Touring the Massachusetts wildflower paradise Garden in the Woods

Volunteer Al Levin shows off the wildflowers and other native plants at Garden in the Woods.

In this video, Al Levin ’56, M.D. ’60, shows off his passion for “doll’s eyes,” “Indian soap,” and other botanical treasures of New England. Levin, a semiretired cardiologist, is featured in an article in the current issue of Harvard Magazine on alumni who volunteer as a kind of second career. For this Web Extra, he agreed to give readers a tour of Garden in the Woods, in Framingham, Massachusetts, where he volunteers as a guide, happily providing colloquial and Latin plant names, information on species native and invasive, and more.

Related topics

You might also like

How AI Is Reshaping Supply Chains

Harvard Kennedy School lecturer on using AI to strengthen supply chains

This Astronomer is Sounding a Warning on ‘Space Junk’

As debris accumulates in low Earth orbit, the danger of destructive collisions continues to rise.

Understanding AI Vulnerabilities

As artificial intelligence capabilities evolve, so too will the tactics used to exploit them. 

Most popular

The University will compensate families of those whose remains were sold and establish a scholarship to honor anatomical donors.

The program will focus on the U.S. Congress and the separation of powers in its first year.

The 1884 Cannibalism-at-Sea Case That Still Has Harvard Talking

The Queen v. Dudley and Stephens changed the course of legal history. Here’s why it’s been fodder for countless classroom debates.

Explore More From Current Issue

Runners compete on a track, with a Harvard athlete in the foreground and others behind.

After a historic 2025-26 season, athletes eye NCAA championships.

University Hall with steps and the John Harvard statue, surrounded by trees and a grassy lawn.

Long-discussed reorganization includes layoffs and the end of the Dudley Community.

A vibrant illustration of a red car parked, surrounded by cheerful people and historic buildings.

Derek Bok donated his car for a good cause.