The Back Bay Fens in Boston is a jewel in multiple ways.
As a part of the Emerald Necklace park system designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, it holds a place as a jewel in the middle of the city. The open space encompasses approximately 100 acres of wooded areas, walking paths, bridges, a rose garden, a freshwater lagoon, and a variety of wildlife, including ducks, geese, turtles, and herons.
All of that offers respite and recreation for residents of surrounding neighborhoods, including students on Northeastern University’s Boston campus.
But every jewel could use polishing at some point, and the Fens is no different.
“There is a big ecological challenge, which is invasive plants primarily,” said Jonathan Bacdayan, Fens park steward. Bacdayan, a double Husky who graduated with his master’s degree in environmental science and policy in 2025, also cited erosion and soil compaction — where soil has little empty space for air, water and plant roots — as issues in the park, particularly along its well-traveled paths and riverbanks.
Thanks to a new public-private partnership, Northeastern is on the task.
Read more at Northeastern Global News
Photo by Alyssa Stone/Northeastern University
