We invite you to join us as we explore Greater Boston with a series of talks and tours. Lots of people and places are working toward MetroFuture's goals.  Our speakers hail from near and far, and address topics of interest and relevance to the region.  Our tours explore some of the area's history, architecture, neighborhoods, green space, renewable energy, arts communities, and waterways - with local guides to answer your questions.

We hope to see you there!

February 21st - Making Your Home Energy Efficient with Next Step Living 5:30-7 PM

Looking to cut down on costs and make your home more energy efficient?  Aren’t really sure how to get started?  Join us as Travis Estes from Next Step Living talks about residential retrofitting strategies that individual home owners or renters (with willing landlords) can pursue to help cut down on their energy use and the associated costs.  Next Step Living (NSL) believes that it should be easy for Massachusetts residents to save energy and money while making their home more comfortable.  NSL has worked with nearly 20,000 Massachusetts residents to lower their energy cost, increase comfort, and improve the environment through the Mass Save Home Energy Services Program.  By partnering with municipalities, nonprofits and businesses that share our commitment to the environment and communities we live and work in, we are able to help residents understand the value of energy efficiency and how to take advantage of available services to improve their homes.  Take advantage of the chance to learn about residential retrofitting strategies, see a behind the scenes view of the Next Steps Living operation, and learn about their impact having on communities throughout New England.  This will be a great opportunity to learn how partners are benefiting from Next Step Living’s collaborative efforts, as well as how to start a new collaboration.  This talk will be held at the offices of Next Step Living at 25 Drydock Avenue  5th Floor, Boston, MA. 

Download the flyer here.

RSVP here.

March 3rd - Somerville Maple Syrup Boil Down  10:00-11:00 AM

Learn about some delicious local food production in Somerville and join Friends of MetroFuture for a morning tour with Chris Mancini of Groundwork Somerville!  Every year Groundwork Somerville and the Somerville Community Growing Center host a Maple Syrup Boil Down to celebrate the culmination of their efforts to collect syrup from local Somerville maple trees.  At this event, you will learn how syrup gets from the tree to your plate, the logistics of managing an urban sugar bush, and how to tap a tree with experienced city syrupers from Groundwork Somerville. Test your tastebuds comparing Somerville, New Hampshire, and Corn-based Maple products. Take a stab at boiling, or just watch and learn as sap from local trees is boiled down into pure maple syrup over a warm, wood fire.  This event will take place at The Somerville Community Growing Center at 22 Vinal Avenue in Somerville. 

Download the flyer here.

RSVP here.

 

March 27th - State of Equity Policy Briefing  5:30-7 PM

Join us to discuss the MetroFuture vision for an equitable region, learn how we are doing in achieving this vision, and discuss potential policy “levers” to move the region in the direction we all want it to go.  MAPC Policy Analyst Jessie Grogan, will present the findings of MAPC’s first regional indicators report, the State of Equity and lead participants through a discussion of potential policy, funding, and programmatic changes that could be made at the state or local level to help us achieve a more equitable region.  This is one of a number of workshops MAPC is planning to ensure that our policy recommendations reflect the diverse perspectives of the many residents of Metro Boston.  Please share your thoughts and perspectives on the policy recommendations.  What recommendations should MAPC act on first?  What are the most important?  What are your suggestions to help improve the state of equity in Metro Boston?  Join us for a stimulating conversation and let us know what you think. 

RSVP here.
 

April 26th - Tour of Drumlin Farm 10 AM -12:00 PM

Curious about local food production here in Massachusetts?  Interested in visiting a working farm?  Join Friends of MetroFuture at Drumlin Farm in Lincoln!  Explore the farm and field area and hear from a teacher naturalist about the challenges involved in growing and raising food locally and on a large scale.  Learn about the energy, quality of life, and ecological issues surrounding the food industry, including genetically modified food, land use, and management.  Make sure to dress appropriately as there will be some walking on dirt trails outdoors.  This is an all-weather event and it requires a fee of $9.25 per person that goes to Mass Audubon. 

Directions and Parking Information are here.

RSVP here.

May 10th -  Tour of Deer Island 10 AM-12:30 PM

Due to popular demand, we are hosting another MetroFuture Walk at Deer Island!!!!  Join us for a tour to learn about wastewater treatment and see the process in action. We will have a chance to visit the restored 19th century pumping station and see the primary and secondary treatment facilities. We will view the 12 140-foot egg-shaped digesters that begin the process of recycling sewage sludge into fertilizer and learn about the Thermal Power Plant.  Along the way, we will learn about the history of the island and the science and technology involved in the water treatment process.  Make sure to bring your close-toed walking shoes and appropriate clothing for touring an operating industrial facility.  Photography will be restricted to the exterior of the facilities.

Because of security requirements, you must RSVP 2 weeks prior to the event (April 26th) in order to attend.  There is no fee, but two weeks prior to the tour you will receive an email from Nadia Caines, the Deer Island Tour Coordinator, with paperwork that must be completed and turned in to her no later than May 3rd.  She will then let you know that you have been cleared to attend the tour and you must bring a photo ID to present at security in order to gain access to the island.

Directions to the island are here.

RSVP here.

June 14th -  Walking Tour of Downtown Salem 3-5 PM (Rain Date June 21st)

Tour downtown Salem and hear about different planning approaches and strategies to encourage redevelopment and to enliven and reconnect the waterfront to the city.  Salem is a mixed use and fascinating community that possesses a strong historic charm.  Along the tour, learn about the way that historic preservation continues to strengthen the surrounding community.  Spend the last half hour of the tour enjoying Salem’s weekly farmer’s market where home-made products accompany produce, coffee, and cookies.

Commuter Rails leave Boston for Salem approximately every hour from North Station.  For schedule information click here.  The tour will meet at the Salem train station at the kiosk with a map of downtown on it.  The kiosk is located at the bottom of the stairs.

RSVP here.

Download the flyer here.

If you have an idea for a tour you think we should look into, contact Amanda Cleveland at acleveland@mapc.org.