This urban sanctuary, located on the grounds of the former Boston State Hospital, offers public programs year-round. Through its Boston Schools Initiative, the Boston Nature Center provides environmental education programs to Boston elementary schools weekly. Two miles of wheelchair accessible trails and boardwalks traverse meadows and wetlands where wildlife abounds, including coyotes, pheasants, and many species of migratory birds. The sanctuary’s George Robert White Environmental Conservation Center is one of the “greenest” buildings in Boston, teaching environmentally sustainable design by example. The site also includes the Clark-Cooper Community Gardens, Boston’s oldest and largest, providing food and a green oasis for 260 local families. On site, the Clark-Cooper Community Gardens, Boston's largest community gardens, provide food and a green oasis for hundreds of Boston residents. The Boston Nature Center offers programs for adults, youth, and families throughout the year to foster an appreciation for the urban environment and to support life-long learning. Check the calendar for upcoming programs. Space is limited, so pre-registration and pre-payment for all programs is encouraged. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather. Tip: It's easier for everyone if infants brought to family programs come in backpacks rather than strollers.

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The mission of the Mattahunt Club is to provide a safe, nurturing, and challenging after-school environment where children develop skills necessary to become leaders and active citizens. Our program seeks to “mirror the out-of-school time with the in-school time.” By offering multifaceted educational curricula including arts, team building, physical activities, interactive science, community and citizenship, and academic support, our children are provided with many opportunities for educational, emotional, physical, and social expression and development. Hours: Monday-Friday, 2:30-5:30 p.m.

Mattapan CDC is a nonprofit community-based corporation dedicated to improving the social and economic conditions of all people who live or work in Mattapan. We place particular attention on improving the housing and economic circumstances of Mattapan's residents of limited means, and on ensuring that all Mattapan residents have a voice in the development activities that take place in Mattapan.