fall
We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.

- Thornton Wilder

This time of year, as we gather around tables with family and friends to celebrate the bounty of the season, we are reminded to reflect on that for which we are thankful. So, in keeping with the theme, I thought I'd list a few things I see, hear and feel each day at the Wakefield Estate for which I am thankful:

For the laughter of kids as they dig through the soil -- and for the worms that provoke their laughter. For the breathtaking colors of autumn - and the gift of trees planted by those who came before us. For the warmth of a woodstove - and the onset of the cold, dark months that draw us toward its light and warmth.  For the ability to rake leaves - and the help of others to make work light.  For the commitment of colleagues and teachers to instill a sense of wonder for the beauty and mysteries that surround us.

And for the vitality, complexity and resiliency of nature - which sustains us all.

 

--Mark Smith Executive Director


Quick Links
News About Us
logo


Find us on Facebook

Join Our Mailing List!


kids 

HP SHOUT Out at Wakefield Estate

The Wakefield Estate is partnering this year with the Hyde Park Presbyterian Church and the SHOUT After School Tutoring Program to provide children from the Henry Grew school in Hyde Park academic enrichment opportunities. Last week the kids collected a number of items from the landscape - berries, leaves, nuts, cones, ferns - with which they made colorful collages. Following the art project, each child wrote in their journal to describe their experience. One student wrote in her journal: "Today we went to the Wakefield Estate. It was great. I collected stuff:  leaves and seeds and made a collage. It was great. I took it home to show my mother. I hope we get to come back to Wakefield." We hope so too!

conley        

                         
Fall BPS Field Trips Wrap Up

With the colder weather quickly approaching, the last field trips for Boston Public elementary students are scheduled for this week. Thanks to funding from Boston After School and Beyond's GOAL funding, students have had the opportunity to explore the fall landscape with its seeds and fruit, fallen leaves and all kinds of organisms preparing for winter. Highlights of the fall trips included introduction of the new "Decomposer Trail" created by the 2010 summer interns, and an opportunity to meet the chicks (now 3 months old) born from eggs collected and incubated after Frankie the rooster's demise (by coyote).

 

mansion 

Holiday Open House - December 15, 4:00-7:00 p.m.

Please join us for our second Annual Holiday Open House in the Davenport Mansion. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP by calling 617-333-0924 or click here to let us know you are coming.

Mary M. B. Wakefield Charitable Trust is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Staff:
Mark Smith, Executive Director - email: [email protected]
Erica Max, Landscape Supervisor and Educational Coordinator - email: [email protected]
Dave Cafaro, Grounds and Building Maintenance - email: [email protected]
For more information, call us at (617) 333-0924 or check out our website at wakefieldtrust.org