Engaging with our natural environment
In the spirit of thanks and celebration of Indigenous Peoples Month, we offer an initial collection of natural places in and around Malden and community intitiatives you can engage with to care for, restore, protect, cultivate or enjoy the Malden’s natural environment.
Area Trail Maps and Guides
Nature-rich Areas and Trails
Fellsmere Pond
Fellsmere Pond is one of Malden's true gems and provides residents with a quiet retreat. The historic Fellsmere Park, established in 1893, features a walking path, pond with a fountain, open grass and wooded areas. It is used in the winter for sledding and even ice skating if cold enough. Access and parking on Fellsmere Road off of Fellsway East.
Knox Memorial Park
Technically in Melrose but borders Malden in Ward 6, off Swain's Pond Road. Trailhead is across from Flagg Acres. This trail hugs Swain's Pond and offers a rock top view.
Flagg Acres
Technically in Melrose but borders Malden in Ward 6, off Swain's Pond Road. There is a small parking lot to accommodate a few cars. It hugs Towners Pond.
Pine Banks
Pine Banks offers a number of walking/hiking trails of various length and terrain. It has a picnic area, kids play area, fields, and a pond.
Forest Dale Cemetary Trail
A trail through the wooded area up to a hilly vista. Trailhead up over a hill near the pond in the cemetary.
River's Edge
A beautiful mixed use area alongside the Malden River, owned by Preotle Lane & Associates but open for the public to enjoy. Trails, restored wetlands, Tufts Boat House, a Dog park and more. Check out the Rivers Edge Cafe during open hours. During nice whether one can eat on the patio.
High Rock
A small park and short trail leading up to a rock with a view of Boston. Nestled in Ward 6 with access off of Rockingham Road.
Waitts Mount
Waitt's Mount is the highest point in Malden, Massachusetts with expansive views of the Boston skyline. Access onto Leonard Street / Waitts Mount Park from Tremont Street in Malden. Map.
Initiatives/Groups
- Community Preservation Commission – The Community Preservation Act (Massachusetts General Laws chapter 44b, or “CPA”) was signed into law on September 14, 2000. Malden adopted the CPA in November 2015 by voting to approve a 1% local surcharge on property taxes which is matched annually via the state’s CPA fund. CPA Funds may be spent on capital improvement projects pertaining to Historic Preservation, Affordable Housing, and Open Space/Outdoor Recreation. CPA Funds are managed by the Malden CPC.
- Conservation Commission – The Conservation Commission is tasked with administering the performance standards of the Wetlands Protection Act (Mass. General Laws c. 131, Section 40), the Rivers Protection Act, and preserving the interests of conservation land.
- Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Commission -The Commission on Energy Efficiency shall work to create and maintain a healthy community by proposing measurable solutions to reduce the environmental impact of municipal facilities and operations by recommending energy efficient modifications and improvements to proposed and existing facilities, encouraging the preservation of green spaces and clean air and promote public awareness of sustainability options.
- Malden Community Electricity – Malden Community Electricity is a program in development by the City to provide residents and businesses more electricity supply options and more renewable energy. The program is a City-vetted alternative to National Grid’s default supply and other third party electricity suppliers.
- Malden Community Garden– Malden residents have the opportunity to adopt a planting bed for just $30 per year! In addition, gardeners must sign a gardener’s agreement and volunteer 4 hours per season to help keep the communal areas well kept. Gardeners will provide their own plants or seeds and the water will be supplied by the City.
- Malden Grows Facebook Group – Malden Grows is a place where Maldonians can share seeds, cuttings, and plant knowledge.
If you know of other resources, feel free to email. We will add to this incomplete list.