Community Volunteer Day in Franklin Park
Join the Boston Parks and Recreation Department for an Urban Wilds volunteer day in Franklin Park on Saturday, August 15, from 10 a.m. to noon. Volunteers will meet at the American Legion Highway entrance near the Bluebikes station by the playground before helping restore the park's woodlands by removing invasive plants, picking up litter, and learning about urban ecology.
This natural area is home to beautiful woodlands, wetlands, heritage trees, and miles of wandering trails. However, it needs our help to stay healthy and remain an important park for us and future generations. We hope that by bringing people together to work towards restoring the ecological health of the Wilderness, we can showcase this area's beauty and potential.
Event details
American Legion Highway Entrance to Franklin Park: We will gather near the Bluebike station at the Playground to start the day. Location pin.
Parking
There is limited street parking near the entrance we are meeting at, and there is also limited public parking lot at the William Devine Golf Course Clubhouse, which is about a 7 minute walk to the playground entrance. Spots may be sparse on weekends, so we also encourage people to bike, walk, or take public transit.
The focus of the event is to remove invasive understory plants like knotweed, and to cleanup trash and glass from the site, all of which are done to improve overall forest health and increase visibility through the woods. There will be lots of learning opportunities about Urban Ecology and park care for residents of all ages and backgrounds.
The event will happen, rain or shine. We will cancel in the case of extreme weather such as thunderstorms or extreme heat.
Staff will provide all the tools, supplies, and instruction needed for the project(s). Please dress in comfortable & weather-appropriate clothing, as well as closed toe shoes. We recommend participants bring their own water, snacks, sunscreen, and bug spray. All ages are welcome, we just ask to note if any children will be joining for the day!
For the understory plant removal aspect, expect to be utilizing hand cutting tools like loppers and pruners, moving brush, raking, and maybe even kneeling/crouching. Please let us know in the form if you have any special accommodations or needs in order to joyfully participate!