The Walden Woods Project

Mission: The Walden Woods Project preserves the land, literature and legacy of Henry David Thoreau to foster an ethic of environmental stewardship and social responsibility. The Project achieves this mission through the integration of conservation, education, research and advocacy.

Founded in 1990 by recording artist Don Henley, the Project uses the land it has protected in Walden Woods to foster an ethic of environmental stewardship and social responsibility, both cornerstones of Thoreau’s philosophy.

Conservation: Preserving and protecting the landscapes of Walden Woods and Thoreau Country in recognition of their worldwide literary, historical and environmental significance, and their capacity to motivate others to identify, study and protect the Waldens that exist in their own communities.

Education: Providing innovative programs built on the philosophy of Henry David Thoreau and grounded in the land and historic resources of Walden Woods and Thoreau Country; programs that foster environmental literacy and social responsibility among students, educators and lifelong learners in the United States and around the world.

Research: Maintaining the rich collections housed in the archives and library for scholars, educators, students and life-long learners to advance their understanding of the literature and legacy of Henry David Thoreau.

Advocacy: The Walden Woods Project advocates for the preservation of historic Walden Woods and Thoreau Country in Concord and Lincoln, Massachusetts, and for the broader, global environment.