Brookline Environmental Learning Project
(Originally the Hall’s Pond Learning Project)

It is often said that the future of conservation and the health of our planet are dependent on people learning to understand and love the place in which they live. Without connections to the everyday natural environment found in our backyards or the green pockets within our suburban and urban environment, we lose the connections that inspire us to protect and become stewards of our natural world. The Brookline Environmental Learning Project was created to help Brookline citizens learn about, care for and enjoy their local natural environment through field trips for the general public, and special programming with the schools, senior center and summer camp programs.

Brookline Senior Center
We also offer environmental education programs for senior members of our community, such as guided trips to the sanctuaries, slide presentations and writing workshops. Programs are held in partnership with the Brookline Senior Center.

Classroom Field Trips & Extended Day
Through the Environmental Learning Project, Brookline GreenSpace Alliance pays for professional environmental educators to work with teachers and extended day programs interested in bringing their classes to a sanctuary. Consultation between the teacher and naturalist ahead of time ensures that the activities complement the learning expectations of the related curriculum, such as nesting, preparing for winter, caterpillars and butterflies, and other insects.

Note: This special program was originally developed by the Friends of Hallís Pond, a local community organization that helps protect and maintain the Hallís Pond Sanctuary in North Brookline. The Friends of Hallís Pond has now teamed up with the Brookline GreenSpace Alliance to offer environmental learning programs in sanctuaries and larger parks throughout Brookline.

Our Supporters
We receive generous financial support from the Friends of Hallís Pond, the Blossom Fund, and the Bay State Federal Savings Charitable Foundation. We also receive programmatic advice and support from the Friends of Hallís Pond, Brookline Conservation Commission and Brookline Public Schools. The Brookline Community Fund and the MHS Charitable Foundation provided start-up funding for this program.