Arboretum Park Conservancy

MISSION To use financial resources and advocacy to increase public use and enjoyment of the Arnold Arboretum; to work constructively with both the Arboretum administration and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department to achieve these goals, while maintaining their independence from both. Further, to strengthen their ties to the communities surrounding the Arboretum, such as Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, Roxbury and West Roxbury; and to seek their support in those goals. Also to actively encourage the City of Boston to commit capital funds for Arboretum wall, fence, road, bridge, and drain repairs, fulfilling the Arboretum Indenture. DESCRIPTION The Arboretum Park Conservancy, Inc. was founded in 1989 in order to create, maintain and enhance public enjoyment in the fields pastures, meadows and woodlands commonly known as the Arnold Arboretum park lands at Jamaica Plain and related lands. They consist of a small board of directors with four officers: president, vice president, treasurer and clerk. IMPACT In 1996, the 24-acre Bussey Brook Meadow was added to the Arnold Arboretum indenture, the first addition of land in 101 years. The Arboretum Park Conservancy promoted this addition and design, financed and constructed the 2000-foot-long Blackwell Footpath between Forest Hills Station and the original Arboretum entrance on South Street. The footpath was built to encourage public transit patrons to visit the Arboretum.