Garden In The Woods Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Garden in the Woods is a botanical garden located in Framingham, Massachusetts.
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Summary
It is run by the New England Wild Flower Society and features over 1600 species of native plants in naturalistic settings. There are several good reasons to visit the park, including its extensive collection of rare and endangered plants, its beautiful garden designs and landscapes, and its educational programs and events.
Some of the specific points of interest to see include the Garden of the Senses, which has plants that stimulate the senses of touch, smell, taste, and sight, and the Systematic Garden, which groups plants by their botanical classification. The Woodland Garden is also a must-see area, featuring native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. Visitors can also take guided tours or attend workshops to learn more about the plants and ecosystems of the area.
Interesting facts about Garden in the Woods include that it was founded in 1900 and is the oldest continuously operating native plant botanic garden in the United States. It also includes a seed bank that aims to conserve and protect rare and endangered plant species.
The best time of year to visit Garden in the Woods is during the spring and summer months when the gardens are in full bloom. However, there are also fall foliage displays and winter activities like snowshoeing. It is important to note that the park is closed on Mondays, and visitors should check the website for hours and admission information before planning their visit.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Woodfield Playground
Burbank Circle Playground
Simpson Park Playground
Feeley Park
Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge