Emerald Necklace

The Emerald Necklace is a historic network of parks in Boston, designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted in the late 19th century. Spanning approximately 1,100 acres, it connects several neighborhoods through a series of interconnected green spaces, including Boston Common, the Public Garden, the Back Bay Fens, the Riverway, Jamaica Pond, the Arnold Arboretum, and Franklin Park. 

Tree Planting and Maintenance Efforts

Maintaining the health and beauty of the Emerald Necklace's tree canopy is a priority for the Emerald Necklace Conservancy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing these parks. Their initiatives include:

• Tree Pruning and Care: In January 2024, the Conservancy partnered with Bartlett Tree Experts to begin the second seven-year tree pruning cycle across the entire Emerald Necklace park system. This work, conducted during the trees' dormant winter period, aims to improve tree structure, overall health, and safety by removing dead branches. 

• Youth Leadership Program (YLP) Tree Planting: On Arbor Day, the Conservancy collaborates with the Boston Parks and Recreation Department and local youth programs to plant new trees. For example, on April 29, 2022, participants planted 10 new trees near the Franklin Park Zoo, engaging youth in environmental stewardship. 

• Community Engagement: The Conservancy organizes volunteer tree planting events, such as those at Pinebank Field overlooking Jamaica Pond, to involve the community in maintaining and enhancing the park's green spaces. 

Challenges and Restoration Efforts

The Emerald Necklace faces challenges such as invasive pests and diseases affecting tree health. For instance, the Asian Hemlock Woolly Adelgid has been detrimental to Eastern Hemlocks in the area. 

Additionally, the Muddy River, which flows through several parks in the Emerald Necklace, has undergone restoration to improve water quality and habitat, including planting 230 trees as part of Phase 1 of the project. 

Getting Involved

The Emerald Necklace Conservancy welcomes community involvement through volunteer opportunities, educational programs, and events. Participating in tree planting and maintenance activities is a meaningful way to contribute to the preservation of this historic park system.

The Emerald Necklace Conservancy's 2025 Muddy River Cleanup will take place on Saturday, April 26. This annual volunteer event helps maintain and restore the Emerald Necklace, Boston's largest park system. 

For more information on upcoming events and volunteer opportunities, visit the Emerald Necklace Conservancy's official website