For the Love of the Park
Plant. Preserve. Protect.
For 25 years, the Esplanade Association has cared for the park we all share.
More than a landscape—the Esplanade is a place where Boston gathers, where memories are made, and where more than 4 million people each year find beauty, connection, and respite along the Charles River. The places we cherish thrive when we invest in them, year after year.
For the Love of the Park is our stewardship program dedicated to sustaining the trees, gardens, historic Shurcliff benches, and pollinator habitats that keep the Esplanade welcoming, vibrant, and resilient.
When you plant, preserve, or protect part of the park, you help ensure it continues to flourish for generations to come. Make your gift today and care for the public space that brings us together.
Please contact development@esplanade.org with any questions!
Plant a New Tree
Strengthen the Esplanade’s urban canopy for future generations.
Your gift supports the planting and long-term care of a new tree along the Charles River Esplanade—providing shade, habitat, beauty, and environmental resilience for the more than 4 million annual visitors who enjoy the park.
Tree stewardship includes a 10-year recognition term and a personalized plaque safely placed on the tree.
EA staff will work with you to identify available tree locations that align with horticultural planning before your stewardship is finalized. Renewal and extension opportunities are available, including the option to extend your stewardship before the 10-year term concludes.
Care for Mature Trees
Strengthen the Esplanade’s urban canopy for future generations.
Your gift supports the planting and long-term care of a new tree along the Charles River Esplanade—providing shade, habitat, beauty, and environmental resilience for the more than 4 million annual visitors who enjoy the park.
Tree stewardship includes a 10-year recognition term and a personalized plaque safely placed on the tree.
EA staff will work with you to identify available tree locations that align with horticultural planning before your stewardship is finalized. Renewal and extension opportunities are available, including the option to extend your stewardship before the 10-year term concludes.
Plant Seasonal Bulbs
Support gardens that bloom year after year.
Each bulb planted in the fall brings vibrant color to the Esplanade each spring. Your gift sustains seasonal plantings across the park and supports ongoing horticultural care.
Bulb gifts support park-wide plantings and do not include individual plaques or designated locations. Planting locations are determined by park needs and long-term planning.
Protect Pollinator Habitats
Sustain gardens that support bees, butterflies, and birds.
Pollinator habitats strengthen ecological resilience and bring life and movement to the park’s landscape. Your gift supports native plantings and habitat care that benefit wildlife and visitors alike.
Pollinator gifts support designated habitat areas and do not include individual plaques.
Preserve a Shurcliff Bench
Care for one of the Esplanade’s historic Shurcliff benches.
These iconic benches invite rest, reflection, and connection along the river. Your gift supports the preservation and maintenance of a bench while honoring a person, milestone, or memory.
Bench stewardship includes a 10-year plaque recognition term and a personalized bronze plaque displayed nearby for the duration of the term.
Benches are limited and subject to availability. EA staff will work with you to review available bench locations before your stewardship is finalized. Renewal and extension opportunities are available, including the option to extend your stewardship prior to the end of the 10-year term.
Bench Sponsorship Map
To the right is an interactive map of all benches located on the Charles River Esplanade. Benches displayed are either sponsored or available to be sponsored.
Benches displayed in light green are currently sponsored. Benches displayed in dark green are available for sponsorship.
Show the park some love—click a patch below to donate!
FAQs
How long does bench or tree recognition last?
Tree and bench stewardship includes a 10-year plaque recognition term. Stewards are invited to renew or extend their support at the end of the term and may also choose to extend their stewardship prior to its expiration.
How are locations selected?
EA staff work directly with each steward to review available tree or bench locations that align with horticultural planning and preservation priorities before the stewardship is finalized.
What happens after 10 years?
At the conclusion of the recognition term, stewards are offered the opportunity to renew. If a renewal is not made, the plaque may be removed to allow another community member to care for that location.
What if a tree declines or a bench requires major restoration?
The Esplanade is a living, historic landscape. If changes are required due to safety, environmental conditions, or restoration needs, EA will work to maintain the integrity of the park while honoring stewardship commitments whenever possible.
Do bulb or pollinator gifts include plaques?
These gifts support broader horticultural and ecological stewardship across the park and do not include individual recognition plaques.
Can I make my gift in honor or memory of someone?
Yes! All stewardship gifts may be made in honor or memory of someone special.
Is my gift tax-deductible?
The Esplanade Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
