A PUBLICATION OF BROOKLINE GREENSPACE ALLIANCE PlaceSPRING 2006 “Place is the vessel in Brookline GreenSpace Alliance which the spirit of community is kept.” A Voice for the Green Community From a speech deliverd in ow is the Citizen’s voice heard in the area residents for a “green pedestrian-friendly” by Donald Rypkema, planning for a green future for Brookline? entrance to Brookline. consultant to the National Trust Individual participation on committees for Historic Preservation, at the H In 2004 in a significant move to best serve residents’ and at meetings is of course necessary and helpful. 1999 Annual Meeting of future recreational needs, the Park and Recreation Brookline GreenSpace Alliance does its share by HistoricMassachusetts (HMI) Commission hired the consultant firm of Pressley representing its membership at every step in the Associates to prepare a Parks, Open Space and Brookline planning process. BGSA Board members Recreation Master Plan. Brookline GreenSpace serve on the Conservation Commission and Alliance members attended public hearings and have served on the Park and Recreation BGSA Executive Director and members of the Commission as well as the Comprehensive Plan BGSA Board reviewed and commented on the 2005 Committee. BGSA Executive Director Edward Draft Plan released last October. Speaking for the Hsieh attends meetings of both Commissions and BGSA Board and representing 39 constituency represents our organization on the Open Space groups and over 1,000 individual BGSA members, 2005 Committee. Currently, Board President Arlene Hsieh summarized the organization’s principal Mattison is acting as Co-chair of the Coolidge comments on the Draft Plan in a letter focusing on Corner District Planning Council, and BGSA repre- major concerns of the open space community. sentation on the Gateway East Committee is working toward fulfilling the expressed desire of (continued on page 2

PLACE is published twice a year, in spring and fall, by Brookline GreenSpace Alliance, 370 Washington Street, Brookline, MA 02445

Inside Pleasure of Walking 3 Muddy River Update 4 Carlton Street Footbridge 5 Water Management 7 Winter Moth Alert 9 Creative Landscapes 10

Recreational activity in a beautiful setting at Brookline's Municipal Golf Course at Putterham Meadows.. Photo by Marian Lazar Board Members Master Plan Comments (continued from page 1) Officers Walking for Pleasure and Convenience Arlene Mattison, President Kate Bowditch, Vice President By Dorothea Hass Marian Lazar, V.P.-Publications Deirdre Buckley, Secretary The letter, dated December 8, 2005, (see brook- and equitable distribution of DPW equipment Ron Brown, Treasurer linegreenspace.org) frames the specific comments dollars toward Park equipment needs. BGSA alking is my main mode of trans- streaming to the school from all directions, traffic calming to more streets. Those are for Directors by observing “This draft Master Plan is a thought- members pointed out the shortsightedness of Tony Andreadis port. Without particularly trying, making sure that everyone is arriving safely. my work life, which I enjoy, but are not my Harry Bohrs ful report that explores many conditions and building on existing open space to meet recre- I can easily log six miles a day on inspiration. My inspiration is the daily walks Mary Dewart W Occasionally, when I have these experiences, I options. This kind of analytical approach will help ational programming needs and strongly urged Frances Shedd Fisher my pedometer when I remember to wear it. think of why I started WalkBoston: to create and talks with my husband, my dog and my Jay Gonzalez Brookline define a shared vision that builds upon for the removal from the draft plan the listing of Betsy Shure Gross It isn’t a particular goal of mine, just a way walking environments that would be safe and neighbors, which make life rich and whole. Anita Johnson and complements the Brookline Comprehensive the municipal golf course as buildable land. of life. I walk over two miles a day with attractive enough so people would choose Dorothea Hass is a Brookline resident and the Seth Kaplan Plan 2005-2015 and the Open Space Plan 2005 . Larry Koff At the same time that the Plan recommends my dog; another two is spent walking to walking, not driving, for short distances; so co-founder of WalkBoston (1990), an organiza- Werner Lohe We believe that certain overarching themes serve providing additional facilities, it recommends and from the Green Line and/or Coolidge Hugh Mattison people like me could have moments of being tion that promotes walking for transportation as a framework for further detailed analysis. Our M.K. Merelice adding an additional 35 acres of open space to Corner and somehow the other two miles just completely alive as they walked down their and recreation. She is currently the Director of Ryan Pace concerns fall into the categories of maintenance Fred Perry meet passive recreation needs. Brookline must come about. local streets or took the short cut through the Special Projects for WalkBoston. For more Sue B. Reamer and control of invasive species, location of need acquire new land to meet its recreation goals. Land I can’t remember when I started walking park. I do not reflect on my projects to information about WalkBoston, go to Deborah Rivers and placement of facilities, financing, decision- Jean Stringham acquisition costs will be substantial and the need regularly. When I lived in Boston’s South change traffic signalization or introduce WalkBoston.org Ronny Sydney making within the Brookline context, consistency to identify and provide for financing alternatives Jay Veevers End I walked—it was too hard to find a Donald Weitzman with existing Master Plans, innovation, and finally, that are realistically available to Brookline should parking space for my Peugeot (French Bruce Wolff public input. Our overriding concern is that the be part of the Plan in its final form. engineering—it was always breaking down). Advisors commitment in the Comprehensive Plan for no Michael Berger In addition to advocating for revisions to the draft When I moved to Brookline, parking was Isabella Callanan net loss of open space in Brookline be honored.” Corliss Engle Parks, Open Space and Recreation Master Plan even more difficult—one couldn’t park on Additionally,“The town-wide statistically-valid Chobee Hoy that would even better tailor this Plan to the street and I had no off-street parking. survey conducted by the nationally recognized Member Organizations Brookline, BGSA’s active participation on the Brookline Farmers’ Market independent consultant hired by the Town lists the So eventually, I just gave up driving and Brookline Soccer Club Open Space Plan 2005 committee encouraged Brookline Village Coalition top five most important recreational concerns as walked, taking the train when I had to go greater citizen participation in that planning Brookline Youth Baseball 1. Open space acquisition/preservation; 2. Parks longer distances. About this time, I met my Campaign to Preserve St. Aidan’s process which is required by the Massachusetts Chestnut Hill Garden Club (general); 3. More trails and bike paths; 4. Fitness future husband and—what a joy!—found he Chestnut Hill Village Alliance Office of Environmental Affairs. BGSA, in cooper- Climate Change Action Brookline center; 5. More sanctuaries/nature center. liked to walk as well. After we were married, ation with the Open Space Plan Steering Fisher Hill Association Priorities should be set that reflect these needs for on summer mornings we would walk along Friends of Billy Ward Playground Committee, hosted a citizen’s forum on the Plan at Friends of Boylston Playground Assoc. walking/ cycling and passive recreation and open Beacon Street to our downtown jobs, Friends of Brookline Reservoir an Alliance meeting. With the advice of the BGSA spaces and good access to them.” practicing our French along the way. Friends of Carlton Street Footbridge land protection sub-committee, Hsieh suggested Friends of Corey Hill Park Weekends found us with a picnic basket and Friends of Cypress Field In addition to giving special emphasis to our belief to the steering committee that funding language books on the banks of the Muddy River. Friends of Dane Park that all of the Town’s master planning processes Friends of Emerson Garden be strengthened and reorganized to give more These walks that bring closeness with the Friends of Griggs Park should complement each other, BGSA cautioned emphasis to funding alternatives that are viable Friends of Hall’s Pond ones you love, as well as nearness to God that the Parks, Open Space and Recreation Plan Friends of Harry Downes Field within the current structure of the Town. BGSA and nature, have continued. On Saturday Friends of Hoar Sanctuary recommendations should reflect the unique Friends of Park hopes that its work with the Town will improve mornings we frequently walk around Friends of Lawrence Park character of our Town, and highlighted resources open spaces throughout Brookline and is, as Jamaica Pond with out loyal Shetland Friends of Leverett Pond that are, or could be, available to our citizens by Friends of Littlefield Park always, prepared to advocate for land acquisition, sheepdog, Duchess. (These walks are Friends of Lost Pond virtue of our location. BGSA urged highest and maintenance, and enhancement. Friends of Minot Rose Garden frequently followed up by trips to Clear Friends of Monmouth Park best use of existing facilities, and encouraged a fair Friends of the Muddy River BGSA participation is ongoing and consistent. In Flour Bakery for the best croissants and Friends of the Old Burying Ground 2004-5 BGSA’s contribution to the Comprehensive French bread in the area.) Friends of Sargent Pond High Street Hill Association Plan was significant in that it focused on the need On a more everyday basis I walk Duchess in Garden Club of Brookline for a cohesive set of principles around the protec- Lincoln School PTO Landscape Committee Lawrence Park and the surrounding neigh- Linden Parks Association tion of natural resources. That Plan, accepted by of Transportation borhood. The regulars at the park share Putterham Garden Club the Selectmen, should now be the guide for early morning ruminations on Greek gods, Restore Olmsted’s Waterway Coalition planning for the next ten years. Salisbury Road-Corey Farms aging mothers, and how to read cloud Neighborhood Association As Arlene Mattison puts it,”While we acknowledge formations. Unfailingly, the Chinese woman Editor PLACE Frances Shedd Fisher that there are many competing needs that must be who walks the park’s track eight times each Executive Director met as Brookline looks forward, BGSA will morning smiles and waves. On late Edward Hsieh continue to work to be the knowledgeable and mornings, Duchess and I are still there BGSA is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization credible voice of the critical mass of Brookline when the children begin arriving at school. under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue citizens concerned about land protection, and My dog loves nothing better than to sit in Code. Donations are tax deductible. The pleasure of walking. . . (in Olmsted Park, in this case). Dogs are a wonderful excuse! advocates for the health and enhancement that the middle of the park and observe children Photo by Jean Stringham Golfers at Putterham Meadows. beautiful parks, active fields, and natural open Photo by Jean Stringham spaces bring to our lives.” 3 Muddy River Restoration Project Update The Carlton Street Footbridge in Perspective By Frances Shedd Fisher By Arlene Mattison and Frances Shedd Fisher

fter the 1996 and 1998 “100 year” The Master Plan, sediment through dredging the Charlesgate he Carlton Street Footbridge, designed the Emerald Necklace Master Plan was storms resulting in catastrophic completed in 1990 (and updated in 2001), area ($5 million in local dollars), the Muddy by Alexis French, Brookline Town completed in 1989-90. The Brookline portion A flooding of universities, , stands as a separate and still current River, Leverett, Willow and Ward’s Ponds, to T Engineer, was built in 1894 to provide of the Emerald Necklace Master Plan includes the MBTA, and area homes, a multi-jurisdic- document. Nothing in the environmental enlarge the culverts along the Riverway and access to the Frederick Law Olmsted designed among its priorities restoration of the tional response was finally achieved for the restoration plan is inconsistent with the Brookline Avenue, to daylight the area of entrance to Riverway Park, one of the parks entrance to Riverway Park. While the Town Muddy River. In 2000 the Army Corps of Emerald Necklace Master Plan. The two river flow under the old Sears parking lot, to in the Emerald Necklace linear park system, a has recently begun the final round of Master Engineers received Federal approval to join documents work together to provide a coher- remove the phragmites (an invasive reed regional open space resource now on the Plan recommended improvements in the with Boston, Brookline and the DCR to ent and integrated response to the restoration that grows along the water’s edge), and to National Register of Historic Places. On the Brookline portion of Olmsted Park, across undertake to analyze the problem and plan a of this world class park and to the flood issues restore the shoreline. The cost was Brookline side the park is separated from the Route 9 from Riverway Park, virtually no solution. After numerous meetings during that have been so damaging to the Longwood estimated to be $62,830,000: $27,160,000 Town by the old Boston and Albany Railroad Continuing opposition to The footbridge in an early photograph. 2003 and 2004, the governmental agency and areas of Boston and Brookline. Over the for flood control measures and $35,670,000 line, now the MBTA Riverside line. The park Courtesy of Brookline Public Library. municipal employees, the expert consultants years, implementation of the Emerald for ecosystem restoration. The costs will be itself is divided between Brookline and footbridge restoration has Alexis H. French, and the citizen representatives from Boston Necklace Master Plan has anticipated the shared with 65% provided by the Federal Boston by the Muddy River. To gain access to lengthened the process, divided and Brookline, developed the plan for the eventual need to dredge the water resources government and 35% by local entities. the park from Brookline, a steel-truss Olmsted’s Brookline Muddy River Flood Control and Ecosystem and has been careful to avoid projects that Annual cross-jurisdictional maintenance footbridge was built across the train tracks. the community, trivialized the Collaborator Restoration Project (officially, Muddy River would be impacted by the Muddy River costs to assure the taxpayer capital invested That footbridge served park users and value of this urban park in a Born in Weymouth and a Flood Control, Water Quality and Habitat restoration project. in flood control provides a long term provided convenient access to schools and densely-populated area, and graduate of M.I.T, French Enhancement and Historic Preservation solution were estimated at $445,000 to be hospitals in the Longwood section of Boston In 2003 the environmental plan announced ultimately threatened the began his 43-year career in Project), a landmark plan in terms of breadth, that in order to protect against a 20 year paid by local sponsors (including, for for the next 75 years. During a period when complexity and projected project cost. attention to parks and infrastructure mainte- Brookline as a surveyor for storm event it would be necessary to remove (continued on page 6) larger Muddy River Project nance was on the decline (the so-called and park restoration. the Superintendent of “shabbification era” in Brookline and, for that Streets. Over the next 20 matter, Boston,) the footbridge was closed restoration efforts have been accomplished in rather than maintain it. Riverway Park. The Muddy River Restoration years, he rose to become The parks restoration efforts began when Project will finally begin that process. Given the first Town Engineer. regional advocates in the late 1970’s began to that the flood control project is meant to With the Olmsted firm and lobby for funding support from the legisla- work in concert with the Emerald Necklace the consulting architectural Master Plan to serve the region, attention ture during the Dukakis administration. firm of Shepley, Rutan and Funding for the creation of Master Plans and began to be paid in 1999 to the entrance to Coolidge, he supervised the implementation of stabilizing efforts for Riverway Park at Carlton Street. thirteen Olmsted designed parks in While parks advocates, including neighbors construction of the Muddy Massachusetts, including the Emerald of the footbridge entrance, have supported River Improvement. Necklace parks, was later appropriated and the restoration, clean-up and reopening of As Town reports show, the formal entrance to Riverway Park, some he guided the construction neighbors to the entrance believe any rehabil- itation will be intrusive as it will likely bring of Riverway and Olmsted more foot traffic into their neighborhood. Parks (including the Issues of public safety and historic signifi- design and construction cance have been successfully addressed by of the Carlton Street expert consultants hired by Brookline, though the well established criteria continue Footbridge), as well as to be challenged by opponents to restoration. supervising the construc- In 2003 the Secretary of the Executive Office tion of many new streets. of Environmental Affairs (EOEA), as part of He was also active in the the MEPA review of the Muddy River Project, Brookline Historical informed the Town that restoration of the Society and a president footbridge entrance to Riverway Park was Carlton Street Footbridge today. essential to the integrity of the whole Muddy of the Appalachian Photo by Jean Stringham Morris Dancers in Riverway Park at a Friends of the Muddy River celebratory event.. Photo by Jean Stringham (continued on page 8) Mountain Club.

4 5 Muddy River Update (continued from page 4) Water Management Has Broad Environmental Benefits By Kate Bowditch

example, control of phragmites and The project is unusually complex due to the the decision makers and the public will stay hen thinking about environmen- examples include green roofs, green streets Brookline is spending significant dollars additional street sweeping). site’s historical, cultural and social context, focused on the importance of the goals of this tal issues of importance in (streets with vegetated edges designed for every year sweeping streets, cleaning catch In addition to controlling the flooding the congested and confined area of work, and major flood control and restoration project. W Brookline, one area that deserves infiltration and bioremediation), rain gardens basins, and inspecting these pipes with the the adjacent world class institutions. Currently and going forward, the attention is water. The way our Town and street trees. In places where these approaches goals of reducing flooding, improving water The necessity for hydraulic dredging Management and Maintenance Oversight manages its water resources - rivers and have been tried, people generally love them. quality, protecting rivers and streams and (to protect the site and surrounding Committee, a cross jurisdictional committee ponds, wetlands, stormwater runoff, sewers - The other important aspect of water resource meeting regulatory requirements. The area) and the necessity for de-water- intended to assure maintenance of the has a significant and direct impact on our management is that it is required by state and Muddy River restoration project has pushed ing the sediment and the removal to restored public assets, is an additional protec- Town’s environment, quality of life, munici- federal laws, and all towns, including the Town to step up these efforts even more. distant landfills due to the high level tion for taxpayers and park advocates. pal budget, development patterns, and more. Brookline, are already spending a lot of time, Yet there are many innovative programs and of contamination of the sediment, Brookline representatives include Frances Focusing resources and attention on water as money and creative thinking to try to find ideas we could be implementing to reduce the require more time and push the Allou Gershwin–Chair, Arlene Mattison and an environmental concern is particularly ways to manage water better. The environ- amount of water that gets into those pipes in price much higher than, say, a Kate Bowditch. beneficial because it touches and connects to mental community in Brookline has an the first place. This is an area that needs more project in Boston Harbor, according so many other environmental concerns. opportunity to build a strong and effective attention from our environmental commu- to the Army Corps spokesman, Mike Programs to reduce stormwater runoff, partnership with Town government around nity, and ultimately everyone in town. The Keegan. In a public discussion in protect streams and wetlands, and reduce issues relating to water. Water is largely result will be a greener community and January, Mr. Keegan indicated he impervious area (land that is built on or hidden in Brookline, flowing off our devel- cleaner rivers and streams, a benefit to all. had never been involved in a project paved over so water cannot penetrate the oped areas and into storm drains (sometimes that was stopped mid-way due to ground and instead becomes “runoff”) also incorrectly called sewers), which collect water Kate Bowditch is Senior Hydrologist for the Federal funding being withheld, improve, protect and even increase open from all over Brookline in an extensive pipe Charles River Watershed Association, a member provided the local partners hold up space. In addition, stormwater controls tend system and carry the water to water bodies of the Brookline Conservation Commission, and their end. However, he did suggest to enhance the streetscape, reduce summer like the Charles River, the Muddy River and a member of the BGSA Board. that citizens continue to keep their heat in urban areas, and save money. Specific Saw Mill Brook. political representatives alert to the need for this plan to go forward on Invasive species including the common reed Phragmites australis Cav. (below) grow at the schedule. edge of the river and impede the flow of water necessary for a healthy waterway. (See A number of jurisdictional and http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/aquatics/com- logistical issues are still to be monreed.shtml for more information.). Riverway Park, Brookline, on a spring day. Photos by Marian Lazar Photo by Marian Lazar resolved, but the expectation is that

through providing an increased capacity for water flow, the benefits include restoration of 40 acres of aquatic habitat and 140 acres of upland parkland. Phase 1 of the restoration project is estimated to take one year; phase 2, which includes the dredging, is expected to take two and one-half years, both phases to proceed along parallel paths. Phase 1 will include the culvert work, the daylighting, reconstruction of the headwall at Avenue Louis Pasteur, environmental sampling, utility investigations, topographic survey, traffic analysis, development of plans and specifications, cost estimates, civil layout, and coordination of cultural and environmental Dieter Kienast designed this small court on an concerns. The design work is expected to be urban sidewalk in front of this engineering firm in completed by January 2007. Construction is Zurich in 1995 that contains fifteen Linden trees and a pool that collects rainwater from the roofs. expected to begin June 2007. The project The surface of the water registers every breath of completion date is anticipated to be approxi- wind, reflects the sunlight to the crowns of the mately mid-year 2008. trees and the interior and is especially popular with passers-by, particularly young ones. Leverett Pond, one of a series of ponds that, with the Muddy River, comprise the Emerald Necklace waterway. Photo by Marian Lazar 6 7 Carlton Street Footbridge (continued from page 5) Watch out for the Winter Moth [Operophtera brumata (L.)] By Tom Brady

River restoration effort and conditioned state DRC had approved a plan, the Town ted until the necessary easements had been he major caterpillar pest responsible and Open Space and the Tree Planting to determine the best treatment option for funding support for the flood control, water prepared a draft application for funding secured from the MBTA. The application for foliar destruction is a newly intro- Committee held a public meeting the evening affected areas of our urban forest. Extensive quality and habitat enhancement, and under the Transportation Enhancements indicated that the land release for the T duced insect called the Winter Moth of March 2nd at the Brookline Public Library monitoring will continue throughout the historic preservation project on the Town’s Program, a Federal program for projects that, footbridge had been granted in 1891 and (Operophtera brumata), Insect order: to discuss treatment options for control of Town of Brookline to track this pest and moving forward with restoring the entrance among other criteria, are granted for the construction and maintenance easements Lepidoptera; family: Geometridae. This pest this invasive insect. Charlie Burnham, ensure any treatments are undertaken in a at Carlton Street. “Provision of facilities for pedestrians and needed for rebuilding and maintaining the has been in our midst over the past couple of Director of Forest Health for DCR attended prudent and responsible manner. Based on years; however, the Town’s Division of Parks the session and presented information on the the activity of this pest last year and the Since the issuance of the EOEA Certificate bicycles” and “Rehabilitation of historic footbridge were being sought. (The MAPC, and Open Space has noted a dramatic history and life cycle of the Winter Moth. weather we have experienced this winter, requirement for footbridge restoration, transportation . . .structures. . .” The “pre- in its score sheet, had indicated the additional increase in Winter Moth in Brookline in the Control options for the Winter Moth include it is anticipated the greatest impact from this Brookline Town Meeting has approved application” was submitted to the easements would have to be secured in order past year. Based on research by UMass dormant oil sprays which can be effective on pest will take place in the latter half of the funding of a portion of the restoration cost Metropolitan Area Planning Council for the final application to pass muster, so Extension and the Commonwealth’s egg masses, applications of B.t.k which is spring season. — $90,000, 10% of the total projected cost — (MAPC), the state agency authorized to that was acknowledged.) The Town is now Department of Conservation and Recreation lethal to the caterpillar once ingested, a provided the balance of the cost can be evaluate and make recommendations. (The proceeding to move along the required path As part of the Town’s Integrated Pest (DCR) Forestry Bureau, it is roughly Spinosad product (market name ‘Conserve’) covered by outside funding, for example, pre-application process is designed to give the and currently plans to resubmit the applica- Management approach, the Division plans to estimated that there are between 1500 and which is a biorational product that, once Federal grants for such projects, and condi- MAPC an opportunity to give guidance to tion in late summer. All Brookline Boards apply either B.t.k. or Conserve to control the 2500 female moths per tree. With each female ingested, attacks the nervous system of the tioned on the Commonwealth delivering on towns and cities as to how their application and Commissions have reviewed the plans. Winter Moth in a few areas in South producing 150 eggs, on average that translates caterpillar, or a restricted use chemical insec- its funding commitment for the Muddy River can be improved, or to inform that the (Certain improvements suggested by the Brookline that are most severely impacted. into a minimum of 250,000 eggs per tree. The ticide such as Carbaryl , organophosphates Project. The Town then proceeded to hire an project will not meet the criteria.) The Preservation Commission had been previ- Either B.t.k. or Conserve will be applied in known range of the Winter Moth in that kill the caterpillar on contact. engineering consulting firm, Ammann and MAPC, in its initial review and scoring ously incorporated.) Other issues are being the overnight and early morning hours. All Massachusetts is mostly coastal starting north Entomologists from UMass extension have Whitney, to prepare plans for restoration and of the project, gave the footbridge worked on, as well, as part of the pre-applica- other areas in Town will be monitored. It is of Boston (currently as far as Gloucester), advised against the use of so called sticky handicapped accessibility, and appointed a pre-application high marks. However, due to tion process. expected this program will be undertaken late extending to towns in and around Boston, bands on the trunks of shade trees. Their Design Review Committee (DRC) comprised a complex series of actions by Selectman While much detail has been omitted from in the Spring Sher, who had been allied with the opponents down throughout Plymouth County, to research indicates this control method is of neighbors supporting both restoration and this summary, we have included many perti- For current updates, photographs, and other to restoration of the footbridge entrance, the Southeastern Massachusetts and extending ineffective when the population numbers demolition, and representatives of the various nent facts to give a flavor of the project and its educational information on the Winter Moth pre-application was withdrawn by the Town almost the entire length of Cape Cod. have reached significant density. Long term Town-wide Boards and Commissions with an controversies. The Friends of the Carlton visit www.umassgreeninfo.org , or contact for further review. control measures include the release of a interest in the matter, to work with Town Street Footbridge, a broad based advocacy Young larvae (caterpillars) wriggle in and George Barlow, MCA Town Arborist with the parasitic fly (Cznesis albicnas) by the Forest engineers and the Town’s consulting engineer. Among Selectman Sher’s complaints was that group that supports restoration of the formal feed on the buds of apple, blueberry, cherry, Division of Parks and Open Space at 617- Service which can serve as a natural control Once plans reached the 25% stage and the the application should not have been submit- entrance to Riverway Park, is an organiza- crabapple, maples, oaks etc., in the early 739-7695, or Thomas Brady, MCA Tree measure. This type of control is achieved in tional member of Brookline GreenSpace spring just before or at bud break. Larvae Warden with the Division of Parks and Open incremental steps; we should not expect to Alliance. Brookline GreenSpace believes move from bud to bud as they feed. As the Space at 617-730-2088. see any significant change in Winter Moth democratic and attractive access to parks and larvae grow, they feed in expanding leaf population because of this parasitic fly for Tom Brady is the Town’s Tree Warden and ongoing maintenance of parks are essential to clusters and are capable of creating defolia- many years. For a full explanation of these Conservation Administrator. a healthy urban environment. Park access and tion in high populations. In certain regions of options one can consult the UMass Extension park paths and trails are top priorities for Nova Scotia, this pest is responsible for 40% GreenViews is an occasional column on Service website. Brookline residents, as expressed in the red oak mortality in forested stands. subjects of environmental interest sponsored by Brookline GreenSpace Alliance, www.brook- Comprehensive Plan, Open Space Plans, and In accordance with the Division’s Integrated The Parks and Open Space Division and the linegreenspace.org. This column was previously the Park and Recreation Master Plan draft Pest Management Plan the Division of Parks Tree Planting Committee continue to work and the random Town-wide survey with entomologists and public health officials published in the Brookline TAB on March 23, 2006. conducted by a national consultant team. For these reasons, and its place in the Emerald BROOKLINE GREENSPACE WISHES TO THANK MEMBERS OF THE HOST COMMITTEE FOR OUR MAY 21 GARDEN PARTY AT THE HOME OF NAN ST. GOAR Necklace Park system, BGSA supports

restoration of the Footbridge at the historic LEE & NILE ALBRIGHT BETSY & DENNIS DEWITT AMELIE RATLIFF Carlton Street entrance to Riverway Park. FAY & TONY ANDREADIS HUGH & MARY DUNLAP FRED PERRY & SARAH SMITH ANONYMOUS FRANCES SHEDD-FISHER DICK & LUCY ROBB DOROTHY BALDINI BETSY SHURE GROSS JOSEPH & SUSAN ROTHSTEIN GORDON BENNETT & LUCY GOODHART CHOBEE HOY PEG & STEVE SENTURIA KATE BOWDITCH & ROBERT GRANT MARIAN AND GERALD LAZAR PETER & JEAN STRINGHAM BRONNER CHARITABLE FOUNDATION SEAN & KAREN LYNN-JONES JAY VEEVERS RONALD & ELLEN BROWN WERNER & CAROL LOHE JAMES & JANE WILSON The restored footbridge will lead to historic Riverway Park, depicted ABBY & PETER COFFIN HUGH & ARLENE MATTISON MICHAEL WINTER & DEBORAH GOLDBERG here on an early spring day. Photo by Marian Lazar MARY & MAC DEWART COLIN & ANNE MCNAY

8 9 Creative Landscape Ideas

ina Crandell, local Brookline On land once cleared by logging and formerly an resident, senior editor of Land estate, Bloedel Nature Reserve in Bainbridge Island,WA, intensifies natural processes.The G Forum: The International Review Moss Garden appears ancient as the planted of Landscape Achitecture, Garden Art, moss drapes the forest floor and decaying Environmental Planning and Urban Design, stumps.The Reflection Pool’s water surface was designed to be the same as the groundwater and lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School level of the area.The concrete curb merely holds of Design and Rhode Island School of back the turf while natural springs maintain the Design, presented the following photographs depth of the water. Designed by Thomas Church and Richard Haag, 1969-85. in connection with a talk at a recent Alliance meeting. (Alliance meetings are held on the first Monday evening of alternate months throughout the year. The meetings offer speakers, presentations and discussion on subjects of general interest to the open space constituency in Brookline.) Crandell’s talk was illustrated with many examples of landscape architecture that intensify natural processes, reveal infrastructure, acknowledge history without mimicry, and respect organic Sausset Park, a 500 acre park outside Paris designed by Michel and Claire Corajoud, 1982-95, integrates infrastructure, transit, form through contrast. designed wetlands, forest, and prairie with expansive walks and outlooks. Examples of Creative Landscape Ideas have been selected from parks and streets around the world: England, France, Barcelona, Spain (a BGSA contribution), Washington State and Zurich, Switzerland (page 7).

Former railyard in Barcelona, Spain, reshaped as a park and sculpture garden.The train station facade has been preserved and is part of new bus terminal.The conception for the Parque de la Estació del Nord was directed by the American sculptor Beverly Pepper with collaboration from architects Carme Fiol,Andreu Arriola and Enric Pericas (1991).

“Limelight” is a landform that activates the space around a Champion Linden tree as well as defining a place for gather- ing and gazing in England’s National Arboretum, 2003. It was designed off center to avoid soil compaction by Meyer & Silberberg/Landscape Architects.

10 11 Children participating in the Environmental Learning Project at Hall's Pond and expressing the joy of being “in the moment.” Photo by Bruce Wolff

Yes! I want to protect Brookline’s GreenSpace heritage Stay Connected As a member of the Alliance Name ______Visit our website at you’ll receive our publication www.brooklinegreenspace.org and find updated PLACE, periodic e-mail Address______information on programs, events and informa- alerts to keep you informed tion about open space issues in Brookline. of timely meetings and Telephone______Email ______You’ll also find an open space map and contact events affecting open space ( ) Acorn ($25) information for all the Park Friends Groups in Brookline, as well as invita- ( ) Turfbuilder ($50) in Brookline. tions to educational forums ( ) Good Apple ($100) Join our email list serve and you’ll receive and events on open space ( ) Oak ($250) important updates and time-sensitive information issues in our community. ( ) Copper Beech ($500) pertinent to open space in Brookline. Just send us Contributions are tax ( ) American Elm ($1,000) an email at [email protected] to let deductible. Neighborhood us know you want to join. Associations and Friends ( ) Steward ($2,500) groups are invited to join Mail to BGSA the Alliance. Please call 370 Washington Street 277-4777 for information Brookline, MA 02445

Brookline GreenSpace Alliance Non-Profit Org. 370 Washington Street U.S. Postage Brookline, MA 02445 Paid Boston, MA Permit No. 53810