Woodlands Management Plan
Home to 12,000 trees, the woods in Franklin Park need nurturing. This urban forest cannot regenerate on its own. To preserve the woodlands for years to come, the "canopy" of majestic oaks and evergreens must be maintained and the next generation of young saplings given room and sunlight to grow. Many trees are at the end of their lifespan, weakened by air pollution and human activity in the woodlands. Invasives - Japanese knotweed, glossy buckthorn, and others - are spreading through the forest "understory" preventing native plants from taking root and thriving.
The first step towards saving the woodlands is a management plan. Foresters have inventoried the woodlands, collected data on 2,400 individual trees and mapped the invasives. This "blueprint" will guide restoration efforts for the next decade and beyond.
You can read a brief summary of the recommendations or a full draft of the plan and the appendices that include data about the current condition of the woodlands, historical information, and what it will cost to restore.
The most exciting part of the woodlands management plan is designing and re-planting a native forest, mimicking the "feel" sought by Frederick Law Olmsted when he sought to create an oasis away from the stress of urban life. Check out the list of native trees and understory plantings suggested for the woodlands or Olmsted's original Emerald Necklace Plant List.
To ensure the Plan is adopted and implemented by the city, community endorsement is needed! Help make this happen by sending a letter or email of support to the Boston Parks Commissioner. Here's a sample letter and contact information for the Commissioner. Please send a copy to the Franklin Park Coalition also.
Are you a regular park walker? Send your input about how you use the woods of Franklin Park, any changes you'd like to see, and how you hope the woods will look and feel for years to come. One way to offer input is by completing this questionnaire.
To send a copy of your letter to the Parks Commissioner or the Woodlands Questionnaire: mail@franklinparkcoalition.org or snail mail to FPC, P.O. Box 302333, Boston, MA 02130.