The Arboretum is committed to connecting with our neighbors and making both nature and the Arboretum accessible to all.
Our outreach work begins by meeting people in their own communities, where we establish relationships and inspire curiosity about the natural world. We then invite them to experience the Arboretum as a welcoming, enriching resource, where the joy and wonder of plants can be explored and enjoyed by people of all ages, again and again.
Arboretum Families Project
Launched in 2024, the Arboretum Families Project strengthens connections between the Arboretum and residents of nearby Boston Public Housing Authority communities, including Archdale Village and South Street.
Working with local partners and community centers, the project offers nature-based activities that start in familiar neighborhood spaces—playgrounds, community centers, and local gatherings—and extend into the Arboretum itself.
To achieve these goals, the Arboretum:
- Joins community celebrations such as Archdale Unity Day
- Hosts family-friendly evenings like Hot Dog Night with youth activities
- Leads hands-on outdoor programs at playgrounds and community centers
- Welcomes groups into the Arboretum for seasonal walks and explorations
This approach helps build trust with our local community, nurture environmental appreciation, and encourage families to feel at home in the Arboretum.
Community Events at the Arboretum
Beyond neighborhood outreach, we invite neighbors and visitors to gather and connect through events at the Arboretum. These events celebrate the diversity of our communities and create welcoming entry points for people who may be visiting for the first time.
Recent and upcoming events include:
- Arboretum Road Block Party: a celebration of the new entrance at Arboretum Road, featuring family activities, local partners, and community performances
- Second Sundays on Peters Hill: a series of family-focused events designed to welcome nearby Roslindale residents into the Arboretum
- MassQ Ball 2025: in the conifer collection and co-produced with Castle of Our Skins and Daniel Callahan: A large-scale celebration of ritual, performance, and cross-cultural arts, featuring the diverse artistry of Boston’s communities of color
Through these events, we are strengthening our neighborhood ties and creating shared memories, in an effort to make the Arboretum a place for everyone.
