Boston Natural Areas Network

Founded in 1977, the Boston Natural Areas Network is dedicated to preserving and expanding urban open space – community gardens, urban wilds, and greenways – through community organizing and development, acquisition and ownership. As of 2006, the group had preserved 40 community gardens, has gained legal protection for 831 acres of urban wilds, and has helped create the Neponset River and East Boston Greenways. Partnering with many non-profit organizations and government agencies, the Network also coordinates activities related to all of the Boston area's community and school gardens, involving over 10,000 individuals and families, many of them low-income.