For my final project in Harvard Graduate School of Design's SCI6318: Urban and Town Ecology, I conducted two field days, during which I traveled by car, bicycle and sometimes scooter across Boston's Emerald Necklace. This system of parks, designed by Fredrick Law Olmsted, provides a variety of ecological and recreational benefits to the City of Boston and its residents.
My final report can be found here
Below are selected observations from my field days, conducted on April 22, 2020 and May 9, 2020.
Field Day 1
Field Day 1: Site Overviews
Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University - Leventritt Vine Garden
Jamaica Pond
Olmsted Park Mixed-use path
Muddy River - Disturbed Riparian Area near Longwood Avenue
Fenway Riparian Community near Massachusetts Avenue with Cut Phragmites Visible
Boston Public Garden
Boston Common
Selected Observations: Arnold Arboretum
Bridalwreath Spirea
Bussey Hill Road
Mixed Hardwood Stand
Selected Observations: Muddy River Restoration Project Site
Riparian Erosion Control Embankment
Daylighted Area
Restored Area
Muddy River Construction Progress ~2016
Muddy River Flood: January 2010
Moody River Flood Gauge: April 2020
Selected Observations: Charlesgate Park
South View with I-90 Visible
North View
Underneath the Bowker Overpass
Charlesgate - Satellite View
Charlesgate Original Plan
Aerial view - 1920's
Field Day 2
Field Day 2: Site Overviews
Northern Franklin Park: Lowland Area
Northern Franklin Park: Abandoned Bear Dens
Northern Franklin Park: White Stadium
Central Franklin Park: Eroded Pathway
Eastern Franklin Park: Zoo Entrance
Southern Franklin Park: William J. Devine Golf Course
Northern Franklin Park
White Stadium
Lowland Wet Area
Puddingstone Erratic and Mixed Forest
Abandoned Bear Dens