Gotta Catch Em' All

The food line was long, but it was worth it!

Last week Save the Harbor/ Save the Bay partnered with Team Instinct of Boston to bring local residents (more specifically Pokemon Go players) an event unlike any other. Pokemon Go is an app based game, typically played on a smartphone because it so heavily relies on geographic location. The game uses a GPS to locate, capture, train, and battle Pokemon. Since the game was released in July 2016, it has become available in 15 countries and has been downloaded over 750 million times!

There must have been a great Pokemon near by because these players seem to
 be looking at their phones!

The game is so popular that a small BBQ gathering expected to get around 20 people together quickly reached a RSVP of over 100 attendees. Gathering that many people in a public place such as Castle Island would require a lot of planning and a permit from the Department of Conservation and Recreation. Luckily, Team Instinct of Boston did a lot of the detailed planning and Save the Harbor/ Save the Bay was able to get a permit to hold a public BBQ so large in such short notice from DCR.

Meet Kona, she loves Team Instinct, although,
  she said it is hard to throw a Pokeball with paws.

Upon arrival, you couldn't miss our crew! The area was plastered with yellow table cloths, t-shirts, and every accessory you could think of. It was impossible not to be drawn in to what was going on or to think we were any other team than Team Instinct. Whether you came alone, with one friend, a group of people, or even your pet, everyone was welcome and we were all there for the same purpose. While some began grilling others wandered around to see what they could catch on their own. I even caught a couple cool water Pokemon to add to my collection myself. After all, what better place to catch them than on an island?

 Before we knew it the food was cooked and ready to be eaten, everyone brought something different but it all looked extremely delicious. While eating everyone mingled and talked, not just about Pokemon, but where they're from and what they do for work. I heard so many people talk about how good it was to finally meet all of the people they talk to on a daily basis but have never gotten to meet. As
folks finished up their food groups of people began roaming
the island together to participate in taking over gyms for their
team and fighting in raids to gain newly released legendary
Pokemon.

It was so great that we all got to be a part of this large group of people having such a great day and for a lot of them meeting each other for the first time. Save the Harbor/ Save the Bay also saved the BBQ that day!!

Gotta run, there's a raid starting near by!
-Briana

A large group of proud Team Instinct members.

A meeting of the MBC minds

The Metropolitan Beaches Commission at the State House

On January 30th, Save the Harbor/Save the Bay’s staff and interns were on hand to witness policy in action at the Massachusetts State House for the meeting of the The Metropolitan Beaches Commission (MBC). This Commission collaborates with the state legislature to recommend improvements for our urban beaches and works with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) on many beach conservation projects.

A recent budget cut for DCR has called into question the future of the beach conservation projects by the DCR as well as the programs held by Save the Harbor/Save the Bay on our urban beaches.

Over the years since the Commission was formed, its members have been able to see the improvements made with DCR take shape in the communities. Senator McGee, Co-Chair of the MBC, recalled the algae problem in Nahant. The smell of the algae became so unbearable that it actually deterred people from visiting the beach. Through the DCR’s hard work, the algae was removed and people were able to enjoy the beach again. DCR was also able to provide better landscaping, increased staffing, and facility updates that made the beach even more enjoyable.

Along with the potential for algae problems to make for an unpleasant beach day, the decreased budget may force DCR to reduce staffing and cut maintenance projects that could improve the beaches as a whole. A decrease in budget means that the funding for Save the Harbor/Save the Bay’s Better Beaches Program has been decimated as well. These programs are not only a great opportunity for children and families in nearby communities to take advantage of Boston’s great beach resources, but they also showcase these urban beaches.

Representative RoseLee Vincent, Co-Chair of the Commission, said, “it’s a shame we’ve come so far and now we seem to be going backwards,” noting that Revere Beach is lacking in the cleanliness and staffing that it once had.  The Commissioners’ shared goal has always been the improvement of Boston’s beaches for both their recreational and their environmental values. Our metropolitan beaches are an important resource, and as some of the cleanest urban beaches in the country, they are truly beaches we can be proud of. With the recent budget cuts it is unclear whether we will be able to maintain the beach quality that we have seen, but the MBC will continue to work to make this possible. 

Soon, the MBC will hold a hearing and work to publicize what this budget cut means to the future of the beaches and how it will affect the quality of life for the thousands that call these beaches home. This hearing will gather supporters to advocate for the importance of restoring the budget in maintaining and improving the quality of our urban beaches.

Click here to read more about the MBC and learn more about what the Commission has done with the help of DCR to improve our beaches in their 2014 report, Waves of Change. For even more updates, like Save the Harbor/Save the Bay on Facebook!

80 Blue Cross Blue Shield Employees Help Keep South Boston's Beaches the Cleanest Urban Beaches in America

On September 16th, Blue Cross Blue Shield held their 5th annual corporate-wide Service Day: One Community. One Blue where more than 3,000 BCBS employees participated in service projects across the state. 80 of those employees chose to spend their day helping the Department of Conservation and Recreation maintain the cleanest urban beach in America by removing 18 tons of trash, overgrown brush and debris!

The Blue Crew helped keep South Boston's beaches clean in partnership with the DCR and Save the Harbor/Save the Bay

Site coordinator, Amy Eve, led the efforts of the 80 Blue Cross Blue Shield employees in South Boston at Carson Beach, M Street Beach, K Street Beach and City Point in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and Save the Harbor/Save the Bay staff. The eight teams accomplished a great deal of work throughout the day from Pleasure Bay to the McCormack Bath House removing weeds and overgrowth, painting shade shelters, and sweeping sand back onto the beaches. 

Damien Sarafian of Bridgewater and Tim Staples of Dorchester help to sweep sand back onto Carson Beach

Tim Staples of Dorchester, who works in the Quincy BCBS office, chose this service day project because it resonated close to home with him. "I live in the area and jumped at the opportunity to help take care of my neighborhood."

Amanda Cummings and Hollie Alexander of Weymouth pulled weeds along Carson Beach. They have known each other since high school and chose to work with Save the Harbor for their Service Day so they could enjoy a day on the harbor! 

The Blue Crew's efforts were most apparent along the walk way around the Sugar Bowl. They worked incredibly hard to remove truckloads of brush and debris that had pilled up along the fence. After all was said and done the teams repainted 16 shade shelters, removed eight tons of organic material such as weeds and shrubs, collected 10 tons of trash and debris, and swept sand away from four beach accessible ramps and six sets of stairs. 

Anton Truong of Quincy worked hard to remove weeds near the McCormack Bath House, he also found a blue marble and has been entered into Save the Harbor and JetBlue's "Simply Marble-ous" Treasure Hunt! 

To find out more about the treasure hunt click here!

Bruce Berman, Director of Strategy, Communications and Programs at Save the Harbor was delighted to see how much the Blue Crew had accomplished in such a short amount of time. "We are glad to have Blue Cross Blue Shield as a partner for their day of service," he said. "We value their continued support and commitment to our community and mission to protect the Boston Harbor and its surrounding beaches. When government, nonprofits and responsible corporate partners come together we can accomplish a lot for our communities."

The Blue Crew pulling weeds near Mother's Rest

Thank you to everyone who participated in this year's Blue Cross Blue Shield service day on the beaches of South Boston. All of us from Save the Harbor/Save the Bay and the Department of Conservation and Recreation appreciate your hard work. 

AABH and a VIP... Governor Patrick!

All Access Boston Harbor took 10 youth and community groups out to Peddocks Island on Thursday.  The youth had a wonderful time swimming, playing intense games of kickball and doublebounce, fishing and crabbing, and engaging in a variety of healthy outdoor activities.  However today was no ordinary AABH trip, as a special guest joined them: Governor Deval Patrick! 

Anthony, Isabelle, and Jennifer from the Jackson Mann Center for Youth and Families from Allston examine their specimens.

The Governor was on the Island for the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Peddocks Island Improvements Celebration, along with the DCR Commissioner Jack Murray, the Secretary for Energy and Environmental Affairs Maeve Callely Bartlett, the Northeast Region Director for the National Park Service Michael Cardwell, and the President and CEO of BHIA Phillip Griffiths.

Nazie from the Idil Learning Center poses before engaging in a fun game of Frisbee.

Governor Patrick spoke highly of the developments taking place on the Boston Harbor Islands, and how it “takes partnerships to make a treasure like this come to life.”  He expressed a desire to make the recreational and educational opportunities offered by the Boston Harbor Islands better known and accessible to people, as they are, in his words, “public treasures meant to be used by the public.”  Save the Harbor/Save the Bay’s role in this initiative was recognized by the DCR Commissioner Jack Murray: “Save the Harbor/Save the Bay brought 482 kids out today to enjoy the Islands.”  The Governor then cut the ribbon on the newly finished Chapel, assisted by Chase, an AABH youth from Dorchester.

As it was the Governor’s birthday, Senior Marine Educator Sam presented the Governor with a fish print created by a past AABH youth, using a flounder caught in the clear clean waters of the Boston Harbor.  After thanking the Governor for his continued interest and investment in the Boston Harbor and Islands, the STH/STB staff posed for a picture with the governor, before continuing to enjoy a day of fun with Boston area youth.

The 10 groups were:

BCYF Tobin Community Center, Roxbury
Everett Boys and Girls Club
Greater Generations Greater Kids, Brockton
Idil Learning Centers, Greater Boston

Jackson Mann Center for Youth and Families, Allston
Mission Safe, Roxbury
South Boston TEAM

South Boston Boys and Girls Club

Super Teens from the Boston Center for Youth and Families

Washington Heights Youth Builders from Dorchester

Better Beaches Events 8/10-8/11

This past weekend, I was able to attend two Better Beaches Events, Open House at Carson Beach and Family Pride Day in the North End.

We talked about water quality at the Open House with the Department of Conservation and Recreation. We tested the pH balance of three water sources: the ocean water at the beach, bottled water, and the drinking fountain. We found that the ocean water was the most balanced at 7.0, the bottled water at 8.0, and the drinking fountain at 8.5. For animal and plant-life to survive, the pH balance level needs to be within a range of 6.5-8.0. If the water is too base or too acidic, then the water may be harmful to animal and plant life. It was really fun to test the water with the JPAs, and I learned a lot about the water in Boston.

Water Quality Testing with Save the Harbor Staff

At the North End Family Pride Day, we brought a touch tank with an authentic Larry the Lobster. We had to be creative to find a water source, because there was no dock on the water. But with one of our JPAs help, Jennifer, I was able to walk over the rocks down to the water and put enough in the cooler to keep Larry afloat. Our Save the Harbor table was set-up next to the travelling petting zoo, and it was great to see the young children playing with the farm animals. Thanks to the North End Against Drugs we were able to enjoy a bratwurst with peppers and onions during the festivities. We were even able to hear an all-male acapella group. It was a fun event to enjoy with our Save the Harbor Staff.


Save the Harbor Staff at the North End Family Pride Day

Until the next event,

Iris Ayala


Let's Head to the Beach!

Sand Sculpture of an Eagle

On Friday, I visited the Revere Beach Sand Sculpting Festival for the first time.

I was able to explore the sidewalk of sandcastles where artists were carving the sculptures of sand. Rather than using a bucket to create a shape, the artists carved figures into a mound of sand using various tools such as a carving knife and a spray bottle filled with water. There were artists from all over the world carving their pieces of art in 95 degree weather, but the heat didn't stop them. 

Sea Turtle Made of Objects Left on the Beach by DCR

After we saw the sand castles, we were able to explore the rest of the festival. There was a Beatles tribute band, food trucks, booths giving away free samples, an  informational Interactive Kid's Zone, and many people trying to stay cool by taking a swim in the ocean. I'm excited to head back to Revere today to soak in some sun and see what else the festival has to offer. 

See you at the beach,

Iris Ayala

Revere's Sand Sculpting Contest 2013 is Boston Strong

There is no better way to beat the heat this summer than flocking to the beach. Though this weekend if you are looking to enjoy good music, food, activities, and some incredible sand sculpting, might I suggest you go to the Revere Beach Sand Sculpting competition. There are so many wonderful things to do and see and It’s just right off of the MBTA’s Blue Line. There is something for every kind of person.

If you are going to Revere this weekend to drink in the food options, there are many food trucks that feed a diverse appetite. You could enjoy a cookie from Cookie Monstah or a lobster roll from Lobstah Luv. Eaters who enjoy more ethnic food there is a mexican food truck called, Taco Party.  There are many more that are planned to be at the event for Saturday and Sunday including Kick**s Cupcakes, Slush King, The Pasta Pot, Captain Marden’s Seafood, Clam Jammers, Radish, and Grilled Cheese Nation. For those who are looking for some classics there is plenty of food you would typically find at a county fair! There were several stands for lemonade, italian sausage, hot dogs, pizza, fried dough, and french fries! That is not all! There are plenty of freebies around, so look around to see promotional products to try from drinks to appetizers.

For those who can look forward to some good tunes there are plenty of fantastic bands and entertainment for adults and children. Today the Toe Jam Puppet Band told stories on stage which included the children complete with costumes and music. If you dig a tribute band than you would have thoroughly enjoyed seeing Studio Two covering all the Beatles’ classic hits. If you missed that today it’s ok, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed by Overdrive and World Premier on Saturday or All Summer Long Beach Boys Tribute Band on Sunday.  For full bios and videos on the singers who are performing you can visit www.NoBoMagaizne.com

For families with children young or old, you’ll be thrilled to see Radio Disney at Revere with games and opportunities to show off your singing talents. This is just one of great examples of the many activities you can be a part of at Revere Beach this summer at this amazing event. Radio Disney will have prizes for winners of their games. There are also some fun activities for people of all ages in the Interactive Kid Zone. Located out of the sun in a tent behind the stage, you can beat the heat with DCR with learning about trash in the environment and the importance of cleaning up after yourself at the beach. You can also splash around with Save the Harbor/Save the Bay in the touch tanks that will have Lobsters! You can also learn about wastewater management with the NWRA and color drawings! For those who are up for digging around in the sand for treasure you can join Minelab in a demonstration of their metal detectors and look for things in the sand.

Of course the main event is the sand sculpting! The theme this year is centered around Boston Strong. Some of the sculptors come from as far as Latvia and Holland while some are from places closer to home like Florida! The centerpiece sculptor is from as close as Saugus, MA. I have to say I am incredibly impressed with this year’s sand sculptures and that many interpreted the theme of Boston Strong very well.

I hope that everyone can make it out this weekend and enjoy the sunshine out on the beach! I will be at the Save the Harbor/Save the Bay table on Sunday and I would love to see you there to join me!

Wollaston Beach Discovery Day 7/13

The Department of Conservation and Recreation hosted Wollaston Beach Discovery Day this past Saturday on July 13th. They provided informational material about testing water quality at Wollaston and even provided a water quality test kits for kids to use. Friends of Wollaston Beach and the Aquarium also had informational tables and touch tanks available. The kids learned how to test the amount of bacteria and oxygen in the water.

Annie Adams from Save the Harbor/Save the Bay testing the water quality at Wollaston Beach

Informational Poster about Water Quality by Emily Ostroff from DCR

Despite the overcast weather, Quincy community members brought their families to the beach and enjoyed building sandcastles, throwing frisbees, and hula hooping. They had the opportunity to see the animals that live in the ocean water, what types of shells are commonly found in the sand, and how to keep their beach clean and healthy. It was not a bad way to spend a cloudy Saturday afternoon. 

Until the next Better Beaches event stay sandy,
Iris Ayala

The Cruise Before the Storm

With the impending approach of Hurricane Sandy to the Eastern Seaboard, many people spent the end of this past week stocking up on water and batteries and making sure they were prepared for whatever the storm may bring.

Saturday, October 27, provided a brief respite from storm preparations for some, as Save the Harbor / Save the Bay ventured out to Spectacle Island for its second and final fall “Treasures of Spectacle Island” cruise of the year. More than 200 treasure hunters joined us aboard Bay State Cruise Company's Provincetown II this time, and on our quick cruise, we were even treated to a harbor seal sighting! So cool!

Visitors on the lookout for marine mammals
aboard the Provincetown II!

Just as on our last trip, grey skies cleared shortly after we docked at Spectacle. A quick thank you to DCR for opening up the island for us and this trip (it officially closed on Columbus Day!), as well as Boston EMT Felicia Mohammed for joining us to ensure everyone's safety. We also were treated to a visit from maritime historian David Coffin, who shared a little bit of his knowledge about Spectacle Island.

Before heading out to explore the island, Baywatcher Bruce Berman let the group know that the tide was falling, so it would be best to do any hiking early on, and then explore the beaches later in the day when more treasure would be exposed. Per his advice, a group of us ventured to the summit of the north drumlin, taking in sweeping vistas in rich greens and blues, as well as many a smile from the island's visitors.

Time together on the north drumlin

Groups enjoy the stunning view of Boston Harbor

Admiring the view from the top!

When we headed back down to the foot of the island, instead of hunting for treasure, we were treated to something slightly more outrageous than the beautiful sea glass and artifacts we found last time...

Several hearty explorers had brought wet suits and flippers with them, and went snorkeling, yes SNORKELING, off Treasure Beach. In October. Brrrrr! David Coffin joined them for a brief dip. All referred to the swim as “refreshing” though it was a tad bit chilly for my taste!

(L to R) Laura Fawcett, maritime historian David Coffin and
Barbara Krasinski go for a swim!

Self-described “Friends of the Harbor” and “Beach Creatures,” Laura Fawcett and Barbara Krasinski strapped on their black and neon yellow flippers in the hopes of finding some extra special treasure a little bit farther out than the edge of the exposed shoreline. They found a variety of crabs and even some jellyfish, as well as some pottery shards and sea glass. Earlier in the day, however, Barbara, a North End native, found a blue marble and was entered into our “Simply Marble-ous”contest! Congratulations, Barbara!

City of Boston EMT Felicia Mohammed
chats with Kurt Vonseekamm, Mike Nichol
and Katherine Fawcett, while Laura and
Barbara swim off Treasure Beach

Photographer/videographer extraordinaire Mike Murowchick had the chance to interview Laura and Barbara, as well as David Coffin, Bruce Berman and Linda Grenfell of Dorchester. Keep an eye out for his videos, coming soon!

It was truly a treat to be able to enjoy a day of sun and friends (and even snorkeling!) on Spectacle before Sandy headed north – thanks again to all those who made it possible and those who joined us.

For now, batten down those hatches, and stay safe!

Until next time,

Megan

Megan Rawson

Development, Communications and Operations Intern

Spectacular Archaeologist

On Saturday, September 15, I joined Save the Harbor / Save the Bay and 278 guests on a free trip to discover the Treasures of Spectacle Island in the Boston Harbor Islands National Park.

While on the island, I had a chance to shoot this interview with Dr. Ellen Berkland of the Department of Conservation, conducted by Save the Harbor's Bruce Berman.

Ellen has been doing work on Spectacle since long before it was turned from a landfill into a popular park, and she offers a unique perspective on the history of the island. Her stories of the time she has spent and the people she has met on Spectacle over the years are truly remarkable.

 You can see more of my photos from the trip and the summer - and other photos taken by our other interns as well -  at Save the Harbor's photobucket site.  

Mike Murowchick
Policy Intern / Photographer/Aspiring Videographer
Save the Harbor / Save the Bay

The Carson Beach Blues

Tuesday was the perfect day, the sun was shining in a brilliant blue sky, and the breeze a perfect mix of salty ocean air warmed by the sun blowing in over sparkling blue waters. Even the sand was blue- with our dedicated partners from Blue Cross Blue Shield that is. Save the Harbor / Save the Bay and Blue Cross Blue Shield came together to do our part to keep Carson beach clean. Blue Cross Blue Shield participated with us as just one part of a larger effort including thirty projects, 1600 hours, and 3000 participants in a statewide cleanup effort. Working with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, we were placed into eight groups and to spread out so each group could take a section of the beach and cover more ground.

The BlueCrew hard at work cleaning Carson Beach.

My group was assigned the far side of the beach near the seawall. Our mission was to pull weeds and pick up any trash. Once we arrived to our section we split into groups of two and we got to it. It was nice seeing people from other communities coming together to keep the Carson Beach landscape beautiful. As we prepared to head back for lunch our group took a moment to see what we had accomplished with just a few hours of hard work. BCBS employee Jackie Bliss stated that it was amazing the difference from when we started.

Jackie Bliss, Greg Ciagelo and Jackie Kenney from BCBS.

During lunch, I talked with Greg Ciagelo of Somerville. We spoke about how it’s great that the water is now clean so people can swim at the beaches, but that there’s still much more to do. We need to continue to maintain the beaches so visitors can enjoy them for their recreational purposes. I agreed with him-it’s one thing to be able to swim at the beach, but if the sand is dirty or the facilities are not in good condition then it limits other activities that these beaches can provide. After lunch, the teams spent another three hours beautifying this relaxing space just minutes from downtown Boston. Performing service to better our community is rewarding in itself, having the opportunity to meeting the employees from Blue Cross Blue Shield and be a part of their cleanup project made the day that much better.

- Camilla

Camilla Fitzpatrick

Communications and Development Intern

Save the Harbor / Save the Bay

Fun in East Boston!!

Two years ago, I lived in the Orient Heights neighborhood of East Boston, right across from the big blue bridge that leads to Constitution Beach. I honestly never visited the beach there very much, but loved the views when I did decide to visit. After all, how many people can brag about the fact that their beach is less than a mile from an airport runway? Especially at night, watching the planes take off under the stars is quite a site -- factor in the moonlit water, and you have yourself in a spectacular place. Last night, this wasn't the only amazing occurrence happening on Constitution. The East Boston YMCA, along with the DCR and Save the Harbor/Save the Bay held another DJs and Dancing night on the beach, where families from East Boston gathered for savory smores, dancing, a lobster touch tank and more fun! Myself, along with Delilah and Andrew had a seriously fun night, and watching the kids check out the lobster and bucket full of treasures (seaglass, shells, crab shells, etc) made my night -- and hopefully the kids' nights too!

The kids that stopped by our station were adorable -- and very impressive with their existing knowledge about shells, crabs and marine life in general! One girl proudly told me the difference between boy and girl crabs, while another boy pointed at each item in the treasures bucket, telling me exactly what he was looking at. In addition, several adults commented on how great it was to have Save the Harbor at the event, and I couldn't agree more. East Boston is such a vibrant community, and watching the kids (and adults!) have fun dancing and toasting smores was quite the site to see. I am proud to say that I once lived across from this fantastic beach, and hope to have the chance to attend these very events in the future!

Excited explorers investigating trash vs. treasure!

Roasting marshmallows on the beach!

-Ashley Wakefield, Senior Harbor Educator at Boston Children's Museum and Community Boating

Feeling a bit Fishy !!

Wow, what another fun day at Spectacle Island ! I had so much fun with my groups today. The children were so unique in their own ways and all had very fun personalities. I enjoyed finding sea glass and  marbles with my group today !!

 Here's a beautiful marble I found !

I also went fishing with my group and they were awesome and very cooperative. One of the rangers taught a camper how to fish ! Here take a look.

Well I can say I had a pretty awesome week at Spectacle Island with various camp groups. I enjoyed myself and enjoyed all the campers. 

-Juelle B

Sandcastles and Sunshine at Revere Beach!

Friday afternoon I had the opportunity to take a drive to Revere Beach and be a part of the sand sculpting festival. I had never attended before, and lets just say it is now on a must do list for summer.
The sculptures were breathtaking. It was amazing that these pieces of art were created from sand. Talk about using the resources nature provides.

Sculptures hard at work.

.

  The piece of art that reflected Fenway Park was my absolute favorite. It was vast, yet incredibly detailed. It not only was a beautiful replication of Fenway, the advertisers featured were all people who sponsored the sand castle festival. Save the Harbor Save the Bay was properly represented!!

Fenway Sculpture. 

 Underneath the education tent Save the Harbor Save the Bay was one of organizations that were present to provide materials and experiences about the importance of preserving and cherishing the ocean.

Save the Harbor/Save the Bay Table

It was great to see other organizations that all support the main cause of ensuring the ocean is clean and healthy for all the living organisms and for us to enjoy. It was a wonderful way to confirm that they work we do is having an impact and we are not alone in wanting to treasure the ocean.

Simply Marble-ous Beach Cleanup Kicks off Summer-Long Treasure Hunt

Help us find our marbles!

When 100 JetBlue Airways crew members and volunteers from Save the Harbor hit the beaches of South Boston on Wednesday, June 13, 2012, not only did they help the Department of Conservation and Recreation remove trash, weeds, stray sand and debris from the shore, they also left something special behind for beachgoers to enhance their summer fun.

  Find a marble on the beach this summer and you could win
40,000 TrueBlue points for travel on JetBlue Airways

During the clean-up, each of the 100 participants "released" a single blue Save the Harbor / Save the Bay 25th Anniversary marble in the sand at the water's edge, kicking off a summer-long treasure hunt for the marbles and a chance for five lucky winners to receive 40,000 TrueBlue points each. Through JetBlue’s TrueBlue loyalty program, roundtrip award flights start at just 10,000 points (a).

 

More than 100 JetBlue Airways and Save the Harbor staff and volunteers
began their cleanup at the McCormack Bathouse in South Boston.

"Jet Blue Airways is a terrific partner," said Bruce Berman, of Save the Harbor / Save the Bay. "They care about their customers and our communities, and they are tons of fun to work with."

"We have a long-standing relationship with Save the Harbor and with the community in Boston, home to our 2,000 crewmembers, who mirror the company’s philanthropic efforts with their own volunteer work locally," said JetBlue’s Regional Marketing Manager Ronda Ivy McLeod. "A beach-clean-up and treasure hunt is right in line with our fun value as well as our commitment to the city that chooses JetBlue more than any other airline out of Logan." 

 DCR's horticulturalist and a damp but enthusiastic team
from Jet Blue Airways pull weeds and plant flowers along the beach

JetBlue’s crewmembers began their cleanup at the Edward McCormack bathhouse on Carson Beach and finished up at Pleasure Bay, picking up trash, planting flowers, and clearing paths and sidewalks along the way. DCR District Manager Kevin Hollenbeck pointed out that 100 volunteers "can do five weeks worth of work in just 2 hours, and that means a lot."

 "DCR does great work on the region's public beaches," said Bruce Berman of Save the Harbor Save the Bay. "But they are always happy to have a little help."

Berman was quick to point out that the one-inch tempered blue glass marbles "released" on the beaches were both beautiful and environmentally friendly. They are made of recycled glass, which was made from sand. "What a great way to encourage people to take a fresh look at these great beaches, which are now among the cleanest urban beaches in America."

In addition to the 100 marbles "released" in South Boston, the group will also release 100 additional marbles on the region's public beaches in Nahant, Lynn, Revere, Winthrop, East Boston, South Boston, Dorchester, Quincy and Hull. "Find one on any of our great public beaches from Nahant to Nantasket this summer, and you could be a winner" said Berman.

Together we did 5 weeks of work in just a few hours.

 

To enter the contest, which runs through Labor Day, simply send Save the Harbor a photograph of you holding one of the marbles on the beach where you found it. In August, the group will hold a drawing to select five lucky winners, who will each receive 40,000 TrueBlue points that can be used for award flight redemption on JetBlue Airways to any of the 45 nonstop destinations the airline serves from Boston’s Logan International Airport.

 Send us a photo of you with your marble and you could be a winner!

To enter the contest,  just post a picture of you with your marble at the beach where you found it on Save the Harbor's Facebook page, email it to info@savetheharbor.org , or send it by snail mail to our office on the Fish Pier. Please be sure to include your contact information, so we can notify the winners.

See you on the beach!