From the Community

Arnold Arboretum Celebrates Plant Graduation Class of 2021

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Plant graduation season, an annual rite of passage at the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, is an occasion for pomp and circumstance as well as a reminder of our connections to nature and the power of plants. The Plant Graduation Class of 2021 took place on April 2 and featured more than 500 plants, some rare and endangered, graduating from the nursery and finding placement throughout the 281-acre landscape of the free and open museum teaching the world about plants. Before the plants officially graduated from the greenhouses for their new “careers” out in the field, a commencement ceremony was held to honor the budding and burgeoning Class of 2021. “The fact that there are more and more plants being planted and groomed and protected and nourished shows the importance of this place," said District 6 City Councilor Matt O'Malley. “At the Arnold Arboretum we do conservation, education, and we are trying to make sure people understand their responsibilities to the planet and to their fellow species,” added Ned Friedman, Director of the Arnold Arboretum.

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Business

People Not Happy About Forest Hills Cemetery Removing Damaged & Dead Trees

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The Tower Street entrance to the Forest Hills Cemetery is currently closed as they remove damaged trees from that area. But numerous people expressed their doubt about the trees needing to be removed on the Cemetery's Facebook page. The Cemetery, which is a private business, can remove the trees from their property if they want to do so, politely responded to commenters and explained the situation. "We’re working to clear that area up and will be planting there to reestablish the area with healthy trees. We’re also hoping to repair the pathways (especially the one going to the right towards Sections 6 and 7) so that they are not as hazardous," answered the Cemetery to one commenter.

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Schools

Muñiz Academy Forges Relationship with Hale Intrepid Academy, Heads to Arboretum

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For the last few weeks Margarita Muñiz Academy students have begun a relationship with the Hale Intrepid Academy by exploring the Arnold Arboretum together. 

This is a new partnership between the Muñiz Academy and Hale Intrepid Academy, a program launched in 2018 by Hale (formerly Hale Reservation), which creates an educational experience utilizing an outdoor campus as a classroom. Members of the Hale team are coming on Tuesdays and Thursdays to take Muñiz Academy students, of who there are about 25 attending school in person, for walks around the neighborhood and the Arboretum, according to a Muñiz Academy newsletter. "After almost a year of isolation, the students become part of a group again, building connectivity with each other and with nature. There will be more activities for the Muñiz students in partnership with Hale in the coming months," said the newsletter. As time goes on Hale and the Muñiz Academy will develop new programs together.

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Environment

Walden Garden Clean-Up on Saturday, and Open Plots for Gardeners

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Community garden plots are hard to come by in Jamaica Plain, so you better be an early bird to voice your desire for one of the open Walden Garden plots. The Walden Garden is currently seeking community members who want their own garden plot for 2021. There is a meet-up at 15 Walden Street, Jamaica Plain on Thursday, March 25 from 6 to 7 pm. Can't make it? Email Cristal Martinez at cmartinez@jpndc.org or call 617-504-1395.

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Franklin Park

Franklin Park Action Plan Presentation on March 10; Kite Festival Not Being Planned

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For the last two years input from hundreds of Franklin Park users has been gathered through surveys, visions sessions, and more to create a master plan to be used to make the park better for everyone who uses it. The Franklin Park Master Plan team will present a draft Action Plan on March 10, with two identical virtual presentations to accommodate people's different schedules at noon and at 6:30 pm. The city earmarked $28 million in 2019 to remake the park, with $5 million of that to create a maintenance endowment for Franklin Park. City planners worked with landscape architects, planners, ecologists, community engagement experts to create a community driven plan. Planners will share a preview of preliminary design ideas for Franklin Park and there will be opportunities for feedback.

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