Boston Flora

Month: January 2021

  • Remembering Barbara Erickson

    The Board of Directors and the Executives of The Trustees have notified us of the passing of Barbara Erickson, President and CEO, on the afternoon of January 15, 2021. After a valiant struggle with cancer, Barbara, only 42 years old, passed peacefully surrounded by family at her home. Her obituary may be viewed HERE.

    Jocelyn Forbush, Executive Vice President, has been serving as Acting President and CEO while Barbara has been on medical leave. She will continue in that post while the Board of Directors determines the next steps. She and the full Executive Team, as well as the Board of Directors are committed to maintaining a strong foundation of stability and continuity for the organization.

    Barbara has served as President and CEO since 2012 and under her leadership, the organization achieved many important milestones. Her tenure will be defined by growth, mission-focus, new leadership, expanded audiences, and renewed philanthropy. In her first five years, she led the organization through a strategic plan, The Path Forward, achieving all parts of the five-year strategy and exceeding most of the key goals. Barbara led the organization through the $26.2 million Cultural Resources Campaign which helped to revitalize many of the organization’s cultural sites. The operating budget for the organization has nearly doubled. The membership base has grown from 42,000 households to 75,000 and 100% in revenue. Barbara led several key integrations and partnerships including the Boston Public Market Kitchen, The FARM Institute, Fruitlands Museum, and deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum. Additionally, several new acquisitions were opened under her tenure including Allen Haskell Public Gardens, Governor Oliver Ames Estate, and more recently Gerry Island, Jewell Hill, and Mary Cummings Park. Initiatives such as Art and the Landscape were conceived, funded, and launched under her leadership. She hired and recruited key staff in development, finance, marketing, and recently technology, community, and volunteerism building out the leadership of the organization.

    In 2016, Barbara led the development of the current Strategic Plan, Momentum, which outlines ambitions for five areas of work and 43 metric goals. These include the development of a waterfront park in Boston, coastal work which addressed climate impacts, expanded public gardens, a flagship farm property, and attraction of audiences through an initiative to get the next generation outdoors. In the first three years, the plan is on track to achieve new heights for the organization.

    Ambition, tenacity, and audacious thinking defined Barbara’s presidency. She will be remembered for her strong vision and aspirations for the organization. Personally, she championed leadership by women in the workplace and especially mothers. She also avidly loved the outdoors and travel. She contemplated the “forever” part of our work deeply and never stopped thinking about how to make the organization better, more sustainable, and secure for a far-off future that she would not see. Indeed, that future has arrived too quickly and now we live with her legacy, and long for her vision. We will not forget our audacious leader Barbara Erickson. Thank you, Barbara for all that you gave to The Trustees and to each of us.

  • Saturdays, January 30, February 6, 13, & 20, 12:00 noon – Frost Fit: BCBSMA Lynx Saturday Workouts

    Frost Fit Presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is back on the Esplanade this winter for four physically-distant outdoor fitness classes led by Lynx Fitness Club.

    For four consecutive Saturdays this winter, beginning January 30, instructors from Lynx Fitness Club will lead you through a free hour-long high intensity interval training (HIIT) class that incorporates bodyweight strength training with high-intensity cardio bursts for maximum calorie burning effect, set to fun and upbeat music. It might be cold outside but we are bringing the heat! Anyone who attends these workouts will receive select Frost Fit Winter Series swag. Classes will be held virtually if it’s not possible to host in-person on the Esplanade.

    Registration for Lynx Saturday Workouts is capped at 23 people per class and is only available by clicking here, through Eventbrite. Please cancel if you are no longer able to attend. By registering for Lynx Saturday Workouts, you automatically sign the electronic waiver to participate in this Frost Fit Presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts fitness class.

    Make sure to follow us on Twitter (@EsplanadeBoston) to learn the latest news on Frost Fit and potential class cancellations due to weather conditions. You can also look to our Facebook page (@EsplanadeBoston) and Instagram (@EsplanadeInBoston) to find out the latest news on Frost Fit and all things Esplanade.

    We’re thrilled to partner with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Lynx Fitness Club, Wishroute, and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation this year to give the Greater Boston Community the opportunity to experience a positive, physically-distant and energetic outdoor winter workout like no other.

    FROST FIT COVID-19 HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS AND GUIDELINES

    • Participants are required to pre-register in advance; only pre-registered attendees can participate.
    • Cones will be placed on the grass roughly 8 feet apart to designate where participants can stand. We ask participants to please respect keeping a consistent physical distance of 8 feet from others.
    • All participants are required to wear a mask.
    • The Esplanade Association will have hand sanitizer available on-site.
    • Stay home if you feel sick and/or are part of a vulnerable population

  • Mondays and Wednesdays, February 1 – February 22, 12:00 noon – 5:00 pm – NGICP National Green Infrastructure Certification Program, Online

    This 35 hour class will be offered on seven afternoons from noon – 5 Eastern Standard Time from February 1 – 22. Initiated under the leadership of DC Water and the Water Environment Federation, the National Green Infrastructure Certification Program (NGICP) sets national certification standards for green infrastructure (GI) construction, inspection, and maintenance workers. Designed to meet international best-practice standards, the certification advances the establishment of sustainable communities by promoting GI as an environmentally and economically beneficial stormwater management option, supporting the development of proficient green work-forces, and establishing a career path for skilled GI workers.

    The program provides the foundation understanding needed to properly design and oversee construction, inspection, and maintenance of green stormwater infrastructure.  Designed to meet international best practice standards, this program provides candidates with the technical skills necessary to incorporate green infrastructure into projects successfully. This 35-hour course taught by Trevor Smith is the prerequisite for the exam to achieve NGICP certification. The course is $800. For more information, and to register, visit https://www.ecolandscaping.org/event/class-ngicp-national-green-infrastructure-certification-program-february/#get-ticket The comprehensive program:

    • Expands your green infrastructure building, inspection, and maintenance knowledge
    • Provides competitive edge in the green infrastructure arena
    • Offers clients a way to identify certified individuals with NGICP Certification Database
    • Demonstrates an investment in your professional expertise
    • Offers access to more GI project opportunities
    • Shows your commitment to supporting sustainable performance of GI practices.
    • The exam is currently being administered as a computer-based test at PSI Testing Centers. Approved NGICP applicants will receive an email from PSI regarding scheduling the NGICP exam. The NGICP Exam must be scheduled within one year of completion of training. There is an additional $200 fee for the exam.

  • Thursday, January 28, 7:00 pm – Racial Equity in Urban Climate Action, Online

    Joan Fitzgerald, Professor of Urban Planning and Policy at Northeastern University, will build on key concepts in her new book, Greenovation: Urban Leadership on Climate Change (2020). On January 28 at 7 pm, with the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, she’ll discuss how cities are rethinking their approach to climate action by placing racial justice at the forefront. She’ll draw from recent experiences with Providence, Austin, and Oakland in creating participatory planning processes and new priorities for a just transition to a carbon-free society. She’ll conclude by discussing how the transition can be linked to jobs in the green economy. Join us via Zoom.
    Free, but registration required by clicking HERE.

  • Friday, January 29, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm – Wolf Conservation Center: Introduction to North American Wolves Webinar

    While wolves in the United States once numbered in the millions, conflicts with humans and federal extermination programs over the past 200 years brought the species to the brink of extinction. Fortunately, those numbers have finally begun to recover, thanks in part to organizations like one just 1.5 hours north of NYC, which has been helping wolves, and educating the public on this misunderstood animal, for nearly 20 years.

    Join New York Adventure Club for a virtual introduction to wolves with the Wolf Conservation Center, an environmental education organization working to protect and preserve red wolves and Mexican gray wolves in North America, two critically endangered wolf species.

    Led by a staff member of the Wolf Conservation Center, our virtual experience will include:

    • The history of the Wolf Conservation Center, from its founding by Hélène Grimaud in 1999 to current management of over 45 wolves qualified for wild-release
    • An overview of wolves, from the history, ecology, and biology of wolves, to the current challenges facing wolf recovery across the United States
    • A live stream of the Endangered Species Facility to see and learn about the red wolves, Mexican gray wolves, and “ambassador wolves” at the Wolf Conservation Center

    Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with the WCC — any and all questions about wolves are welcomed and encouraged! $10. Register online at www.nyadventureclub.com

    Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week.

    *Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

  • Thursday, January 26, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm – The Audubon Mural Project: NYC Street Art for Endangered Birds, Online

    If you walk around the Northern Manhattan neighborhood of Hamilton Heights, you’re bound to stumble upon beautiful artworks on seemingly every corner. But unlike other art collectives around New York City featuring an eclectic range of themes, this one focuses exclusively on birds — and not just any birds, but those North American species that could become extinct if nothing is done to address climate change. From stunning designs on storefront security gates to oversized murals covering an entire side of a building, it’s time to explore one of the country’s most ambitious and environmentally-focused street art initiatives, captivating birders and non-birders alike.

    Join New York Adventure Club for a virtual exploration of the Audubon Mural Project, a collaboration between the National Audubon Society and art gallerist Avi Gitler that aims to create murals of every climate-threatened North American bird — mostly throughout the neighborhood of Hamilton Heights, where famed American ornithologist John James Audubon once lived.

    Led by licensed New York City tour guide Leigh Hallingby, our digital showcase of this incredible collective will include:

    • An introduction to the New York neighborhood of Hamilton Heights and impact of former resident / landowner John James Audubon (1785-1851)
    • The origin story the Audubon Mural Project, which to-date, includes nearly 100 murals depicting over 125 bird species
    • A close look at over 40 murals, along with commentary around the artists and their vision
    • The latest developments in the Audubon Mural Project, from temporary art exhibitions around the city to mural sites in other boroughs and cities

    Stick around afterward for a Q&A with Leigh — any and all questions about the Audubon Mural Project are welcomed and encouraged!

    Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week!

    See you there, virtually!

    *Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

    **For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you’re using the latest version of your internet browser — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.

    ***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week

    About Leigh

    Leigh is a licensed NYC tour guide who specializes in Harlem, Morningside Heights, and the Upper West Side. She is passionate about exploring all five boroughs and beyond on foot, mostly through organized walking tours. Leigh is retired from a 36-year career as a non-profit librarian in New York City. She loves doing research about the neighborhoods in which she gives tours and sharing the information about them with attendees. Leigh is a feminist, collector, genealogist, and lover of arts, culture, and travel. She lives on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

    $10. Register at www.nyadventureclub.com.

  • Friday, January 22 – Sunday, February 21 – Hatched: Breaking Through the Silence

    To mark the 20th Anniversary of the Esplanade Association’s successful public-private partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), the Esplanade Association (EA) will present “Hatched: Breaking through the Silence,” a four week illumination and sound experience to provide a family-friendly and physically-distant celebration at the famed Hatch Memorial Shell. “Hatched” will cut through the darkness of the winter months, offering a public space for joy and optimism in the New Year. The work is an original 15-minute visual and sound performance led by Boston-based creative Maria Finkelmeier of MF Dynamics and is shaped specifically for the 80-year-old amphitheater itself.

    The projection-mapped visuals for Hatched will celebrate the many sounds that Hatch Memorial Shell performers have expressed over the facility’s impressive musical history. Finkelmeier and her team will feature geometric shapes of musical instruments as kaleidoscope pieces, human hands magically tapping, scratching, and creating beats on the surface itself, and colorful animations accentuating the Shell’s Art Deco form – all set to new music composed by Finkelmeier and recorded by local musicians. Featuring a team of predominantly female-identifying artists and directors, Hatched will bring to light a balanced pedestal, an opportunity for underrepresented communities to “break through” and share their skills, vision, and voice.

    Powered by Epson laser projectors, “Hatched” will bring vibrant color and form to the inner surface of the Hatch Shell. With custom-built weather housing for the projectors, the experience presents a rare opportunity to experience projection mapping in the winter months and will bring joy no matter the New England winter weather.

    Major Sponsor Algorand is joined by Sponsors MFS Investment Managers and Wayfair, and Supporter Xfinity and donors to the Esplanade Association’s Public Art Program. Projector Sponsor is Epson, and Project Partners are DCR Massachusetts, and AluminArtz.

    The event will take place January 22 – February 21, from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, starting every 20 minutes at the Hatch Memorial Shell, best reached on foot from the Arthur Fiedler Footbridge. Wear a mask and maintain physical distance from others outside your household. Please note the DCR Hatch Shell cannot be accessed by car, There is no site parking or rideshare drop off on site.

  • Wednesday, February 3, 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm – The American Oaks: Diversity, Ecology, and Identification Webinar

    Join Tim Boland and the Ecological Landscape Alliance online on February 3 at 12:30 to understand the great diversity of oaks found throughout North America and locally in New England. Tim will paint a picture of the genus Quercus, including its fascinating evolutionary history and challenges posed by climate change.

    He will illuminate the deep connection oaks have to humanity across the world, and explain why they are widely considered to be the ecological glue that holds plant communities together. Familiarity with oaks is vital for anyone looking to garden for biodiversity. Tim will show us how to identify most of the twelve species native to New England and offer guidance on species selection, installation, and maintenance for establishing oak trees in our managed landscapes. Free for ELA members, $10 for nonmembers. Register at https://www.ecolandscaping.org/event/webinar-the-american-oaks-diversity-ecology-and-identification/

    Tim Boland has been the Executive Director at The Polly Hill Arboretum on the Island of Martha’s Vineyard since 2004. He previously held positions as Curator at Polly Hill Arboretum and The Morton Arboretum. Tim is a plantsman with varied interests which include oaks, magnolias and the genus Stewartia. His work at the Arboretum includes developing a modern working flora of Martha’s Vineyard and the adjacent Islands. Tim also travels widely to collect seed for the Arboretum’s collections with nearly a dozen trips around North America over the last decade focused on native Stewartia and endangered oaks. The goal of these trips is to develop a scientific collection of woody plants as well as to introduce new plants into American horticulture. Tim’s initial work with oaks began in 1995 when he traveled to Oaxaca, Mexico to study oak diversity as part of his graduate studies at Michigan State University (MSU). In 2018, Tim was appointed to the board of the International Oak Society where he is chair of the oak research and conservation committee. Tim has a Bachelor of Science and in Ornamental Horticulture from MSU and his Masters of Science in Plant Systematics from The Botany and Plant Pathology Department at MSU.

  • Tuesday, February 2, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm – Seeds: Wild versus Commercial, Online

    We all know the importance of planting and promoting native plants, but what are the differences between wild seeds and those you can purchase from a commercial vendor? While seed farming is needed to meet the demand from restoration practitioners and homeowners, the end product can differ considerably from local, wild material. Join Native Plant Trust’s Research Botanist, Jessa Finch, for this interactive online session to explore the impact of seed sourcing and cultivation techniques on commercial seed and to equip yourself with the information you need to be an informed purchaser of native seeds. The webinar will take place February 2 from 1 – 2, and is $12 for NPT members, $15 for nonmembers. Register at http://www.nativeplanttrust.org/events/seeds-wild-versus-commercial/

  • Saturday, February 20, 2:00 pm – Berkshire Botanical Garden Winter Lecture, Online

    Berkshire Botanical Garden’s 24th annual Winter Lecture, Make Visible, Instill Value and Engage the Public in Our Shared Landscape Heritage will be held online on Saturday, February 20, 2021 featuring Charles Birnbaum, FASLA, FAAR, President and CEO of The Cultural Landscape Foundation, Washington, D.C.

    Drawing heavily on both the work of The Cultural Landscape Foundation (TCLF) and many of their collaborators, this lecture will highlight a diversity of resource types throughout the U.S., emphasizing stewardship strategies and opportunities for public engagement in the Berkshires region. What is the foundational knowledge that informs stewardship/interpretation of our shared landscape legacy? How do we assign value and assess significance for our cultural landscape legacy? How can we work (and communicate) holistically across multiple disciplines? How do we make a landscape’s layers of history, (a.k.a. “palimpsest”), at a cultural landscape like Naumkeag, The Mount or Elm Court understood? Then, armed with this foundational knowledge, how can we tell these stories to the broadest possible public?

    Finally, the interface between history/historic preservation and natural systems/ecology in weighing decisions will provide an armature for new ideas and strategies.

    The Winter Lecture Series began in 1997 to bring inspiring and noted speakers to the region to talk about horticulture, landscape design and history, plants and plant exploration, and home gardening. Past speakers have included such luminaries as Marco Polo Stufano, Dan Hinkley, Penelope Hobhouse, Bill Cullina, Fergus Garrett, Debs Goodenough, Dr. Michael Dirr, Ken Druse, Anna Pavord, Thomas Woltz and Margaret Roach. Proceeds from ticket sales support the Garden’s educational efforts. Sponsored by The Red Lion Inn, Stockbridge, MA.

    Online registration for this program is temporarily unavailable. Please call 413 354-8410 to register.