Emerald Necklace facts for kids

• Boston Common
• Public Garden
• Commonwealth Avenue Mall
• The Fens
• Forsyth Park
• The Riverway
• Olmsted Park
• Jamaica Pond
• Jamaicaway
• Arborway
• Arnold Arboretum
• Franklin Park

_div col end_

Some parts of the Emerald Necklace were around even before the whole plan to connect them. These parks are great for outdoor fun. They are also important for nature. They act as "urban wilds," which means they are natural areas within the city. Many migratory birds use them as nesting spots. The parks also help make the air cleaner for the city.

How the Emerald Necklace Was Created

Ward's Pond in Olmsted Park

The Fens from a footbridge, with the Prudential building in the background

Frederick Law Olmsted designed this long system of parks. His goal was to link Boston Common, which is very old, and the Boston Public Garden (created in 1837) to Franklin Park. Franklin Park was meant to be a large "country park" for everyone to enjoy.

The project started around 1878. The first step was to clean up the marshy areas that became the Back Bay and The Fens. In 1880, Olmsted suggested including the Muddy River in the park plan. This river flowed from Jamaica Pond through the Fens.

The river was dug out to create a winding stream. It was then directed into the Charles River. The area around the river became the long park you see today. Olmsted's idea was to have a park with walking paths along a gentle stream. This stream would connect many small ponds. This vision was finished by the early 1900s. The parks designed by Olmsted, from Storrow Drive south to Franklin Park, are listed together on the National Register of Historic Places. They are known as the Olmsted Park System.

Keeping the Parks Beautiful

Over the past ten years, a lot of money has been spent to improve the Emerald Necklace. The City of Boston and the Town of Brookline have invested almost $60 million. These improvements include better pathways, new plants, and clearer signs. Bridges have been repaired, and old boardwalks and buildings have been restored. Some areas, like the woodlands in Franklin Park and Olmsted Park, still need more work. They have been neglected for over 50 years.

Many groups work hard to protect and care for the Emerald Necklace. These include the Emerald Necklace Conservancy, the Friends of the Public Garden, and the Franklin Park Coalition. They help maintain, restore, and support the parks. They do this through their staff, donations, and the help of volunteers.

Where Does the Emerald Necklace Go?

The Emerald Necklace starts near Boston's Downtown Crossing. It then follows the border between Boston and Brookline. After that, it curves into Jamaica Plain. The part farthest from its beginning is in Roslindale, near the southern edge of the Arnold Arboretum. From there, it turns back up into Roxbury and Dorchester.

Olmsted's first plan was for a "U"-shaped necklace that would end at Boston Harbor. The last part, called the Dorchesterway, was never built.

Who Manages the Emerald Necklace Parks?

Different groups are in charge of different parts of the Emerald Necklace:

• The Arnold Arboretum is managed by Harvard University.
• The western banks of Olmsted Park and the Riverway are managed by Brookline Parks & Open Space.
• Most of the Emerald Necklace is cared for by Boston Parks and Recreation. A small part belongs to the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.

The Emerald Necklace Conservancy

The Emerald Necklace Conservancy is a private non-profit group. It was started in 1998. Its main goal is to restore and improve the Emerald Necklace for everyone. The Conservancy works with its partners to care for the 1,100 acres of parkland. This land stretches from Boston's Back Bay through Brookline and Jamaica Plain to Franklin Park in Dorchester.

They focus on several areas:

• Speaking up for the parks.
• Helping with maintenance and restoration.
• Providing education and access to the parks.
• Encouraging people to help care for the parks through volunteer and youth programs.

The Conservancy has a board of directors. This board includes people from both private and public groups. Their work adds to the efforts of their public partners. These partners are the Boston Parks & Recreation Department, Brookline Parks and Open Space, and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. With their partners, staff, and many volunteers, the Conservancy works to keep Olmsted's historic parks safe. They want to make sure these parks continue to benefit everyone for many years.

The Conservancy offers many services to visitors. These include events, guided tours, and volunteer chances. They also have youth programs. The Emerald Necklace Conservancy's Shattuck Visitor Center is open all year. It's a place to learn about the parks and for the community to gather. The center is at 125 Fenway. It provides free maps, visitor information, and exhibits about the parks.

Future Plans for the Emerald Necklace

The Emerald Necklace Parks Master Plan was finished in 1989 and updated in 2001. This plan guides how the parks are developed and cared for.

The parks have often had problems with flooding from the Muddy River. The Muddy River Restoration Project is working to fix this. They will remove dirty mud from the river. They will also make other big improvements. This will help uncover the river and make it look better. It will also improve its ability to control floods. The first part of this project started in spring 2009.

Another challenge for the parks is the spread of Phragmites. This is a type of tall grass that is an invasive species. It grows very quickly and can take over areas. This makes it harder to keep Olmsted's original design for the park. Many conservation efforts are ongoing to control this plant's spread.