The Emerald Necklace Conservancy

Tour: Evening Garden Stroll
2023-06-29 17:30 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Shattuck Visitor Center, 125 The Fenway, Boston, MA, 02115, United States
Summer blooms, scented gardens, and a leisurely stroll all combine to make this guided walk of the Kelleher Rose Garden and Fenway Victory Gardens the perfect antidote to the workday!

Tuesdays with Roses
2023-06-27 17:30 - 19:30, 2023-06-20 17:30 - 19:30, 2023-06-13 17:30 - 19:30, 2023-06-06 17:30 - 19:30 | Kelleher Rose Garden, Back Bay Fens, Boston, MA, 02115
Join Emerald Necklace Conservancy staff and volunteers in the Kelleher Rose Garden to deadhead and prune roses and to weed the rose beds and borders. Training and tools are provided.
Registration is required in order to participate. Those who register will automatically receive an email with further details, including the necessary waiver to sign and specific information on where to meet and what to expect on the day of the event.
Please email volunteer@emeraldnecklace.org with inquiries on this event or other volunteer opportunities.

BAMS Fest
2023-06-24 12:00 - 21:00 | Franklin Park Playstead, Circuit Drive, Boston, MA, 02121, United States
This summer, the Emerald Necklace Conservancy partners with local organizations to expand and amplify some of the parks’ most exciting events, continuing with BAMS Fest on June 12-23!

Visit the Franklin Park Playstead for BAMS Fest, Boston’s fastest-growing cultural event emphasizing Black and Brown voices, culture and artistry!
The Emerald Necklace Conservancy’s collaboration and support of BAMS Fest is made possible by Verizon.

Charlesgate Park Tour
2023-06-22 15:00 - 17:00, 2023-06-07 14:00 - 16:00, 2023-05-25 15:00 - 17:00, 2023-05-15 15:00 - 17:00, 2023-04-27 13:00 - 15:00, 2023-04-14 12:00 - 14:00, 2023-03-18 12:00 - 14:00 | “The Grove” at Charlesgate Park, 4 Charlesgate East, Boston, MA, 02115
Join the Emerald Necklace Conservancy for a tour of Charlesgate Park!
Charlesgate is the start of Frederick Law Olmsted’s Emerald Necklace. We hope you’ll join us to learn about the park’s history, as well as present restoration efforts designed to repair park access issues, improve the water quality of Muddy River and create new park amenities.

President's Walking Tour of the Emerald Necklace
2023-06-18 09:00 - 13:30 | Shattuck Picnic Grove, Circuit Drive, Boston, 02124
Lace up your walking shoes and join us for our annual walk through Frederick Law Olmsted’s entire linear park masterpiece! Conservancy President Karen Mauney-Brodek will lead a 5.5-mi walk from Franklin Park to Charlesgate Park.
NOTE: Due to inclement weather, this event has been postponed to the rain date of Sunday, June 18.
Take in the sights, sounds and the sheer scale of the Emerald Necklace on this special annual walk. We will make brief stops along the way to take in the scenery and learn about this historic parkland and the Conservancy’s current work to restore, maintain and improve these greenspaces while championing better parks access for all. Registration required; sign up below.
What to Bring:
– Refillable water bottle with water
– Lunch and/or snacks
– Hat
– Sunscreen

Important Info:
– Dress in layers
– Wear comfortable walking shoes
– This is a “light rain or shine” event. In case of extreme weather, it will be rescheduled to Sunday, June 18. In the event of cancellation or postponement, notification will be shared via email on Friday, June 16.
– There will be brief stops along the way for lunch, snacks, water and restroom breaks. Most time will be spent walking.

Fenway Porchfest Tour: Historic Treasures of the Back Bay Fens
2023-06-10 13:00 - 14:30 | Shattuck Visitor Center, 125 The Fenway, Boston, MA, 02115, United States
What do a 17th-century Japanese Temple Bell, a bridge made of Roxbury puddingstone, and a tree once thought extinct have in common? They all reside in the Back Bay Fens. Learn about these and other treasures on a guided walking tour of the Back Bay Fens that is sure to bring out the history detective in you!
Registration required: sign up below!

Fenway Porchfest
2023-06-10 12:00 - 16:30 | Shattuck Visitor Center, 125 The Fenway, Boston, MA, 02115, United States
This summer, the Emerald Necklace Conservancy partners with local organizations to expand and amplify some of the parks’ most exciting events, starting with Fenway Porchfest on June 10!
Click here for the full Fenway Porchfest schedule and site map!
Visit the Shattuck Visitor Center for live music curated by Cambridge Hip-Hop, lawn games, a guided tour and more!
Music schedule:

12:00pm – 12:30pm – Event starts, playlist introduction
12:30pm – 12:50pm – Featured performer, Amanda Shae
12:50pm – 1:00pm – Announcements/Thank you’s
1:00pm – 1:40pm – Live band cypher 1
1:40 – 2:00pm – Featured performer, Sassy D’estany
2:00pm – 2:40pm – Live band cypher 2
2:40pm – 3:00pm – Featured performer, Kae Alayah
3:00pm – 3:40 – Featured producer, Flowttiglio
3:40pm – 4:30 – Band Jam

Fenway Porchfest 2023 is organized by Fenway Alliance, Fenway Community Development Corporation, and Fenway Community Center.
The Emerald Necklace Conservancy’s participation in Fenway Porchfest is supported by Verizon and Mission Hill / Fenway Neighborhood Trust.

Second Saturdays: Volunteer Stewardship in Franklin Park
2023-06-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Valley Gates, Franklin Park, Boston, MA, 02130
Join Emerald Necklace Conservancy staff and volunteers with land stewardship work in the Emerald Necklace parks on Saturday, June 10! We will be working in Franklin Park.
Registration is required in order to participate in this event. Those who register will automatically receive an email with further details, including the necessary waivers to sign and specific information on where to meet and what to expect on the day of the event.
Please email volunteer@emeraldnecklace.org with inquiries on this event or other volunteer opportunities.

Memorial Day
2019-05-27 | MA
In observation of the holiday, Conservancy offices at the Shattuck Visitor Center are closed.

Spring Fest 2023
2023-05-20 11:00 - 14:00 | Allerton Overlook, Olmsted Park, Brookline, MA, United States
Join Brookline DPW at Brookline’s second-annual Spring Fest on Saturday, May 20 at Olmsted Park, Allerton Overlook from 11 AM to 2 PM. Spring Fest 2023 is a call for environmental action and DPW urges you to join as we “Fight For Nature & Act For All.” Learn about how you can contribute to a climate-resilient community, and the exciting community work that’s being done by partners such as Brookline GreenSpace Alliance, Brookline Mothers Out Front, Brookline Rotary Club, the Emerald Necklace Conservancy and many others! The event will include environmental education activities, yard games, crafting stations, a scavenger hunt, food and music.

Scheduled Activities:

11:30 am Tree ID Walk
12:00 pm Nature Trivia
1:00 pm Allerton Overlook Spring Planting

We are excited to invite you to the upcoming Environmental Education and Action event in Olmsted Park, co-sponsored by Brookline GreenSpace Alliance and Brookline Mothers Out Front. The theme of the event, “Fight for Nature & Act for All,” reflects our shared commitment to protecting and preserving the natural beauty of our parks and open spaces, while also helping us achieve our climate action goals as a community. This event will feature a range of activities designed to promote sustainability and encourage attendees to take an active role in environmental stewardship. Join us in the spirit of Olmsted as we work to protect and enhance the natural environment.
Additional Information

The closest public transportation is Riverway Station and Bus 66.
We are striving to make this a zero waste event. We kindly ask that you please bring a refillable water bottle with you.

Party in the Park 2023
2023-05-17 11:00 - 14:00 | Franklin Park, Boston
We are thrilled to welcome you back to the Party in the Park Luncheon on May 17, 2023!
Purchase your sponsorship today!
Explore sponsorship benefits and here.

Annual Fenway Guided Bird Walk with Nature Man Mike
2023-05-14 07:30 | Back Bay Fens, 100 Park Drive, Boston, MA, 02215, United States
Join the Fenway Civic Association for its annual Bird Walk in the Back Bay Fens! Learn more at FenwayCivic.org

Second Saturdays: Volunteer Stewardship in the Back Bay Fens
2023-05-13 10:00 - 13:00 | Shattuck Visitor Center, 125 The Fenway, Boston, MA, 02115, United States
Join Emerald Necklace Conservancy staff and volunteers with land stewardship work in the Emerald Necklace parks on Saturday, May 13! We will be working in the Back Bay Fens.
Registration is required in order to participate in this event. Those who register will automatically receive an email with further details, including the necessary waivers to sign and specific information on where to meet and what to expect on the day of the event.
Please email volunteer@emeraldnecklace.org with inquiries on this event or other volunteer opportunities.

Forest Bathing Walk
2023-05-13 10:00 - 12:00 | Franklin Park, Boston
Experience the healing benefits of The Emerald Necklace on a Forest Bathing Walk.
Discover one of Boston’s forested gems on this slow-paced guided therapeutic combination of leisurely walking, sitting, and observation. This is a chance to unplug, slow down, and de-stress through a series of gentle sensory-opening invitations that welcome us to deepen our connection with nature.
Forest Bathing is inspired by Shinrin-Yoku, a term coined in Japan in the 1980’s and there has been years’ worth of research and studies done demonstrating how the practice is an effective form of preventative healthcare and treatment for many stress-related illnesses. There is a long list of proven health benefits from increased cerebral blood flow to stronger immune defenses.
Tam Willey of Toadstool Walks is a Certified Forest Therapy Guide who believes the practice of Forest Therapy can deepen and broaden our relationships and guides Forest Bathing Walks for all.
Registration is required; sign up below:

Demystifying the Muddy: 2023 Annual Meeting of the Emerald Necklace Conservancy
2023-04-27 18:00 - 19:30 | MA
Delve into the role of the Muddy River as it runs through the Emerald Necklace and empties into the Charles River, and learn about the importance of a healthy watershed for greenspaces and the communities that depend on them.
On Thursday, April 27, join the Emerald Necklace Conservancy for our virtual 2023 Annual Meeting, all about the Muddy River—the central waterway of the Emerald Necklace linear park system—and the year of achievements that your support made possible!
Conservancy President Karen Mauney-Brodek will share highlights of our accomplishments in 2022, before being joined by guest speakers Thomas Green, Tribal Council Member of the Massachusett Tribe at Ponkapoag, Kate England, Director of Green Infrastructure for the City of Boston, and Bob Delhome, Founder and President of Charter Contracting Company—currently at work on the Muddy River Restoration Project. Kate and Bob will dive into the importance of a clean and healthy Muddy River for the plant and animal species who call it home alongside the dozens of neighborhoods that make up its watershed, and look ahead to the project’s long-term impacts.

The Muddy River Restoration Project: 2023 Annual Meeting of the MMOC
2023-04-26 18:00 - 20:30 | Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, 465 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, United States
Register Here

Join the MMOC for a celebration of this historic environmental revitalization achievement as it nears completion. Featuring presentation from Federal, State and Municipal partners, the event will also mark the birthday of visionary landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, whose urban greenspace designs have guided all aspects of the Project.

2023 Muddy River Cleanup
2023-04-22 10:00 - 12:00 | MA
We hope you will join us for this year’s Muddy River Cleanup!
The Muddy River Cleanup is a part of the Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup; this event takes place throughout the Charles River Watershed and builds on a national effort as part of American Rivers’ National River Cleanup® which, to date, has removed over 25 million pounds of trash from America’s waterways. From 2016 to 2019, the Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup was recognized by American Rivers for the Most Pounds of Trash Collected and Most Volunteers Mobilized.​
The Charles River Cleanup brings together over 3,000 volunteers each year to pick up litter, remove invasive species and assist with park maintenance along all 80 miles of the Charles River. Residents are drawn to the popular Charles River Cleanup from a desire to give back to their community while enjoying the beauty and wildlife along the river. Volunteers hold onto the connections they establish during this day of stewardship by returning to the Charles to exercise, play and enjoy nature throughout the year.
For corporate volunteer groups of 100+ people, please contact Volunteer and Field Maintenance Coordinator Alyx Britton at abritton@emeraldnecklace.org to inquire about pricing. For non-profit volunteer groups seeking to sign up, please contact volunteer@emeraldnecklace.org.
Registration has closed for this event. Sign up for our next volunteer cleanup on May 13 here!
Keep an eye on our Volunteer page for more cleanups this summer, and stay connected by signing up for our monthly eNewsletter!

Patriots' Day
2019-04-15 | MA

Charlesgate Park Tour
2023-03-23 16:00 - 17:00 | “The Grove” at Charlesgate Park, 4 Charlesgate East, Boston, MA, 02115
Join the Emerald Necklace Conservancy for a tour of Charlesgate Park!
Charlesgate is the start of Frederick Law Olmsted’s Emerald Necklace. We hope you’ll join us to learn about the park’s history, as well as present restoration efforts designed to repair park access issues, improve the water quality of Muddy River and create new park amenities.
Note: this is an abridged one-hour tour of Charlesgate Park.

Winter Wellness Walk
2023-03-19 13:00 - 14:00 | Arnold Arboretum, Arborway, Boston, MA, 02130, United States
REGISTER HERE
Stay connected to nature and enjoy the health benefits of a winter walk at the Arnold Arboretum. Docents will cover seasonal interest, Arboretum history, and our plant collections.
Please dress for the weather, including footwear. Roads are plowed but not salted and walks may venture onto woodland paths. After your tour, warm up with a hot drink and further conversation with your docent and Arboretum Visitor Staff.

This walk is limited to 20, please register only if you plan to come. Register just one person per form. Meet in the Visitor Center in the Hunnewell building. We will contact you for weather cancellations.
https://arboretum.harvard.edu/visit/directions-to-the-hunnewell-visitor-center/
For more information, call 617 384-5209.

Tour: Frederick Law Olmsted and the Arnold Arboretum
2023-03-18 10:30 - 12:00 | Arnold Arboretum, Arborway, Boston, MA, 02130, United States
Frederick Law Olmsted, considered the father of landscape architecture, designed some 500 public spaces in North America. The Arnold Arboretum, the only arboretum he designed, is a National Historic Landmark and a model for others around the world. Join Arboretum docent Bill Beizer on a tour through the landscape. Learn about the elements of the Arboretum that best reflect Olmsted’s philosophy and approach to landscape design. Please register here.
