Central Park, Prospect Park, and Boston's Emerald Necklace are popular today because of the way Frederick Law Olmsted designed them. He believed in the wonder of nature as a remedy to the stress of urban life. He also believed in free access for all. In this year, the 200th anniversary of his birth, discover the trademarks of Olmsted’s design and see how these are enjoyed today.

About Roxanne Zimmer

Roxanne Zimmer, Ph.D., has been spreading the word about best garden practices for many years. In her Community Horticulture role at Cornell Cooperative Extension in Suffolk County, NY, Roxanne speaks to school and community groups about why we should be reducing lawns, planting natives and more vegetables. She trains Master Gardeners and recently launched The Joy of Gardening, an online gardening course for those who want to become better home gardeners.  

She has presented at national conferences of the American Horticultural Society and the American Community Garden Association.

When not weeding, Roxanne can be found raising oysters with the Cornell Marine program.

"Beyond the Library" and Cary Library's museum pass program is sponsored by the Friends of Cary Library.

The Olmsted designed parks that one can go to using the Trustees of the Reservation pass includes: World’s End, Moraine Farm, William Cullen Bryant Homestead, Rocky Narrows, Holmes Reservation, Naumkeag, Castle Hill on the Crane Estate. Olmsted also designed many academic and college campuses in Massachusetts including: Wellesley College, Smith College, Mount Holyoke and Philips Academy.

In collaboration with Ashland Public Library, Belmont Public Library, Franklin Public Library, Hopkinton Public Library, Lucius Beebe Memorial Library (Wakefield), Maynard Public Library, Newton Free Library, Tewksbury Public Library.

Registration is required.