Boston Natural Areas Network
The Boston Natural Areas Network (BNAN) was a non-profit organization based in Boston, in the U.S. state of Massachusetts founded in 1977 , which worked to identify and protect significant natural areas described as urban wilds and greenways in the metropolitan area. After 7 years of being an affiliate of The Trustees of Reservations, in December 2014 BNAN officially merged with the Trustees, and became part of the Trustees Boston Region.[1][2]
 | |
| Abbreviation | BNAN |
|---|---|
| Merged into | The Trustees of Reservations |
| Formation | 1977 |
| Dissolved | December 2014 |
| Headquarters | Boston, Massachusetts |
Mission
The Boston Natural Areas Network worked to preserve, expand and improve urban open space through community organizing, acquisition, ownership, programming, development and management of special kinds of urban land–urban wilds, greenways and community gardens. In all of its endeavors, BNAN was guided by local citizens advocating for their open spaces and assisting them to preserve and shape their communities.
History
Originally named the Boston Natural Areas Fund, the organization was founded by a small group of citizens in response to a Boston Redevelopment Authority report titled Boston Urban Wilds. The report cited nearly 150 unprotected sites of natural beauty, undeveloped areas and under-developed areas, including community gardens, each of environmental significance, all of which faced encroachment form a rapid expansion in development taking place. Within five years, the organization, working with local neighborhood groups, had begun acquiring properties and setting in place protection from future development.
See also
References
- "Boston Region The Trustees of Reservations". 18 February 2017. Archived from the original on 2017-02-18. Retrieved 12 June 2023.
- "Search Results | The Trustees of Reservations". the trustees of reservations. 21 April 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-04-21. Retrieved 12 June 2023.