Arboretum Days of Wellness (ArbWell)
The Arboretum Days of Wellness (ArbWell) is an ongoing relationship between the Kilachand Honors College and the Arboretum, built on recognition of the mental and physical health benefits of spending time in nature. Throughout the semester we will be taking group trips to the Arnold Arboretum, offering participants a chance to step away from the hustle and bustle of the semester and enjoy time in nature. We have also gathered a list of some of our favorite outdoor spots around Boston that we hope you take time to explore on your own during the semester!
Arboretum Days of Wellness
During the spring 2022 semester we will have two ArbWell outings:
- Sunday, February 13th @ 1:00pm
- Saturday, April 23rd @ 1:00pm
Signing Up
For all of these outings we will meet in front of Kilachand Hall and take a bus, as a group. If you’d prefer to meet the group at the Arboretum instead of taking the bus, please indicate that in the comments section when you sign up.
ArbWell Feedback Survey
To help us evaluate this new initiative please fill out this quick survey after you attend an ArbWell event. You will be able to fill this out for each event you attend.
Favorite Outdoor Places & Walks
Boston Harborwalk
Explore all of the green spaces and places to walk around the Boston harbors here.
Amanda Shalian suggests taking the walk from South Station to the North End along the water or through the Greenway.
Brookline Reservoir
From campus you can take the #60 bus from Kenmore to Boylston St @ Sumner and walk 6 minutes to the reservoir. The walk around the reservoir is exactly 1 mile. Get directions and learn more about the Brookline Reservoir Park here.
Professor Davidson notes that it is especially beautiful at sunset!
Brookline Walking Map – Secret Stairways & Paths
Three hills in Brookline – Corey, Aspinwall and Fisher Hills – have innovative designs for pedestrians. You can learn more about the history of these three hills, download a Brookline Walking Map pdf, and follow a Brookline ‘Secret Stairways & Paths’ Google map here.
Charles River Esplanade
The Esplanade is a wonderful stretch of green space located right next door to Kilachand Hall! See everything the Esplanade has to offer here.
Professor Preston suggests the following Esplanade walk, which includes crossing over the Cambridge for some amazing views:
Take one of the footbridges from Bay State Road over Storrow Drive and onto the Charles River Esplanade. Explore the many paths, ponds, and views of the Charles River and Cambridge. Take the ramp up to the Mass Ave. bridge over to Cambridge, and make sure to admire the views of the Boston skyline from the bridge! Turn left when you reach the end of the bridge and walk the river path to the BU Bridge, cross back over, and return to Kilachand or your dorm. The walk can take as little as 45 minutes or longer to enjoy the views.
Charles River Reservation
If you go to the river from campus, you can access 20 miles of trail along the river for walking, biking, or running. Learn more about this space and get directions here.
Professor Doerrer notes that at all times of year, and all times of day (note day …) these are wonderfully healing and restorative spaces.
Chestnut Hill Reservoir
From campus you can take the Green-B line to Chestnut Hill Ave or the Green-C line to Cleveland Circle. The walk around the reservoir is 1.5 miles. Get directions and learn more about the Chestnut Hill Reservation here.
Emerald Necklace
This park system is over seven miles long from end to end and covers 1,100 acres. To help you find your way to the Emerald Necklace parks and from one park to another, you can download the full map here. You can also find individual park maps and learn more about the Emerald Necklace Conservancy here.
Fun facts about the Emerald Necklace from Professor Doerrer:
Frederick Law Olmstead, the landscape architect who designed Central Park in NYC and designed many public green spaces in the US, also designed the Emerald Necklace in Boston. The component pieces have never been assembled as he intended, but there are still many beautiful bits in Boston.
Hall’s Pond Sanctuary
Located next to Amory Park and just 1 mile from Kilachand Hall, this location makes for a great nearby nature get-away. You can download the Hall’s Pond brochure here.
Herter Park
Herter Park is located on Soldiers Field Road between Eliot Bridge and Artesani Playground. You can learn more about this park here.
For some great views, Taryn Craig suggests taking the following route to and from Herter Park:
Access Paul Dudley White Bike Path on bike or foot via the pedestrian bridge at BU Beach. Follow the path (between Solders Field Road and Charles River) west to Herter Park (about 3.5 miles). Upon return, cross the Charles River at Anderson Memorial Bridge or Weeks Footbridge and continue on the Dudley White Bike Path, going east (on the Cambridge side) and returning to campus via the BU Bridge.
North End Walking Tour
This self-guided walking tour starts at Paul Revere’s house and ends at the Charlestown bridge. The full tour takes roughly 1 hour and features the following sites: Paul Revere House, North End Hanover Street, St. Leonard’s Church and Peach Garden, Captain Jackson’s Historic Chocolate, Old North Church, Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, and the Charlestown Bridge. Learn more and download the map here.
Parks of Brookline
Cross into Brookline at St. Mary’s Street and head right on Ivy Street and into the Cottage Farms neighborhood of Brookline. You will pass the BU President’s home, Sloane House, at 135 Ivy Street (the Provost and many of your deans live in the neighborhood too). Walk through the leafy Mason Square at the end of Ivy Street, then turn right on Cottage Farm Road and left on Worthington Street. Explore pretty Knyvet Square, then turn left on St. Paul Street and enjoy the playground, fountain, and rose gardens at Winthrop Square. Cross St. Paul Street, travel down Browne St. to Powell Street and turn right. Take a left toward Amory Street and cross into Amory and Hall’s Pond Sanctuary. This is a lovely park with wooded trails, gardens, pond trails, fields, and a tennis center. Relax at Amory before heading back to St. Mary’s Street and campus.