Boston Public Market Partners With New England Forestry Foundation, Will Use Locally Harvested Wood Inside Market

BOSTON, MA--(Marketwired - Mar 24, 2015) - The Boston Public Market and the New England Forestry Foundation (NEFF) today announced a partnership to conduct public education and showcase locally harvested wood inside the new permanent, year-round market opening this summer on the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway directly above the Haymarket MBTA station. The 28,000-square-foot Market will house over 40 permanent, year-round vendors selling locally produced items such as farm fresh produce; meat and poultry; cheese; fish and shellfish; bread and baked goods; flowers; and an assortment of specialty and prepared foods.

"The Boston Public Market will be the only locally-sourced market of its kind in the United States, and we're dedicated to featuring the best New England has to offer," said Elizabeth Morningstar, CEO of the Boston Public Market. "We're delighted to have the help of NEFF in showcasing sustainable, locally harvested wood in the Boston Public Market."

NEFF is working with their network of New England forest product companies, environmental organizations, individual woodworkers, and forest gatherers to identify sources of locally harvested wood to be used for architectural elements in the Boston Public Market. Boston Public Market vendors will also be offered opportunities to purchase locally harvested wood for signs, butcher boards, bowls, and other furnishings in their vendor stalls. NEFF will offer programming in the Boston Public Market Kitchen that showcases edible products from New England's forests, such as maple syrup and mushrooms.

"This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase New England's sustainable forests, stunning wood products and the people who own, manage and work our region's woodlands," said Robert Perschel, Executive Director for NEFF.

The Market will span the ground floor of 136 Blackstone Street, which also contains the Boston RMV branch, entrances to the Haymarket MBTA station, vent stacks for the Interstate-93 tunnel, and a parking garage. The Market is located in downtown Boston's emerging Market District, next to the Haymarket pushcart vendors and the historic Blackstone Block. The architect for the project is Architerra, a Boston-based design firm, and construction is being done by Lee Kennedy Company.

New England Forestry Foundation (NEFF) is a recognized leader in conserving working forests, educating the public about forestry, and assisting landowners in the long-term protection and stewardship of their properties. For over 70 years, NEFF has demonstrated that well-managed working forests, both publicly and privately owned, can provide landowners and the community with the prime ingredients for healthy living: clean air and water, sustainable production of an array of forest products, healthy forests for hiking and relaxation, a diversity of wildlife and habitats, periodic income, and renewable natural. For more information, visit www.newenglandforestry.org.

The Boston Public Market will be a 28,000 square foot permanent, year-round, self-sustaining market that provides fresh local food to consumers from all income levels and nourishes our community. It will be a civic resource, educating the public about food sources, nutrition, and preparation. For more information visit www.bostonpublicmarket.org.