Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway

The Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy is the nonprofit responsible for the care and stewardship of The Greenway, a 1.70-mile linear park in the heart of downtown Boston, where a diverse and evolving arboretum is woven into a vibrant public landscape. Free and open to the public year-round, The Greenway welcomes visitors 365 days a year to experience its dynamic collections and urban open spaces.

The Greenway’s living collections showcase a wide range of trees selected for seasonal beauty, urban resilience, and their role in supporting biodiversity. Signature plantings include the iconic Washington elm, an allée of yellow magnolia, and a curated display of Appalachian Red redbuds, Fothergilla, and Japanese stewartia in the North End Parks. In the Wharf District Parks, native tree species—including black tupelo, maples, oaks, and tuliptrees—anchor ecologically focused plantings. The Fort Point Channel Parks feature seven distinct species of dogwoods and more than 15 selections of hydrangeas, adding seasonal diversity and horticultural interest. Dewey Square Park includes a sweetly scented ribbon of silver lindens, while Chinatown Park showcases distinctive conifers such as lacebark pine and Japanese white pine, complemented by ginkgo trees for year-round texture and interest.

Managed using sustainable, organic practices, The Greenway’s arboretum emphasizes soil health, plant diversity, ecological management, and long-term climate resilience in a highly urbanized setting. The collections are supported by ongoing plant records development, thoughtful species selection, and an integrated approach to design and maintenance that enhances both ecological function and visitor experience.