WALTHAM, Mass. – On Friday, May 6th, the Brandeis University Department of Athletics hosted its Spring Day of Service, as representatives from all 19 Judges teams traveled around Waltham cleaning up various parks and areas around the city, partnering with The Waltham Land Trust.
Several dozen student-athletes were represented as the Judges traveled to four different areas: The Hardy Pond Watershed, focusing on parks and open areas near Pine Vale and Trapelo roads to help preserve the home of a wide variety of wildlife; The area along the soon-to-be Mass. Central Rail Trail near Main Street, clearing the way along an abandoned railway that will be converted to a cross-town multi-use path; and areas near the Charles River near River and Crescent Streets, two historic stretches of river. In addition to cleaning the areas of trash, the Brandeis athletes were able to remove invasive plants that had infested the areas.
"The Day of Service event meant a lot to me as I am a Brandeis student but also a lifetime Waltham resident," said sophomore Ryan Power of the men's basketball team. "I had never been to [the Mass. Central] Rail Trail before. Seeing all the trash that was there, it felt good to clean it up and do my small part to help the community."
"I really enjoyed getting to give back to the Waltham community that supports Brandeis athletics so well," said junior fencer Maggie Shealy. "Also, it was great to to get to bond with the other sports teams as we collaborated on a meaningful service project."
The Department worked with the Waltham Land Trust, whose mission is to create a legacy of land conservation in Waltham by promoting, protecting, restoring, and acquiring open space.
"Having a large group of enthusiastic volunteers like the athletes and staff of Brandeis was an amazing experience," said Sonja Wadman, the Executive Director of the Waltham Land Trust. "It was fantastic and super satisfying to remove such a large amount of trash and invasive plants from multiple locations across Waltham. Our open spaces love The Judges!"
This was Brandeis's second Day of Service of the 2021-22 Academic Year. Last November, the Judges helped out local organization Cradles To Crayons.
Departmental Day of Giving - Waltham Land Trust
