Friends of the Public Garden

Friends of the Public Garden is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of the Boston Public Garden, Boston Common, and the Commonwealth Avenue Mall in Boston, Massachusetts. The organization was founded in 1970 by a group of concerned citizens, including Henry Lee, Julia Child, and William O. Taylor, who were passionate about protecting the city's historic parks and green spaces, such as the Esplanade and the Rose Kennedy Greenway. With the support of the City of Boston and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, the organization has worked tirelessly to restore and maintain these iconic spaces, which are also home to famous landmarks like the Make Way for Ducklings statue and the Swan Boats. The organization's efforts have been recognized by the National Park Service and the Trust for Public Land, among others, including the Boston Landmarks Commission and the Massachusetts Historical Commission.

● History

The history of the organization dates back to the 1970s, when a group of concerned citizens, including Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. and John F. Kennedy, came together to address the decline of the city's parks and green spaces, such as the Back Bay Fens and the Arnold Arboretum. With the support of the Boston City Council and the Massachusetts State Legislature, the organization was able to secure funding and resources to restore and maintain the parks, which are also home to famous events like the Boston Marathon and the Head of the Charles Regatta. The organization's early efforts were focused on the Boston Public Garden, which had fallen into disrepair, and the Boston Common, which was in need of restoration, with the help of organizations like the Boston Preservation Alliance and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The organization's work was also influenced by the Urban Park Movement and the Conservation Movement, which were led by figures like Frederick Law Olmsted and Theodore Roosevelt.

● Mission and Activities

The mission of the organization is to protect and preserve the Boston Public Garden, Boston Common, and the Commonwealth Avenue Mall for future generations, in partnership with organizations like the Boston Natural Areas Network and the Massachusetts Audubon Society. The organization's activities include advocating for the parks, raising funds for restoration and maintenance projects, and educating the public about the importance of these green spaces, which are also home to famous institutions like the Boston Public Library and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. The organization also works closely with the City of Boston and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department to ensure that the parks are well-maintained and accessible to all, with the support of organizations like the Boston Foundation and the United Way of Massachusetts Bay. The organization's efforts have been recognized by the American Planning Association and the National Recreation and Park Association, among others, including the Boston Society of Landscape Architects and the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects.

● Boston Common

Boston Common is the oldest public park in the country, dating back to 1634, and is a historic landmark that has played a significant role in the city's history, including the American Revolution and the Civil War. The park has been the site of many famous events, including speeches by Martin Luther King Jr. and John F. Kennedy, and is home to famous landmarks like the Soldiers and Sailors Monument and the Boston Massacre Memorial. The organization has worked to restore and maintain the park, which is also home to the Central Burying Ground and the Tremont Street Subway, with the support of organizations like the Boston Historical Society and the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities. The park is also a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and is surrounded by famous institutions like the Boston Athenaeum and the Old State House.

● Public Garden

The Boston Public Garden is a 24-acre park that is home to the famous Swan Boats and the Make Way for Ducklings statue, as well as a variety of plant and animal life, including the Boston Public Garden's botanical garden and the Public Garden's lake. The park is also a popular destination for weddings and other events, and is surrounded by famous landmarks like the Arlington Street Church and the New Old South Church. The organization has worked to restore and maintain the park, which is also home to the George Washington Statue and the Ethel Kennedy Sculpture, with the support of organizations like the Garden Club of America and the American Horticultural Society. The park is also a popular destination for nature lovers and photographers, and is home to a variety of bird species, including the Canadian goose and the Mallard duck.

● Membership and Support

The organization relies on the support of its members and donors to continue its work, including individuals like David Ortiz and Dennis Leary, as well as organizations like the Boston Red Sox Foundation and the New England Patriots Foundation. Members and donors can support the organization by making a donation, becoming a member, or volunteering their time, with the help of organizations like the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and the Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Boston. The organization also offers a variety of events and programs, including guided tours and educational programs, which are led by experts like Dan Shaughnessy and Seth Moulton. The organization's members and donors are also recognized for their support, including through the Boston Common Visitor Center and the Public Garden's donor recognition wall.

● Conservation Efforts

The organization is committed to conservation efforts, including the restoration of historic landscapes and the protection of natural habitats, with the support of organizations like the Nature Conservancy and the World Wildlife Fund. The organization has worked to restore the Boston Public Garden's botanical garden and the Public Garden's lake, as well as the Boston Common's wetlands and the Commonwealth Avenue Mall's tree canopy. The organization has also partnered with other organizations, including the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, to protect and preserve the city's natural resources, including the Charles River and the Neponset River. The organization's conservation efforts have been recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Wildlife Federation, among others, including the Boston Natural Areas Network and the Massachusetts Audubon Society.