Historic Habitat Restoration

99 Warren Street,Brookline MA 02445

25 September, 2022

Description

DESCRIPTION Come celebrate and participate in National Public Lands Day by helping us restore and preserve the historic ecosystem of the Green Hill Parcel, a beautiful five-and-a-half-acre tract of lightly-managed wilderness neighboring our historic site. Riverbank grape is a native but undesirable vining plant species that spreads quickly and can strangle native trees, and wine raspberry is an invasive thorny herbaceous species that spreads via underground vines. Neither were part of the Green Hill ecosystem historically. However, both have taken hold in a few corners of the parcel and threaten native species. Help us in controlling its spread by pulling and/or cutting them off to promote the growth of native species.  Directions: We are located at 99 Warren Street in Brookline, Massachusetts. We can be easily reached by turning South off Route 9 (Boylston Street) onto Warren Street and then following that road for a quarter mile. Warren Street is the first right turn after the Brookline Reservoir if you are taking Route 9 towards Boston. We will meet in the Carriage Turn in front of the Visitor Center. We are also a 15-minute walk from the Brookline Hills T-Station of the D Green Line. After disembarking, walk south on Cypress Street, crossing Boyleston Street. Make a right onto Walnut Street at the traffic light. Walk up the hill to where the street forks by the First Parish in Brookline. Follow the fork left and then turn left onto Warren Street. Follow Warren Street for a couple hundred feet and you will see our site at the bottom of the hill. Look for the large spruce pole archway as well as the National Park Service signs. We can also be reached easily by the 60 Chesnut Hill MBTA bus line. Exit at the Boyleston Street @ Summer Road stop. Cross Boylston Street and head south on Warren Street for a quarter mile. You will see our National Park Service signs and the spruce pole archway at the entrance to our property. Timing: Our welcome and safety instructions will begin at 9:00 AM. From 9:15 to 12:00 we will be working in the Green Hill. From 12:00 to 1:00 we will have a picnic on the South Lawn. Feel free to stay after for an afternoon tour of the geological and structural changes to Fairsted, starting at 1:00. If you are interested in the tour sign up here: What to Wear: Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and closed-toe shoes. What to Bring: Make sure to bring plenty of water and a lunch. Sunscreen and a hat are recommended. Tools and work gloves will be provided for you, though if you choose to bring your own gloves, leather is recommended as some of the plants we will be working with have thorns.  The program will go forward rain or shine, so we recommend bringing a rain gear if rain is forecasted. We may cancel in the event of severe weather. Masks will not be required but are always recommended. Do not attend if you have had recent exposure to a positive COVID case or if you are experiencing symptoms. Green Hill Work Description: Tasks include cutting plants with hand pruners, pulling plants, and wrenching roots. Tasks vary in physical intensity. Only do tasks you feel comfortable with. Job Hazards: Slip, trip, and fall hazards, as well as potential hazards from the use of hand tools, physical exertion, working in varied terrain, dense brush, thorns, allergies, and/or ticks. Address:  Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site 99 Warren Street Brookline, Massachusetts 02445 Contact: Sam Spencer [email protected] (609)306-4062 Mason Hearn (918)576-3339