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Hike Boston: Ranger Led Hike

Hike Boston is a day-time hiking series where we invite you to join us for a walk in one of Boston's parks or urban wilds.

July 27, 2024
2024-07-27T11:00:00 2024-07-27T11:00:00

Boston Park Rangers, Urban Wilds staff, and Parks employees will provide formal and informal discussions or tours during the hikes. Some hikes may be more focused on taking a walk in the park, while others may be more informational. Hikes will explore different wilderness or park areas of Boston. Hikes will take place primarily on unpaved paths. Programs will last about one hour and length may vary.

Description: Join a Boston Park Ranger for a short walk, interpretive talk, or day hike and learn more about Boston's park system. Guided hikes and walks vary in length from .5 miles up to 4 miles. Depending on the length, they can last from 30 minutes up to 3 hours. All guided hikes and walks will begin at a predetermined location in the area in which they are offered. Restrooms and drinking water may or may not be available, come prepared with whatever you will need for the tour.

Topics and routes will vary depending on the location. Rangers will provide information on the natural and cultural history of the park throughout the walk or hike. These tours are offered in many areas of the city, including; Franklin Park, Jamaica Pond and Olmsted Park, The Back Bay Fens, and the Boston Common.

For more information, visit the Hike Boston home page.

July 27, 2024
2024-07-27T11:00:00 2024-07-27T11:00:00
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Wild Wednesday: Allandale Woods

Join us for an in-person hike for the Wild Wednesday series.

June 9, 2021
2021-06-09T15:00:00 - 2021-06-09T16:00:00

Come join us for a walk in the woods on Wednesdays throughout the summer. Hikes will be approximately one hour long for one to two miles in different wilderness areas of Boston.

Walks will be led by a Park Ranger or Boston Park employee and will include some interpretive programming and discussion of the park's unique attributes, flora, fauna, or historical topics.

Pre-registration is required and space is limited.

Register for the event

June 9, 2021
2021-06-09T15:00:00 - 2021-06-09T16:00:00
Last updated:

Wild Wednesday: Franklin Park

Update: Registration is now closed.

August 11, 2021
  • 3:00pm - 4:00pm
  • Franklin Park
    Boston,
  • Contact:
    Hike Leader
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Dorchester
    Jamaica Plain
    Roxbury
  • Posted:
2021-08-11T15:00:00 - 2021-08-11T16:00:00

Come join us for a walk in the woods on Wednesdays throughout the summer. Hikes will be approximately one hour long for one to two miles in different wilderness areas of Boston.

Walks will be led by a Park Ranger or Boston Park employee and will include some interpretive programming and discussion of the park's unique attributes, flora, fauna, or historical topics. The Franklin Park tour will focus on the ruins of the park.

Register for the event

August 11, 2021
  • 3:00pm - 4:00pm
  • Franklin Park
    Boston,
  • Contact:
    Hike Leader
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Dorchester
    Jamaica Plain
    Roxbury
  • Posted:
2021-08-11T15:00:00 - 2021-08-11T16:00:00
Last updated:

Community Clean Air Grant Webinar

Join us to ask any questions you may have about how to apply to the Community Clean Air grant.

May 6, 2021
2021-05-06T17:30:00 - 2021-05-06T18:30:00

The Air Pollution Control Commission administers programs that promote clean air. The Community Clean Air grant program will fund and bring visibility to community-driven projects that reduce air pollution and carbon emissions. The projects will help achieve Boston’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 and bring short-term benefits to our neighborhoods.

Do you have a question about your application? Do you need help applying?

Register here

May 6, 2021
2021-05-06T17:30:00 - 2021-05-06T18:30:00
Last updated:

Community Clean Air Grant Webinar

Join us to ask any questions you may have about how to apply to the Community Clean Air grant.

May 4, 2021
2021-05-04T09:00:00 - 2021-05-04T10:00:00

The Air Pollution Control Commission administers programs that promote clean air. This grant program will fund and bring visibility to community-driven projects that reduce air pollution and carbon emissions. The projects will help achieve Boston’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 and bring short-term benefits to our neighborhoods.

Do you have a question about your application? Do you need help applying?

Register here

May 4, 2021
2021-05-04T09:00:00 - 2021-05-04T10:00:00
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Earth Day cleanup equipment distribution

Celebrate Earth Day by giving back and cleaning up your park or urban wild!

April 22, 2021
  • 1:00pm - 3:00pm
  • Pierpont Road Franklin Park
    Boston, MA 02121
  • Contact:
    Parks@boston.gov
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Citywide
  • Posted:
2021-04-22T13:00:00 - 2021-04-22T15:00:00

Join the Boston Parks and Recreation Department and the Environment Department, with support provided by Home Depot, as we mark Earth Day with a self-guided cleanup. Stop by Franklin Park and pick up some equipment for a self-guided Earth Day cleanup in a park or urban wild of your choosing. We provide the equipment, you chose the park or urban wild.

Where: Pierpont Road in Franklin Park near Glenn Road.

What will be provided: Gloves, paper compost bags, plastic garbage bags, and safety instructions.

Remember: Volunteers should wear work clothes (long pants) and close-toed shoes (that you don’t mind getting wet or dirty). Bring your own hat, sunscreen, raincoat, or jacket depending on the weather, as well as snacks and water.

Rain date: None, may be canceled due to severe weather.

COVID-19 safety protocols:
  • This event is an equipment distribution for self guided cleanups. 
  • Face mask or covering is required for participants.
  • Physical distancing between parties is required.
  • Stay home if you feel sick.
  • Do not participate if you have shown signs or symptoms or had exposure to sick individuals within 14 days of the event.

Self-guided cleanup document

April 22, 2021
  • 1:00pm - 3:00pm
  • Pierpont Road Franklin Park
    Boston, MA 02121
  • Contact:
    Parks@boston.gov
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Citywide
  • Posted:
2021-04-22T13:00:00 - 2021-04-22T15:00:00
Last updated:

Allandale Woods pond and marsh exploration

Join Mass Audubon and the Boston Parks Department's Urban Wilds Program for a walk at Allandale Woods as we explore pond and marsh habitat. 

May 22, 2021
2021-05-22T09:30:00 - 2021-05-22T12:00:00

What kinds of plants and animals inhabit this habitat, and why are marshes so important for a healthy ecosystem?   Ponds and marshes are not only important for the natural world, but are vital for water management in cities.  We will also plant some native shrubs to help keep the ecosystem healthy

Due to current health guidelines we are capping this event at 20 participants.  Masks are required, hand sanitizer will be provided, and social distancing protocols will be followed. Rain date is May 31 at the same time and location.

To register or for more information, contact Paul Sutton at 617-961-3029 or paul.sutton@boston.gov.

May 22, 2021
2021-05-22T09:30:00 - 2021-05-22T12:00:00
Last updated:

Roslindale Wetlands spring cleanup

Celebrate Earth Day by giving back and cleaning up your neighborhood!

April 17, 2021
2021-04-17T09:30:00 - 2021-04-17T12:30:00

Join the Environment Department, Parks and Recreation, and the Roslindale Wetlands Taskforce as we mark Earth Day for the first Urban Wild cleanup of the year! Registration is required.

Where: Trailhead between between #35 and #23 Coniston Road

What is provided: All necessary tools, including gloves, pickers, bags, sharp containers and safety instruction.

Remember: Volunteers should wear work clothes (long pants) and close-toed shoes (that you don’t mind getting wet or dirty). Bring your own hat, sunscreen, raincoat, or jacket depending on the weather, as well as snacks and water.

Rain date: Sunday, April 18, however, may be cancelled due to severe weather.

COVID-19 safety protocols:
  • This event will be limited to 20 participants (we hope to offer drop in cleanups in the future).
  • Face mask or covering is required for participants.
  • Physical distancing between parties is required.
  • Stay home if you feel sick.
  • Do not participate if you have shown signs or symptoms or had exposure to sick individuals within 14 days of the event.
April 17, 2021
2021-04-17T09:30:00 - 2021-04-17T12:30:00
Last updated:

Mattahunt Woods and Savannah Woods spring cleanup

Celebrate Earth Day by giving back and cleaning up your neighborhood!

April 24, 2021
  • 9:30am - 12:30pm
  • Mattahunt Woods and Savannah Woods
    Colorado Street
    Boston, MA 02126
  • Contact:
    environment@boston.gov
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Mattapan
  • Posted:
2021-04-24T09:30:00 - 2021-04-24T12:30:00

Join the Environment Department and Parks and Recreation as we mark Earth Day by cleaning up and learning more about Mattapan's urban wilds and open space!  Registration is required.

Where: Between 199 and 204 Colorado Street

What is provided: All necessary tools, including gloves, pickers, bags, sharp containers and safety instruction.

Remember: Volunteers should wear work clothes (long pants) and close-toed shoes (that you don’t mind getting wet or dirty). Bring your own hat, sunscreen, raincoat, or jacket depending on the weather, as well as snacks and water.

Rain date: Sunday, April 25, however, may be cancelled due to severe weather.

COVID-19 safety protocols:
  • This event will be limited to 20 participants (we hope to offer drop in clean ups in the future).
  • Face mask or covering is required for participants.
  • Physical distancing between parties is required.
  • Stay home if you feel sick.
  • Do not participate if you have shown signs or symptoms or had exposure to sick individuals within 14 days of the event.
April 24, 2021
  • 9:30am - 12:30pm
  • Mattahunt Woods and Savannah Woods
    Colorado Street
    Boston, MA 02126
  • Contact:
    environment@boston.gov
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Mattapan
  • Posted:
2021-04-24T09:30:00 - 2021-04-24T12:30:00
Last updated:

Winthrop Garden community meeting

Share your feedback about preserving open space on Winthrop Street in Roxbury.

November 19, 2020
2020-11-19T18:30:00 - 2020-11-19T20:00:00

21 and 23 Winthrop Street are located in Roxbury and total approximately 6,000 square feet. There has been interest in preserving these parcels as open space, particularly as a community garden. We encourage you to attend this meeting and provide feedback.

November 19, 2020
2020-11-19T18:30:00 - 2020-11-19T20:00:00
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