A Great Start to the Summer

Hi Everyone!

I’m Maggie Hart and I am a Lead Harbor Explorer for the summer of 2019. I am from South Boston, MA and I attend Elon University in North Carolina. I am in the process of getting my Bachelor’s of Science in Environmental Studies with a minor in Geographic Information Systems. 

I'm looking forward to working for Save the Harbor this summer because I believe that environmental issues and education are extremely important in the times that we are living in. I am interning in the office a few days a week as well as functioning as a Lead Harbor Educator for the other days. Being a part of educating the youth about environmental issues is something that I believe is crucial to the improvement of worldwide environmental issues that we will face in the near future. Save the Harbor provides free programs for all ages to enjoy the Boston Harbor and marine life that once almost seemed as though it would disappear and would be unfixable due to the trash and pollution humans had caused. Seeing the harbor for what it is today, and being able to explain the progress that has been made and educate the youth about the importance of that progress is an experience that will leave a lasting impact on both me and the youth. 

This past week for orientation was great. We were always busy but also having fun. It was very exciting coming in on Monday morning to so many new faces that I am looking forward to getting to know more this summer. On Monday we spent the day on Spectacle Island playing games and getting to know our fellow team members, Tuesday we went fishing on Boston Harbor with Bruce, and Wednesday we spent the day going to meetings and going over logistics for the summer. 

The Save the Harbor Youth Staff with a few of the fish we caught while out on the Boston Harbor with Bruce!
 I am on the left of Bruce who is holding the biggest fish in the middle!

I have lived in Boston all of my life, but I didn’t know details about the Boston Harbor clean up and the drastic difference it has made. Before going out on the harbor this week with the staff, I understood that the Boston Harbor was once dirty, but it wasn’t clear to me the extent of the cleanup. Going out to Spectacle Island with David, and learning the history of the island being a landfill, and then seeing the Island for the first time for what it is today was unbelievable. In addition to that, on Tuesday, we went out on the Harbor fishing. It was fascinating to hear about the improvements in the health of marine life and how the flounder have visibly become so much more healthy in the past few years because of the cleanup. Orientation week really put into perspective how much of an impact Save the Harbor has had on the community, the environment, the water quality of the Boston Harbor, and the marine life that lives in it.

Another group picture after our first day on Spectacle Island where we played games and got to know each other.
I am in the middle with a tie-dye t-shirt!

I am really looking forward to spending the summer learning more and teaching young kids about marine life and clean harbors that we have in our city. 

See you soon! 

Maggie