Restoration Projects

The Conservancy advocates to preserve and protect the special resources of the Olmsted park system and to recapture its earlier greatness. Along with our Park Overseers - representatives of more than 20 partner organizations – we are working to restore and maintain the parks.

Casey Overpass
Muddy River Restoration Project
Olmsted Park Woodlands
Planting the Slope at Mother's Rest

Casey Overpass

Alternative designs for the Casey Overpass in Jamaica Plain have now been narrowed to two; a single bridge and an at-grade, medium median alternative. Drawings illustrating the alternative solutions will be shown at the upcoming meeting along with animations of each design and all related traffic information. By mid-December a final alternative is to be selected, which the consultants will proceed to take into the 25% design drawing phase.

The Emerald Necklace Conservancy supports the at-grade solution as a means of knitting back together the elements of the Emerald Necklace that have long been disrupted by the Casey Overpass. In July we wrote a letter to Mass DOT indicating our support of this alternative. Read our letter here.

In October an editorial in the Jamaica Plain Gazette also lent its support to an at-grade solution. Click here to go to massDOT for more info about the project.

Muddy River Flow Control, Water Quality, Habitat Enhancement, and Historic Preservation Project

Overseen by Hugh Mattison and the Maintenance and Management Oversight Committee (MMOC) for the Muddy River Restoration Project.

Restoring the Muddy River to its original state. Bridal Path on the Riverway in 1895. From MMOC's historic photo collection.

In 1996 and 1998, the Muddy River experienced two major flood events, causing massive damages to homes, institutions, and the MBTA totaling over $90 million. This prompted the Muddy River Restoration Project, which today is a joint effort by the Army Corps of Engineers, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the City of Boston and the Town of Brookline. The Emerald Necklace Conservancy spearheaded the collaboration that resulted in this important wetlands restoration and is an active participant in the oversight committee that also includes a number of other organizations important to moving this project forward.

The goals of the project include: improving flood control; improving water quality; enhancement of aquatic and riparian habitat; rehabilitation of landscape and historic resources; and implementation of Best Management Practices.

Construction of Phase 1 of the Project is set to begin this year, with the daylighting of the Muddy River at the Sears Rotary and reconfiguration of the roadways in the area between Avenue Louis Pasteur, Brookline Avenue, and the Riverway. Improvements in pedestrian and bicycle access will also be made as a result of changes to vehicular traffic in the Sears rotary. The work has begun with utilities relocation happening this spring in the vicinity of the Landmarks Center. To see a powerpoint detailing this work please visit: http://www.mass.gov/dcr/news/publicmeetings/parkwaysmaterials.htm and http://www.mass.gov/dcr/news/publicmeetings/materials/parkways/muddyriverfaq2011-3-16.pdf

Click here to access MMOC's website and to learn more about the Muddy River Restoration Project

On MMOC's website, you will find resources for additional information, upcoming meetings and volunteer opportunities, graphics, maps, photos and further contact information.

Olmsted Park Woodlands

In 1886, Olmsted wrote that "mainly the value of a park depends on the disposition and quality of its woods, and the relations of its woods to other natural features."

Our work preserving the woodlands for future generations moved forward last year in a 3-acre acre demonstration project just south of Leverett Pond where volunteers are removing invasive plants and rejuvenating the soil. In 2008, we began planting to regenerate the forest canopy and to enrich the understory. Lessons learned in this area will guide future work throughout the woodlands of the Emerald Necklace.

Recent 'Woodlands' Grants:

Re-planting the Slope Near Mother's Rest

Steep slopes pose special challenges. For the slope near Boylston Bridge in the Back Bay Fens, the Conservancy is working on a new planting scheme that will be beautiful yet tough, will prevent erosion, and will be low-maintenance. A detailed maintenance plan will ensure that plants get the care they need while they get established.