Friends of the Public Garden

Friends of the Public Garden is one of the oldest parks advocacy groups in the country and works as a partner of the City of Boston to renew, care for and advocate for three landmark green spaces: the Boston Common, the Public Garden and the Commonwealth Avenue Mall. These parks are central to Boston’s identity, hosting countless public events and private moments and serving the recreational and restorative needs of millions of people.

Visitors can learn more on the group’s free guided tours, Untold Stories of the Public Garden, one-hour walks that meet at the Make Way for Ducklings statue. Volunteers play a large part in the work. The Rose Brigade meets weekly to tend the Public Garden’s four rose beds, and helpers staff signature events such as Duckling Day, Making History on the Common, A Summer Party and The Winter Party.

What to Know

• The guided tours are seasonal, running from June through September.
• Companies can arrange corporate volunteer days in the parks.
• Office volunteers help with tasks such as stuffing envelopes and archiving documents.
• Volunteer interest is handled through an online form, with staff following up.