Save the Harbor Connects 107,123 Youth and Teens to Boston Harbor

On Saturday, October 25th, Save the Harbor/ Save the Bay hosted its final free fall cruise of 2014 to Spectacle Island in the Boston Harbor Islands National Park. Nearly 400 children and their families from across the City of Boston and around the region took advantage of the beautiful fall day to explore the island, enjoy a picnic lunch, hike on the trails and search for treasure on the beach.

Hundreds of young people and families from across the city and around the region joined Save the Harbor/ Save the Bay for their final free fall cruise of 2014 to Spectacle Island in the Boston Harbor Islands National Park. 

Save the Harbor took the opportunity to celebrate an important milestone, announcing that their free youth environmental education programs connected more than 100,000 underserved youth and their families to Boston Harbor and the Boston Harbor Islands since they launched their free programs in 2002.

Save the Harbor spokesman Bruce Berman; Giles Parker, Superintendent of the Boston Harbor Islands National Park; Patricia Foley, President of Save the Harbor/ Save the Bay; Carol Churchill, Manager of Communications for Distrigas of Massachusetts LLC; Massport CEO Thomas P. Glynn; Jennifer Cruickshank, Public Affairs and Communications Director at The Coca-Cola Company and Julie Doherty Pagano, General Manager at Bay State Cruise Company on the dock before the cruise. 

At a dockside press conference before the cruise, Save the Harbor / Save the Bay’s President Patricia Foley thanked “Bay State Cruise Company, the Massachusetts Port Authority, the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the National Park Service, as well as the region’s foundations, corporations, and small businesses and the hundreds of individual donors whose support has made Save the Harbor/Save the Bay the Boston Harbor Connection for more than 100,000 young people and their families.”

Massport CEO Thomas P. Glynn was on hand at the World Trade Center to congratulate Save the Harbor. “At Massport our mission is to move people and goods connecting Massachusetts and New England to the world. We are proud to support Save the Harbor/Save the Bay’s work to connect youth and families from our communities to Boston Harbor and beyond.”

Among those that took part in the trip were groups from the West End House in Allston/Brighton, Maverick Landing in East Boston, the Cummings School in Winthrop, the Highland Coalition from Lynn, the Red Sox Scholars and many other groups and families from across the city and around the region.

40 sixth and seventh graders from the Cummings School in Winthrop were among the nearly 400 people who joined Save the Harbor for a spectacular fall day on Spectacle Island.

Save the Harbor’s free programs have connected 107,123 underserved young people and their families to Boston Harbor and the Boston Harbor Islands since they began in 2002, making Save the Harbor/Save the Bay the Boston Harbor Connection for the region’s residents, creating a new generation of Boston Harbor Stewards and building a new constituency to support Save the Harbor’s work. "Our hearts truly warm watching all those kids walk onto the Provincetown II every summer," said Julie Doherty Pagano, General Manager at Bay State Cruise Company, "We are proud to partner with Save the Harbor and are truly touched by what they do."

Carol Churchill, Manager of Communications for Distrigas of Massachusetts LLC, a longtime supporter of Save the Harbor’s free youth environmental education programs, was also on hand for the brief dockside ceremony, saying “Distrigas is honored to partner with Save the Harbor/Save the Bay and provide opportunities for Boston area youth to enjoy Boston Harbor. Because the harbor is so essential to our business, we remain committed to ‘giving back’ in ways that expand access to the harbor and the islands and deepen public appreciation for these cherished resources.”

It was 65 and sunny on Spectacle Island- perfect weather to splash in the surf!

Save the Harbor’s free youth environmental education programs use field science, archaeology, and art on the shore to encourage youth and teens to actively explore Boston Harbor to increase their understanding of the marine environment and encourage them to engage in healthy outdoor activities.

Susan Fagan, Vice President of Market Unit Sales Operations, Coca-Cola Refreshments USA, Inc. is proud of Coca-Cola’s partnership with Save the Harbor/Save the Bay. “At Coca-Cola, we believe our success depends on the sustainability of the communities in which we operate. We are proud to support Save the Harbor’s youth environmental programs, which provide hands-on education and healthy outdoor activities that connect local youth to the wonders of Boston’s harbor, the harbor islands and the region’s public beaches. Through these programs, young people learn to how to protect our natural environment, while gaining important leadership skills and having fun.”

“Our free youth environmental education programs are the cornerstones of our efforts to share Boston Harbor, the Boston Harbor Islands and the region’s public beaches with all Bostonians and the region’s residents, especially underserved youth and teens,” said Bruce Berman, Director of Strategy, Communications and Programs at Save the Harbor/Save the Bay. “As we wrap up our 2014 season on Boston Harbor we want to thank the region’s foundations, corporations and the hundreds of individual donors for their support.”

Sightseers enjoyed the beautiful view of Boston and Boston Harbor from the North Drumlin of Spectacle Island

Save the Harbor's free youth environmental education and family programs are made possible with Leadership Grants from Bay State Cruise Company, Distrigas/GDF SUEZ, The Coca-Cola Foundation, Ludcke Foundation, and the Yawkey Foundation II.

Save the Harbor is grateful for Partnership Grants from Forrest Berkley & Marcie Tyre Berkley, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, The Chiofaro Company, The Fallon Company, Hampshire House Corporation – Cheers for Children, John Hancock Financial Services, Inc., Massachusetts Bay Lines, Massachusetts Port Authority, National Grid Foundation, P&G Gillette, William E & Bertha E. Schrafft Charitable Trust, and the Clinton H. & Wilma T. Shattuck Charitable Trust.

Save the Harbor also appreciates funding support from Arbella Insurance Group Charitable Foundation, Baystate Federal Savings Charitable Foundation, Blue Hills Bank Foundation, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, BOMA, Boston Bruins Foundation, Breckinridge Capital Advisors, Carnival Foundation, Circle Furniture, The Daily Catch Seaport, Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation, Paul & Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation, Matthew J. & Gilda F. Strazzula Foundation, Goulston & Storrs, HYM Investment Group Inc., Lovett-Woodsum Family Foundation, Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, National Park Service, Rowan Murphy & Andus Baker, P&G Gillette, Reebok Foundation, Skanska USA Commercial Development Inc., South Boston Community Development Foundation, Thomas & Lucinda Foley, Red Sox Foundation, Lawrence J. & Anne Rubenstein Foundation, Senior Housing Property Trust, TD Charitable Foundation and the YMCA of Greater Boston.

We would also like to thank the hundreds of individual donors who help make these programs possible and our partners at the Boston Centers for Youth and Families and the Department of Conservation and Recreation for their support.

About Save the Harbor’s Youth Environmental Education Programs

Each year Save the Harbor/Save the Bay offers a suite of free youth environmental education programs that begin with Marine Mammal Safaris during spring vacation and end in late fall with Treasures of Spectacle Island Excursions.

In 2014, Save the Harbor/Save the Bay’s free Youth Environmental Education program staff of 34 teachers, college students and teenage assistants connected 18,123 youth, teens and their families to Boston Harbor and the Boston Harbor Islands, an increase of nearly 15% over 2013.

Save the Harbor's programs use both traditional tools and new technology to encourage youth and teens to actively explore Boston Harbor, increase their understanding of the marine environment and engage in healthy outdoor activities. Our Boston Harbor Educators use dip nets, fishing rods, lobster traps, field guides, underwater digital video cameras, water quality testing equipment as well as kites, Frisbees, ball sports, archaeology and art on the shore to engage youth and teens age 7-17 on the docks, beach and shore.

This summer, Save the Harbor’s All Access Boston Harbor program connected 8,011 young people from 110 youth and community organizations from 40 communities including all of Boston’s neighborhoods, the region’s beachfront communities from Nahant to Nantasket and other cities and towns across the region to Boston Harbor and the Boston Harbor Islands. These include youth and teens ages 7-17 from 84 youth groups including the Greater Boston YMCA’s, Boys and Girls Clubs, Boston Centers for Youth and Families, our Better Beaches Program partner organizations, eight youth program site partners, and many smaller groups as well.

Save the Harbor’s Boston Harbor Explorers program served 7,409 youth and teens at eight program sites including Courageous Sailing in Charlestown, Piers Park and Constitution Beach in East Boston, The McDonough Sailing Center in South Boston, the Boston Children’s Museum, Community Boating on the Charles River, Black’s Creek in Quincy, and at Camp Harbor View on Long Island.

The group also offered Youth Environmental Education Programs at 14 Better Beaches Program events in Lynn, Revere, East Boston, South Boston, and Quincy, and at waterfront events in Boston’s North End and on the Boston Fish Pier, reaching an additional 2,703 children and their families.

For more information, or to make a contribution to support Save the Harbor/Save the Bay, visit their website at www.savetheharbor.org and their blog “Sea, Sand & Sky” at www.blog.savetheharbor.org

Follow @savetheharbor on Twitter and join savetheharbor on Facebook

A Journey with Save the Harbor

It has been a long journey with Save the Harbor/Save the Bay. On my first day back in January, I knew nothing about beach water quality, about flagging accuracy. And now I am confident to say that, under Bruce's direction and guidance, our water quality team knows every bit about it, and is actively making continuous effort to make us heard in policy making process. It is very lucky for me to have the opportunity to be present at meetings discussing outfalls monitoring prospect, beach water quality standards, and alternatives to meet EPA beach guidance for grants, hearing government agencies sharing their perspectives. It is both challenging and fun. Sometimes we need to take other people's standpoint and think from their perspective, then we can stop complaining, be patient, and that's when we actually start to help.

As I am from China, I started a project to study the difference between the two countries in the subject of beach testing and notification for the sake of public health. Since I live inland China and rarely go to coastal beaches, I almost had no knowledge of Chinese beaches. The project provided a great chance for me to get to know my country better. Interestingly, I find physical safety (reef, tides, wind, water depth, etc.) receives better attention in China, and marine bathing beaches still use fecal coliform as microbial indicator while many US states made a switch from fecal coliform to enterococcus in beach testing decades ago as EPA believes enterococcus is a more effective indicator for human illness in marine waters. To study the contamination source of marine beaches, I researched waste water treatment situation and sewer systems in both countries. I was surprised to know lots of waste water treatment plants in small cities/towns could not afford maintenance costs in China, or don't have enough sewage to treat while untreated sewage keep pouring into rivers. The owner and workers of the plant even grew vegetables to make money so that they could keep the plant running while having enough to support them. It is generous but sad. And the awkward situation happened because the construction of waste water plant was way ahead of the installation of collection system. After all, it was poor planning.

Working at STH as an intern has not only broadened my beach knowledge, but also brought me into the marine science and monitoring world, which I feel could remain one of my interests for a long time if not for ever. Thanks for Bruce and Patty's generous support, I enjoyed working with everyone here. Smart Jingwei, cheerful Amy, cute Kelly, knowledgeable Ian, helpful Lindsay, professional Sue, talented Charlie, insightful Ben and dedicated Rachel, I will miss all of you.

Never say goodbye, cause I will see you soon!

Yudan Jiang

The Fantastic Flounder

Flounder are a common flatfish species known to live on the ocean floor.  Although they are often sought after by commercial and recreational fishermen for their delicious filets, there are several other uses  for our friend the flounder. Lucky for us, two different species can be found in and around Boston Harbor.  
The Summer Flounder (Paralicthys dentatus), also known as a Fluke, is distributed throughout the Atlantic Ocean ranging from Nova Scotia to the east coast of Florida.  Summer Flounder can live up to 14 years and can grow to lengths of  2-3ft.  Although adult flounder are flat as adults, they start life off looking like a "normal fish".  It isn't until they go through a metamorphosis that they become flat and their eyes shift.  In the case of the Summer Flounder, its transformation puts both eyes on the left side of its body.  Summer Flounder are opportunistic feeders and will eat anything that comes their way.  Their flat bodies and color changing camouflage techniques allow the flounder to ambush its prey.  This often includes small fish and crustaceans.  Although coloration can vary form brown to grey, Summer Flounder are white underneath and have spots on their backs.  This can be a key way in distinguishing a summer flounder from other species because at least five of these dark spots are arranged in an "X" pattern.

The second specie of flounder found in the harbor is the Winter Flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus), commonly referred to as a Sole.  Unlike their cousin the summer flounder, the winter flounder's eyes are located on the right side of their bodies.  They can be found along the east coast, and more commonly north of the Delaware Bay.  Winter flounder can live for 18 years and grow to about 2ft in length. They can range in coloration from muddy brown, olive green, and black.  Their under bellies are white, and the dorsal and anal fins are tinged pink, red or yellow.

Catching one of these flat fish isn't as hard as you may think. Whether on the beach, a pier, or a boat flounder can be caught with simple hook and line techniques (just be sure to include a weight to bring the line all the way to the bottom!). Although, it is important to note state regulations, open and closed seasons, and size regulations when fishing for any species of fish. 

Once caught, flounder can be quickly filleted and made into many tasty meals! Check out the "how to" video below and the link for some easy and great recipes such as stuffed flounder and fried flounder!

All Recipes: Flounder

http://allrecipes.com/recipes/seafood/fish/flounder/



Before filleting your catch, flounder can also be used to make beautiful works of art.  Inspired by the traditional Japanese style of gyotaku, flounder painted with inks can then been pressed with rice paper to transfer over the delicate details of the fish body that are enhanced and picked up by the ink.

Fish prints done by kids who visited our tent at the 2014 Boston Seafood Festival
 

Art projects like this have become so popular that reusable rubber fish replicas have been produced to allow fish prints to be made wherever, whenever!



Artists hard at work!
Save the Harbor/Save the Bay summer staff attempt their first fish print!

Drying the finished products at the
2014 Boston Seafood Festival

For step by step instructions check out this link!

http://www.wikihow.com/Do-Gyotaku----Fish-Rubbing

After printing, the flounder can still be filleted and cooked to eat as long as the inky skin is removed.  Once all that is left is the "fish frame" or carcass, it can be used as bait for future fishing trips or in lobster pots.  Thus making the act of flounder fishing and printing a sustainable one!

For more information on flounder, the status of the species,

and fishing regulations check out these websites!

http://www.fishwatch.gov/seafood_profiles/species/flounder/species_pages/summer_flounder.htm

http://www.fishwatch.gov/seafood_profiles/species/flounder/species_pages/winter_flounder.htm

Save the Harbor/ Save the Bay Hosts its Second Free Cruise to Spectacle Island on Saturday, October 25th!

All of us at Save the Harbor invite you to join us on a free cruise to Spectacle Island on Saturday, October 25th to enjoy a beautiful fall day on Boston Harbor and discover the "Treasures of Spectacle Island."

Nearly 400 people joined us on our September trip, so reserve your space now and read about it here! 

The trip will board the Provincetown II at 9:30 AM and depart at 10:00 AM from the Bay State Cruise Company's dock at the World Trade Center in South Boston, and return to the dock at 2:30 PM. It is easy to get to the boat by car or the MBTA's Silver Line. 

There will be plenty of time for exploring, hiking, and treasure hunting on the island, though we gently remind you to leave sea glass and artifacts on the beach where you found them. 

Though the snack bar on Spectacle Island is closed for the season, there will be refreshments available for sale on the boat. We suggest you pack a picnic lunch to bring with you on the trip, as well as a bag for your trash. 

Also keep in mind that the weather is often cooler on the water and the islands, so dress in warm layers!

We will be teaching everyone our favorite sea shanty, "Haul Away Joe", then encouraging all guests to come up with an original verse of their own. Sing your verse for a Save the Harbor staff member, or take a video of you singing your verse and share it with us on our page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/savetheharbor or sent it to us by email at info@savetheharbor.org

We'll pick our favorite renditions of "Haul Away Joe" from the trip and post them on our blog, "Sea, Sand and Sky" at www.blog.savetheharbor.org.

Any brave soul that enters the contest will receive a blue beach glass marble and a chance to win a round trip ticket to any non-stop domestic destination from JetBlue Airways as part of our "Simply Marble-ous" treasure hunt, which runs through Halloween.

Reservations are required. 

Though there is plenty of room on the boat, space is still limited, so please RSVP to gaylord@savetheharbor.org or call Amy at (617) 451-2860 x1008 to reserve your place! Please give us an accurate headcount so that we can accommodate as many guests as possible. 

So bring a camera, a picnic lunch and your friends and family and enjoy a great day in the Boston Harbor Islands National Park with Save the Harbor/ Save the Bay!

We hope to see you on Boston Harbor on the 25th! 

Save the Harbor's free youth environmental education and family programs are made possible with Leadership Grants from Bay State Cruise Company, Distrigas/GDF SUEZ, The Coca-Cola Foundation, Ludcke Foundation, and the Yawkey Foundation II.

Save the Harbor is grateful for Partnership Grants from Forrest Berkley & Marcie Tyre Berkley, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, The Chiofaro Company, The Fallon Company, Hampshire House Corporation – Cheers for Children, John Hancock Financial Services, Inc., Massachusetts Bay Lines, Massachusetts Port Authority, National Grid Foundation, P&G Gillette, William E & Bertha E. Schrafft Charitable Trust, and the Clinton H. & Wilma T. Shattuck Charitable Trust.

Save the Harbor also appreciates funding support from Arbella Insurance Group Charitable Foundation, Baystate Federal Savings Charitable Foundation, BCYF Curley Community Center, Blue Hills Bank Foundation, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, BOMA, Boston Bruins Foundation, Boston Center for Youth and Families, Breckinridge Capital Advisors, Carnival Foundation, Clippership Foundation, Circle Furniture, Community-Suffolk, Inc., Department of Conversation and Recreation, Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation,Paul & Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation, Matthew J. & Gilda F. Strazzula Foundation, Goulston & Storrs, HYM Investment Group Inc., Lovett Woodsum Family Foundation, Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, National Park Service, Rowan Murphy & Andus Baker, P&G Gillette, Reebok Foundation, Santander Bank Foundation, South Boston Community Development Foundation, Thomas & Lucinda Foley, Red Sox Foundation, Lawrence J. & Anne Rubenstein Foundation, Senior Housing Property Trust, TD Charitable Foundation, YMCA of Greater Boston, and hundreds of individual donors.

We would also like to thank our Better Beaches Program funding partners for their support, including the more than 500 participants in the 2014 Harpoon Helps Cupid Splash and: 

Comcast Massachusetts

Harold Whitworth Pierce Charitable Trust

Harpoon Brewery

JetBlue Airways

Mass Bay Credit Union

National Grid

P&G Gillette

Russo Marine

UBER

For more information about Save the Harbor/Save the Bay,
visit our website at www.savetheharbor.org, join savetheharbor on Facebook or follow savetheharbor on Twitter