Our Vision
Our stewardship of the Alewife Reservation is deeply rooted in the understanding that the Great Swamp that existed for millennia no longer exists in its original form. A primary goal is to restore the ecology of the reservation through dedicated vegetative restoration efforts.
Restoring the Alewife Reservation with native plantings aids in re-establishing the ecosystems native to this region, supporting a diverse array of life including birds, mammals, insects and fish, for which the Alewife Brook, and by extension the reservation, is named. Over 150 years of filling, channeling, and industrial development and use have entirely altered the original landscape and hydrological function. Despite these significant changes, we hope to aid in the recovery of that lost natural heritage and historical ecological function. Our vision is to cultivate a more resilient Alewife Reservation, capable of thriving amidst future environmental changes and serving as a lasting natural asset for generations to come.
We are committed to increasing access to the Reservation for the public, enabling communities to connect with the land and its natural beauty within an urban environment. We believe that fostering this connection is crucial for human health and community fabric, as well as the continued health of the ecosystem. Through robust community involvement and educational initiatives, we aim to deepen understanding and appreciation for the reservation's ecological significance and the importance of its long-term health. As the Alewife District continues to be developed for residential and commercial use, we'll work together to champion the creation of publicly accessible green and blue spaces designed to meet environmental justice and resilience standards, ensuring they benefit everyone fairly and can withstand climate challenges. Our advocacy will always prioritize the ecological needs of the Alewife Reservation (the Great Swamp), as protecting this vital natural area amidst development is our mission.
Our Strategy
This Alewife District Community Action Plan builds off decades of advocacy to create a strategic path forward, outlining what steps Green Cambridge and others can take to restore the ecological health of these 136 acres, make it more climate resilient, and ensure that it is an accessible resource.
We hope that this document serves as a launching point for collaborative advocacy, and look forward to the continual improvements and enrichment of the Alewife District.