An Emerald Evening In

Honoring Mayor Martin J. Walsh

On October 14, 2020, the Emerald Necklace Conservancy hosted its signature biennial fundraiser, Emerald Evening, in celebration of the Conservancy’s advocacy and improvements in and for the Emerald Necklace. The universality of parks and their critical role in individual and collective health has never been more pronounced than this year, and we are proud to shine a spotlight on the 1,100 acres of Emerald Necklace greenspace that have been serving Boston and Brookline residents for over 100 years, and the organization that stewards and advocates for this park system.

This year’s Emerald Evening took place virtually – An Emerald Evening In. Guests were treated to a networking cocktail reception and an exciting program highlighting the work of the Emerald Necklace Conservancy and the vital role parks play in our lives – as green infrastructure, vibrant public spaces and essential elements of healthy living. We recognized City of Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh with the Olmsted Award of Excellence for his administration’s significant capital investments in the Emerald Necklace and invited participants to delve into park topics such as caring for an urban tree canopy, green infrastructure and spatial justice. The evening also featured a raffle, trivia questions, a special musical performance and a custom meal curated by local businesses Curds & Co. and The Urban Grape.

Proceeds from An Emerald Evening In support park restoration, activation and advocacy efforts for the Emerald Necklace so that it can continue to serve Bostonians for hundreds of years to come.

If you missed An Emerald Evening In, no problem! Experience the full event on YouTube.

The Olmsted Award of Excellence

The Olmsted Award of Excellence is awarded biennially to an individual or organization that demonstrates an unwavering determination to carry out Frederick Law Olmsted’s vision and commitment to urban parks. Prior recipients include long-time Conservancy volunteer and Olmsted Tree Society founder Janet Atkins (2018), Conservancy Board Chair Benjamin Taylor (2016), former Massachusetts Governor and Conservancy Life Trustee Michael Dukakis (2014) and parks advocate Sarah Freeman (2013).

Thank You to our Sponsors

Emerald Champion

Sherry and Alan Levanthal Family Foundation

Conservancy Leader

Geoffrey S. Caraboolad

Charter Contracting Company

Marjorie and Nicholas Greville

Benjamin and Kate Taylor
 

Park Steward

Sarah Freeman, Arborway Coalition

Reed Hildebrand

Sasaki

Stoss Landscape Urbanism

Park Friend

Amy Auerbach and Leo Swift

Brooke and Jeff Cook

James and Stephanie Cornell

First Republic Bank

Harvard Medical School

John Iappini and Carole Mathieson

Liberty Mutual Insurance

MASCO

Dr. Barbara Millen & Family

Red Sox Foundation

Marilyn Ray Smith

Anonymous

An Emerald Evening In

October 14, 2020
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Olmsted Award of Excellence

Press Release

For more Party in the Park information, contact Sharon Rice.

Jared Bowen, GBH, welcomes guests live from the Curley House.

Pam Beale of the Charlesgate Alliance joins other park advocates to help present the Olmsted Award of Excellence to Mayor Walsh by sharing the impacts of some of his Administration’s historic investments.

Sarah Freeman, Arborway Coalition

Marie Fukuda, Fenway Civic Association

Rickie Thompson, Franklin Park Coalition

Gerry Wright, Friends of Jamaica Pond