition of Walden, autographed by the book’s editor, Jeffrey S. Cramer, our Curator of Collections at  The Walden Woods Project’s Library.

The Walden Woods Project maintains the rich collections housed in The Walden Woods Project’s Library for scholars, educators, students and life-long learners to advance their understanding of the literature and legacy of Henry David Thoreau.

The Walden Woods Project Farm, owned and operated by The Walden Woods Project, preserves an active, highly visible, and productive agricultural landscape, protects historic Walden Woods, and supports the growing efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of the food we eat. The Walden Woods Project Farm is a USDA certified organic vegetable farm. The Walden Woods Project Farm is open from July - October.