Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
The Emerald Necklace is a 1,100-acre chain of parks linked by parkways and waterways in Boston and Brookline, Massachusetts. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in the 19th century, this iconic series of parks provides lush green spaces within the urban environment. Covering about seven miles, it includes renowned parks such as Boston Common, the Public Garden, the Arnold Arboretum, and Franklin Park—each offering unique features from Victorian-style gardens and wide meadows to forested knolls. While its geography supports an array of flora and fauna, the Necklace is vital to Boston’s stormwater management, acting as a flood retention basin. This greenway holds historical significance, reflecting Olmsted's visionary urban planning and dedication to public landscapes. Visitors can explore various recreational opportunities like walking, biking, bird-watching, or simply enjoying the scenic urban escape provided by these interconnected parks.
