Growing Together
Honoring our Dedicated Volunteers
The Emerald Necklace thrives thanks to the passion, dedication, and generosity of the countless volunteers who help care for and champion these treasured green spaces year-round. Growing Together is an opportunity to honor the many individuals and groups who contribute their time and energy to the care and keeping of the Emerald Necklace parks in celebration with community members.
Growing Together: 2026
On March 10, the Emerald Necklace Conservancy welcomed community members to the historic James Michael Curley House. Guests gathered for a joyful morning of coffee, pastries, and appreciation. The event brought together long-time volunteers and first-time helpers alike, creating an atmosphere of gratitude, connection, and shared pride in the parks.
During the celebration, the Conservancy recognized outstanding volunteers with a series of special awards highlighting different forms of service and impact. These included the Evergreen Award, honoring long-standing volunteer commitment; the Seedling Award, recognizing rising volunteer stars; and the Four Seasons Award, celebrating those who contribute their time and care throughout the year.
Additional recognitions included the Park Steward, Community Canopy, Park Steward and Parks Champion Awards, each acknowledging exceptional contributions that help strengthen the parks and the community that surrounds them.
Each award reflects a different kind of contribution, but all of them speak to the same values: stewardship, community, and care for our shared spaces.
View our press release for more information on this important celebration.
2026 Volunteer Awards
- The Four Seasons Award: Sarah Freeman and Gerry Wright
- The Seedling Award: Tuesdays with Roses Volunteer (Name Withheld)
- The Community Canopy: RWA Wealth Partners (Special Recognition Michelle Knight)
- The Park Steward Award: Northeastern University Community Volunteers Program
- The Evergreen Award: Karen Weaver and JoAnn Robinson
- The Parks Champion Award: Franklin Park Defenders (Special Recognition Pam Jones and Melissa Hamel)
Event Gallery
Volunteer Awards
The Four Seasons Award is presented in recognition of exceptional, year-round commitment to the stewardship and preservation of the parks. It celebrates volunteers whose unwavering service across all seasons ensures that our green spaces remain vibrant, welcoming, and well cared for throughout the year.
The Seedling Award celebrates a new volunteer who has quickly taken root and made a meaningful impact. It recognizes someone who has already demonstrated exceptional promise through their enthusiasm, work ethic, and eagerness to serve—the kind of vibrant new growth that strengthens and enriches our mission.
The Community Canopy recognizes a group demonstrating the most significant collective contribute on to our parks.
The Park Steward Award is presented to the volunteer group whose dedication is reflected in their outstanding participation across the highest number of events in a single year.
The Evergreen Award recognizes many years of steadfast, reliable volunteer service. This year, the Conservancy recognizes Karin Weaver and JoAnn Robinson.
The Parks Champion Award recognizes individuals whose advocacy and leadership have helped advance the protection and long-term vitality of our parks.
