CHARLES  RIVER  PARKLANDS  UPDATE
August 2009
Archives—Table of Contents

Special Update!

Trees on Memorial Drive 

On August 20th the Boston Globe featured an article on the DCR’s proposed removal of some 160 dead and diseased trees along Memorial Drive, as well as a select number of other trees in order to make room for the B.U. Bridge rehabilitation project.  The DCR plans to offset this work by planting a larger number of healthy trees than they remove, and the Conservancy believes that the DCR is acting in accord with proper stewardship and arbor management in carrying out Phase II of their Historic Parkways Initiative. Chopping down trees has and will always be an emotional issue, but in this case it’s the right choice.

Click here to read the recent article, and click here to read the Conservancy’s recent Letter to the Editor in support of the DCR. 

ABSOLUT Boston Gifts Conservancy $50,000

In a tip of the cap to the hub’s distinctive flavor, Boston is becoming the third city to be honored by ABSOLUT with its own brand of vodka.  We invite you to join us this Wednesday, August 26th, at 11 am at Boylston Plaza in front of the Prudential Center for festivities including the drink’s unveiling.  Local Boston artists and celebrities, including the Drop Kick Murphys, Amy Poehler, and Jim Rice, have painted Boston-inspired tiles that will be unveiled on a “Wall of Pride.” The Wall will be displayed for ten days, from August 26 through September 4.  To “Get a Piece of the Wall,” visit facebook.com/absolutboston to bid on your favorite tile. 

As part of the brand’s ongoing commitment to the environment and to further support the quality of life in and around Boston, ABSOLUT is donating $50,000 from the sales of ABSOLUT BOSTON to the Charles River Conservancy.  The funds will be used for a variety of projects, including landscaping and clean-ups; embankment restorations; plantings and prunings; parkland programs and education; advocating for better pathways and the return of public swimming.  In addition, Horizon Beverage Co. – who will exclusively distribute ABSOLUT BOSTON in Massachusetts – has graciously announced that it will donate all profits, approximately $30,000, from the sale of ABSOLUT BOSTON to the Charles River Conservancy.

Save the Date:  Green Masterpieces Concert
7 p.m., Sept. 2nd

Join us for the 3rd Annual Green Masterpieces Concert at the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade -- a free concert of music inspired by nature and presented by the Boston Landmarks Orchestra, conducted by Charles Ansbacher. The night promises to be an exciting celebration of our natural landscapes, open space and the performing arts. This year's concert includes a newly commissioned piece by Thomas Oboe Lee celebrating the life and works of Frederick Law Olmsted. 

The concert begins at 7 p.m. Come early (5-7pm) for a Family-friendly EarthFest and to visit the co-sponsors of this event, including the Charles River Conservancy. Pack a picnic, bring the family, and enjoy the free music at this celebration of our precious outdoor places! For more information, click here. 

Summer Events in the Parklands

Sunday, August 30th

Join the Conservancy for the season’s final Sunday Parklands Games, from 2-5 in Cambridge at the Weeks Bridge. Visit our calendar for additional information.

Monday, August 31st

Parklands Yoga from 6-7 pm on the Esplanade, every Monday evening through September 14th.

Friday September 4th

Tango by moonlight on the Weeks Footbridge.  For more information, click here.

Donate to the CRC

This summer, give easily and securely online or send a check to the CRC at Four Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA 02138.

Thank you for your support!

The Charles River Conservancy takes as its mission the renewal and stewardship of the Charles River Parklands and their surroundings, particularly parks, parkways and bridges. The Conservancy engages in numerous Parklands restoration and improvement initiatives, including access and safety, education and outreach, and planning and maintenance programs, and relies heavily on individual contributions. To support the Charles River Conservancy, click here. Thank you!

If you know someone who would enjoy this newsletter, please feel free to pass it along. Interested readers can subscribe to the e-newsletter by clicking here and following the directions on the subscription page.

If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, click here and follow the directions.