Lilac Sunday has been celebrated at the Arnold Arboretum since 1908. Tours of the lilacs and family activities are available from 10:00am to 3:00pm on Sunday, May 13. Picnicking is permitted on this day only, but food must be brought in to the Arboretum—no food vendors on site. The landscape is open from dawn until dusk.
Led by an Emerald Necklace Conservancy docent, this tour will traverse the footprint of the restored Muddy River in the Back Bay Fens. You’ll learn about the project that brought portions of the Muddy River above ground and hear the remarkable story of how a piece of Olmsted’s landscape was reclaimed as parkland after spending decades paved over and used as a parking lot.
The unofficial start to summer! Make it a day to enjoy your parks. The Shattuck Visitor Center will be closed in observation of the holiday.
Volunteer to help care for the roses. Training, tools and gloves supplied. Pre-registration required.
Save the date for the 15th Anniversary Party in the Park Luncheon to benefit the Justine Mee Liff Fund for the Emerald Necklace.
Learn to see and appreciate the art of Frederick Law Olmsted’s landscape design through a drawing experience at Olmsted Park!
Volunteer to help care for the roses. Training, tools and gloves supplied. Pre-registration required.
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.
Help implement a comprehensive woodlands management program and promote a healthier forest through activities ranging from removing invasive plant species to conditioning forest soil. Pre-registration required.
Held every year on the Saturday after Mother’s Day, the festival brings out more than 1,000 people to fly kites, ride bikes, learn to ride a bike, and picnic. With food trucks, kids’ bikes to “rent” for free, affordable kites for sale, bike mechanics on site, and the beautiful scenery of Franklin Park, this event is not to be missed!
