The Emerald Necklace Conservancy

Charlesgate Park Tour
2023-05-15 15:00 - 17:00, 2023-05-25 15:00 - 17:00, 2023-06-07 14:00 - 16:00, 2023-06-22 15:00 - 17:00, 2023-07-12 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | “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.

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.

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.

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

Tuesdays with Roses
2023-06-06 17:30 - 19:30, 2023-06-13 17:30 - 19:30, 2023-06-20 17:30 - 19:30, 2023-06-27 17:30 - 19:30, 2023-07-11 17:30 - 19:30, 2023-07-18 17:30 - 19:30, 2023-07-25 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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Tour: Evening Garden Stroll
2023-06-29 17:30 - 19:00 | 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!

Olmsted Summer Sundays with a Visiting Park Ranger
2023-07-02 10:00 - 16:00 | Shattuck Visitor Center, 125 The Fenway, Boston, MA, 02115, United States
Amid the Emerald Necklace parks designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, join park rangers from Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site in Brookline as they partner with the Conservancy to bring back a favorite summer program!
Stop by the Shattuck Visitor Center from 10AM to 4PM each Sunday this summer to meet a park ranger and learn about Olmsted’s “most important work,” the Emerald Necklace park system!
Olmsted Summer Sundays with a Visiting Park Ranger is an interpretive program by Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site hosted by the Emerald Necklace Conservancy.

Second Saturdays: Volunteer Stewardship in Pinebank Promontory
2023-07-08 10:00 - 12:00 | James Michael Curley House, 350 Jamaicaway, Boston, MA, 02130, United States
Join Emerald Necklace Conservancy staff and volunteers with land stewardship work in the Emerald Necklace parks on Saturday, July 8! We will be working in Pinebank Promontory overlooking Jamaica Pond.
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.

Tour: Historic Treasures of the Back Bay Fens
2023-07-15 10:00 - 11:30 | Shattuck Visitor Center, 125 The Fenway, Boston, MA, 02115, United States

Elma Lewis Playhouse in the Park:
2023-07-18 18:00 - 20:00 | Valley Gates, Franklin Park, Boston, MA, 02130
Presented by the Franklin Park Coalition
Honoring the legacy of pioneering arts educator Elma Lewis, Playhouse in the Park hosts local R&B, reggae and gospel artists every Tuesday night in the summer in Franklin Park!
July 18 Performer: Athene Wilson and Friends

Elma Lewis Playhouse in the Park
2023-07-25 18:00 - 20:00 | Valley Gates, Franklin Park, Boston, MA, 02130
Presented by the Franklin Park Coalition
Honoring the legacy of pioneering arts educator Elma Lewis, Playhouse in the Park hosts local R&B, reggae and gospel artists every Tuesday night in the summer in Franklin Park!
July 25 Performer: Perfect Example
