Hidden Histories of Brookline’s Green Spaces
Ann Frechette, Co-President of Friends of Hall’s Pond, presented a talk on March 4, 2026 at an event organized by Brookline GreenSpace Alliance, the Brookline Historical Society, the Public Libraries of Brookline and several park friends groups. The event was called “Hidden Histories of Brookline’s Green Spaces” and Ann’s talk was entitled “Water Infrastructure in the Establishment of Hall’s Pond Sanctuary.”
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2025 December Newsletter
IN JUNE 2025, the Friends of Hall’s Pond gathered to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Brookline’s designation of this pond as a Nature Sanctuary. For five decades, because it is situated in an urban community, this haven for wildlife and vegetation has enriched the lives of adults and children of many cultures. That, in itself, was cause for celebration.
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See & Share Sightings
Please share your reports of interesting happenings at Hall’s Pond Sanctuary and enjoy reading others’ posts.
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Bird Walk Observations
Birds year round at Hall’s Pond include many regulars. Herring Gulls overhead. Starlings, Pigeons and Mourning Doves on the ball-field. Bright-red Cardinals wheet-wheeting in the trees, House Sparrows chirping in the bushes. The local Red-tailed Hawk being pestered by crows and jays.
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Fall/Winter 2014 Newsletter
2014 was busy all year long, and with the May 4th Community Day, the May 18 dedication of the Eris Doorneweerd Entry to the Sanctuary, and the June 16 Annual Meeting (featuring historian Susan Helms Daley’s presentation “Who Was Harriet Hemenway”) the Friends have been active not only in the sanctuary but also out in the community on behalf of the sanctuary.
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May 2011 Photo Contest Winners poster
The Photography Contest was a component of the Celebration of the 35th Anniversary of the founding of the Friends of Hall’s Pond.
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Fall/Winter 2008 Newsletter
Hues and Rustles Winter’s nearly upon us, so it’s time to roll up the boardwalk until spring. Or is it? Winter’s bark is worse than its bite, and far softer than the baleful baying of the weather reporters of the everbleak outlook. So, get out and enjoy the winter, whatever the weather. Lord knows our feathered friends always make the best of it with good cheer. Birds and small mammals forage avidly in the snow, and Hall’s Pond usually enjoys lively wildlife from November through March.
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Spring/Summer 2012 Newsletter
Entering our 37th year as the volunteer stewards of Hall’s Pond Nature Sanctuary, we dedicate this issue of the Newsletter to the very special people who preserved and protected this unique urban resource.
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Fall/Winter 2013 Newsletter
Stewardship, Volunteerism, and the Gift of Time Ever Since the dedication of Hall’s Pond Sanctuary on June 15, 1975 the citizens of Brookline (Boston, and beyond) have given their Gift of Time to establish and to sustain a conservation ethic and enhanced stewardship through volunteerism at the sanctuary.
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Fall/Winter 2009 Newsletter
On behalf of The Board of Directors of The Friends of Hall’s Pond, we want to welcome all who use Hall’s Pond Nature Sanctuary, to thank our wonderful very special Volunteers, and note our appreciation to the Brookline Conservation Commission Commissioners and to their staff, Tom Brady and Heather Charles for their untiring efforts on behalf of this unique Brookline resource. We are proud to be your partners in the protection and preservation of Hall’s Pond.
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Spring/Summer 2008 Newsletter
WHEN YOU’RE BROWSING through the Sanctuary over Spring and Summer, some of its avian denizens are obvious by their large size or busy activity. On the open water are the nesting Canada Geese and Mallards. The 4-foot Great Blue Heron is our hoary mascot, the ‘old man of the pond.’ On the Beacon Street side, a gaggle of House ‘Sparrows’ (really émigré weaver finches) chirpily greet you.
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Volunteer Maintenance Team
Participation on the team is an excellent way to get exercise, learn about nurturing a nature preserve in an urban setting, and appreciate the beauty of the Sanctuary. All are welcome, all experience levels are needed, and gloves and tools are provided!
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September / October 2003 Newsletter
Hall’s Pond is one of two natural ponds remaining in Brookline. Purchased by the Town in 1975, Hall’s Pond is historically significant for having been owned by Minna Hall, a co-founder of the Massachusetts Audubon Society in 1896. The Hall’s Pond area has long been valued in Brookline for its open space qualities.
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