Better Beaches Event Calendar!

June 2011

6/25/11 – 12pm: Friends of Lynn and Nahant State Present: World Folk Festival @ Lynn Heritage State Park

6/25/11 – 12pm: Friends of Wollaston Beach Present: Kids’ Fest @ The Beach on West Elm Ave Pavilion

6/27/11 (Rain Date 6/30/2011) – 11am-4pm: East Boston YMCA and the Friends of Constitution Beach Present: Beach Kick-Off Day @ Constitution Beach

July 2011

7/3/11 – 7pm-9pm: Friends of Lynn and Nahant Beach Present: Summer Concert Series @ Red Rock Park

7/7/11 – 6pm-8pm: Friends of Lynn and Nahant Beach Present: Summer Concert Series @ Red Rock Park

7/9/11 – 10am-12pm: Friends of Belle Isle Marsh Present: Artists on the Beach and "The Sea, The Shore, The Sky"

7/14/11-7/17/11: Revere Beach Partnership Present: Revere Beach National Sand Sculpting Festival @ Revere Beach Bandstand
7/14/2011:South Boston Neighborhood House Present: Early Books Family Night on the Beach Link 7/14/11 – 6pm-8pm: Friends of Lynn and Nahant Beach Present: Summer Concert Series @ Red Rock Park 7/19/11 – 6pm: Friends of Wollaston Beach Present: Dancing in the Park @ Tot Lot on Quincy Shore Dr & East Elm Ave 7/21/11 – 6pm-8pm: Friends of Lynn and Nahant Beach Present: Summer Concert Series @ Red Rock Park 7/28/11 -- 12pm-4pm: Revere Beach Partnership Present: 6^th Annual Summer Fun Health Fair @ Revere Beach Bandstand 7/28/11 – 6pm-8pm: Friends of Lynn and Nahant Beach Present: Summer Concert Series @ Red Rock Park 7/30/11 – 12pm-3pm: Friends of Lynn and Nahant Beach Present: FNLB 2^nd Annual Children’s Concert @ Red Rock Park 7/30/11 – 6pm-9pm: Hull Lifesaving Museum Present: Harbor Illumination @ Windemere Harbor in Hull July TBD: Friends of Belle Isle Marsh Present: Tide Pool Exploration Link
August 2011
8/4/11 – 6pm-8pm: Friends of Lynn and Nahant Beach Present: Summer Concert Series @ Red Rock Park 8/11/11: South Boston Neighborhood House Present: Early Books Family Night on the Beach 8/11/11 – 6pm-8pm: Friends of Lynn and Nahant Beach Present: Summer Concert Series @ Red Rock Park 8/12/11 – 6pm-11pm: The Friends of Paragon Carousel Present: Midsummer’s Night Showcase @ Nantasket Beach Hotel 8/13/11 – 11pm-1pm: Friends of Belle Isle Marsh Present: The Night Sky – Perseid Meteor Showers and the Full Moon @ Winthrop Beach (meet at the Flagpole on Shore Drive) 8/18/11 – 6pm-8pm: Friends of Lynn and Nahant Beach Present: Summer Concert Series @ Red Rock Park Week of the 22^nd – Weeknight (Exact Date TBD): Friends of Savin Hill Shores and Columbia Savin Hill Civic Association Present: Dorchester Beach Festival Family Movie Night 8/23/11 – 6pm: Friends of Wollaston Beach Present: Reading in the Park @ Tot Lot on Quincy Shore Dr & East Elm Ave 8/25/11 – 6pm-8pm: Friends of Lynn and Nahant Beach Present: Summer Concert Series @ Red Rock Park August TDB: Friends of Belle Isle Marsh Present: Tide Pool Exploration

9/17/11 – 12pm-6pm (Rain Date: 9/18/11): Hull Chamber of Commerce Presents: Endless Summer Waterfront Festival @ Various Locations at Nantasket Ave

September TBD: Friends of Belle Isle Marsh Present: The Birds on the Beach Forum

TBD: Winthrop Parks and Recreation Present: Events at Yirrell and Winthrop Beach

Funds to support this year's awards came from the 1st Annual Cupid Splash cold-water plunge and pledge fundraiser held on public beaches from Nahant to Nantasket in April, with additional support from Save the Harbor's "Better Beaches Program" funding partners at Comcast Massachusetts, the Department of Conservation & Recreation, Jet Blue Airways, Harpoon Brewery, National Grid, and the Harold Whitworth Pierce Charitable Trust. Thanks also to our 25th Anniversary partners at The Boston Foundation, The State Street Foundation, John Hancock, P&G Gillette, and Distragas of Massachusetts / GDF Suez for their generosity and support.

25 Years - $25,000 in Beaches Grants, 25 Free Island Trips and the Cleanest Urban Beaches in America!

Boston, MA - June 23, 2011 – This year, the harbor advocacy group Save the Harbor / Save the Bay celebrates its 25th Anniversary as the region's leading voice for clean water and the restoration and protection of Boston Harbor the waterfront, our region's public beaches, the Boston Harbor Islands and the marine environment.

As part of the celebration, this morning Save the Harbor will award $25,000 in small grants to support free events on the region's public beaches in nine waterfront neighborhoods and beachfront communities this summer, including Nahant, Lynn, Revere, Winthrop, East Boston, South Boston, Dorchester, Quincy and Hull.

The group will also announce 25 free island trips for area youth groups this summer, which they expect will connect more than 5,000 young people from 125 organizations around the city and across the region to Boston Harbor and the Boston Harbor Islands National Park.

Save the Harbor/Save the Bay will announce this year's grant recipients at the McDonough Sailing Center at Castle Island in South Boston. The presentations will immediately follow the formal opening of the South Boston CSO Tunnel that will make the beaches of South Boston and North Dorchester Bay the cleanest urban beaches in America. The group will also honor the many individuals who have helped transform Boston Harbor from an embarrassment to a source of opportunity and pride for the city and the region.

“The region’s 19 miles of sandy public beaches have the power to connect a million people with the Harbor we have worked so hard to restore and protect,” said Patricia A. Foley, President of Save the Harbor / Save the Bay. “We are proud to support our partners in the city's waterfront neighborhoods and beachfront communities as they work to bring the regions kids and families to their beaches and the harbor.”
Save the Harbor's "Better Beaches" program was launched in 2008 partnership with The Boston Foundation, whose early support helped make it a success. In the past three years, local community partners in Nahant, Lynn, Revere, Winthrop, East Boston, South Boston, Dorchester, Quincy, and Hull have leveraged $91,500 in small grants from Save the Harbor with $278,500 in cash and in-kind donations from local government and small businesses for a grand total of $370,000 to support 100 free beach events and activities for everyone to enjoy. 
 “I am impressed by the way that Save the Harbor / Save the Bay has leveraged the investments that the Boston Foundation has made over the years and has created a sustainable program that strengthens our waterfront neighborhoods and beachfront communities,” said Paul Grogan, Boston Foundation President and CEO. "It is an important asset to our city and the region as we look for new ways to put Boston Harbor to work for our community."

Funds to support this year's grants came from the 1st Annual Spring Splash (AKA CUPID SPLASH!) cold-water plunge and pledge fundraiser held on public beaches from Nahant to Nantasket in April, with additional support from Save the Harbor's "Better Beaches Program" funding partners at The Boston Foundation, Comcast Massachusetts, the Department of Conservation & Recreation, Harpoon Brewery, JetBlue Airways, National Grid and the Harold Whitworth Pierce Charitable Trust.

"More than 2000 JetBlue crewmembers call Boston home, and we are focused on giving back to the communities we serve through the support of great programs like Save the Harbor, Save the Bay," said Ronda Ivy-McLeod, Northeast regional marketing manager for JetBlue Airways. "We are lucky to have such a great harbor - and proud to support such a great cause."

Thanks also to our 25th Anniversary partners at The Boston Foundation, The State Street Foundation, John Hancock, P&G Gillette, and Distragas of Massachusetts / GDF Suez for their generosity and support.

In addition to the Better Beaches Program, Save the Harbor/Save the Bay also runs two free youth programs that combine recreation with hands on environmental education to bring the Harbor alive for the region’s youth. Since these programs began in 2002, Save the Harbor / Save the Bay has connected more than 50,000 youth and teens from more than 125 youth and community groups to Boston Harbor and the Boston Harbor Islands National Park.

As part of the group's 25th Anniversary celebration, this year Save the Harbor will host 25 free boat trips to connect the region's youth to the Boston Harbor Islands.

 “We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished over the past 25 years, and especially proud of the difference our free youth programs have made to the kids of our city and the region,” said Bruce Berman, Director of Strategy for Save the Harbor / Save the Bay. "They are the corner-stone of our work to create the next generation of Boston Harbor stewards, by connecting communities to the Harbor we have worked so hard to restore and protect."

Founded in 1986, Save the Harbor / Save the Bay is the region’s leading voice for clean water and the restoration and protection of Boston Harbor, the waterfront, our region's public beaches, the Boston Harbor Islands and the marine environment.

 To find out more about Save the Harbor / Save the Bay's Beach and Youth Programs, visit their website at http://www.savetheharbor.org

First Impressions!

This past year I have had the luxury to travel the world. I have studied and toured in London and Dublin. I drank wine and explored the waters of Venice and the Amalfi Coast in Italy. I lost myself in the beauty and romance of Paris seeing life through rose-tinted glasses, all the while perfecting my French accent. However, amongst all of my travels, there’s nothing I love more than coming back to my hometown of Boston. My first day as a communications intern at Save the Harbor / Save the Bay has presented new beginnings and challenges, but it also brings back some of my favorite old memories. Such as the serenity of the briny smell in the New England ocean air; the city’s reflections in the cool blue water and the excitement of the hustle and bustle of Bostonians enjoying the Boston Harbor. Our adventure out of the office to roam around Fish Pier on one of spring’s few sunny days puts into perspective what’s at the heart of our city: tradition, sense of community, and the ocean. This internship stimulates my need for new thrills and satisfies my desire to be a part of inspiring and bringing the community together to keep our waters and beaches clean. My first impression so far is that this will be my greatest adventure of all to keep alive the city’s traditions. Its days like today that we all share in a love for the water and I’m excited to be a part of that which is the core of the Save the Harbor / Save the Bay’s mission: To keep our waters clean so that we all can see life through “blue-tinted” glasses – here at the Boston Harbor.

Impression of Boston Fish Pier

Boston’s Fish Pier in South Boston isn’t your average pier. It’s not a tourist destination, like Santa Monica Pier. And it’s not a small-town, wooden dock to go fly fishing on. While there doesn’t seem to be much action, a closer look reveals the Fish Pier is a busy, industrial center. A walk around the apron shows men working to pull in their catch from medium-sized ships.

The Fish Pier is also teeming with marine life. While is difficult to see past the depth of a meter, schools of small fishes dart back and forth to the current in the water below. Various mollusks line the edge of the pier and ships. Seagulls are noticeably larger here than other places, due to the easily found scraps from the fishing boats.

As a part of the larger Port of Boston, the Fish Pier holds a special significance as the oldest fish pier still in use in the United States. This label is not especially evident, however, as the pier is not specially marked with signs and plaques. Despite the lack of recognition, the Fish Pier continues to provide for the fishing and maritime industries that have been using the port since it opened in 1915.

One Man's Trash

Making a Mosaic on Spectacle Island 

If you’re looking for an oasis in the city of Boston, look no further than Spectacle Island. A short thirty minute ferry ride from Long Wharf will take you out of the busy urban life and onto the serene shores and sand with a view of the Boston skyline miles away.

Our first impression of Spectacle Island was the Visitor’s Center, which currently displays a rainbow of marbles, plates, and sea glass that have been found on the beach: red, orange, white, and many shades of blue and green. Just outside the Visitor’s Center, we found a few pieces of artwork that others created from glass pieces they found, including a tree and a giant soft drink cup.

At 2:30, Park Ranger Cass came over to briefly show us around the island and teach us about its history. From the 1920s to the 1950s, Spectacle Island was a dumping ground for the city’s trash. You can actually determine how old some of the sea glass is, especially if you find the broken pieces from old milk bottles that have the years printed on the bottom. These white pieces are some of the most common pieces that visitors find on the sand. The other common colors you’ll find are brown and green – the broken pieces of old beer bottles. However, you’ll rarely see a red, orange or purple piece of glass.

Other interesting artifacts you can find on the beach are pieces of porcelain from plates or cups. Scraps of metal are present, but rare because they oxidize and become brittle.

We asked Ranger Cass what gave him the idea to create a free event that allows visitors to make mosaics from the pieces they find on the beach. “We have all of this cool stuff here,” he said, “Why not make something out if it?” He further explained that visitors are not allowed to take any of the sea glass home with them. Everything on the beach is a cultural or natural resource – Ranger Cass and the other rangers want people to appreciate it and leave it behind for others to enjoy, similar to any other national park.

“It’s the ultimate irony,” Ranger Cass explained, “that people are trying to take the trash and my job is to stop them.” These “sea glass poachers” as Ranger Cass called them would leave an empty beach behind if they were allowed to take the glass home with them.

We saw a lot of potential for Spectacle Island to grow as visitor’s and tourist’s spot. There is a swimming beach open and the rangers hope to have lifeguards soon. Although the landfill closed in 1959, the island was not clean enough to open as a park until 2006.

They say one man’s trash is another man’s treasure – and we see Spectacle Island as the ultimate example of creating treasure from the trash.

Youth Partners Breakfast

A Great Way to Start the Summer!

On June 14th 2011 Save the Harbor / Save the Bay welcomed forty youth program leaders for a breakfast and discussion about sharing the harbor with our region's kids. The event was led by board members Harold Sparrow and Imari Paris Jeffreys, who each offered stories on their past experiences with Save the Harbor / Save the Bay.

Imari rasied the question that has been at the heart of Save the Harbor's mission--how do we continue to make the beach accessible? So far the organization has worked towards that mission by connecting children with the harbor--most of whom would not have had the opportunity otherwise.

"We're letting kids know that there's a beach and that it belongs to them," Communications and Programming Director of Strategy Bruce Berman explained.

Board director Harold Sparrow gave two reasons for his continued involvement with Save the Harbor / Save the Bay --the first being simply that "it works." He believes that the people who run the program are absolutely passionate about the harbor and their work has strengthened the lives of young people, both the children who are able to explore the islands and the teenagers that serve as mentors to them.

However, the thousands of children who have enjoyed summer days on the harbor did not have this opportunity in the past. "Twenty-five years ago, the harbor was a sewer. Today, it is an asset to the city," Bruce Berman told the youth program leaders, as the video presentation depicted the transformation from beaches polluted with trash to shimmering blue waters. He further added that "It's hard to find fun free things to do. And we provide great free things to do." For example, every summer Save the Harbor / Save the Bay sponsors two youth programs: All Access Boston Harbor and Harbor Explorers. Kids have the chance to visit the beautiful Spectacle Island and Georges Island for free with the All Access Boston Harbor program. The Harbor Explorers program allows the kids to become junior scientists by filling out forms, using GPS tracking systems, and collecting data and water quality samples--but they're having so much fun examining the harbor hands-on that they don't even realize that what they're doing is as entertaining as it is educational.

Those in attendence at the breakfast event gave Save the Harbor suggestions for further progress in the future: including weekend events for children and families and extending the season of time on the harbor. "We're looking for a way to make the season start earlier and end later," Bruce said, as he encouraged the audience of youth program leaders to become more involved in the free summer programs for children. Imari also encouraged the audience to spread information about the youth programs to their colleagues and friends. Save the Harbor / Save the Bay has had the joy of connecting over 50,000 kids with the harbor since 2002, and the leaders hope to continue increasing these numbers with the summers to come. The staff at Save the Harbor can't wait for school to end and the kids to arrive so that the fun Boston Harbor and in the islands can begin!

First Impressions: Restaurants, Fish, and a Ship from Mexico

The first thing that hits you when you enter Fisherman’s Pier is the smell of salt-water, fresh fish, and diesel that is only found on a city waterfront.

My first impressions of Fisherman’s Pier, home to the offices of Save the Harbor/Save the Bay, are ones of admiration and warm familiarity. Having grown up on waterfronts, both in New Haven, Connecticut and Portland, Maine, the smell and scenery are ones I enjoy. The admiration, however, comes from the impressive buildings along the wharf and modern landscaping on the close city blocks. It almost looks like a movie set; the sun shining off of the clean building windows as well-dressed businessmen and women go off to lunch at the contemporary restaurants and markets. A few tourists blend into the walks along the docks and admire the variety of ferries, sailboats, touring boats, the well-known Nantucket Lightship, and tall ships.

Impressive in itself, the bright white and green, varnished, three-masted Mexican naval ship Cuauhtemoc is docked at the World Trade Center Seaport, sitting under the many flags and flying a variety herself, adding to the secular feel the international seaport gives off. Sailors in uniform and crewmen bask in the Boston sun, listening to festive Mexican music playing loudly on the ship.

Moving down the pier, the industriousness of the place comes into full effect. Though the fisherman are long gone, having dropped their catches off early in the morning, workmen tend to boats docked on the pier cleaning and tossing pallets back and forth. Tourists take pictures in front of the famous No Name Seafood Restaurant, and MassPort policemen patrol. By the time you get to the end of pier, you’re tripping over tangled nets and buoys and have a full view across the harbor, full of recreational, industry, and tour boats. Planes from Logan Airport are loud and close by. Pick up trucks litter the back parking lot with various equipment tossed in the back. The environment leaves me with no doubt that this will be a fun and beautiful, as well as educational and interesting, place to work for the summer.

First Impressions

As I dragged my lazy feet through puddles of murky water this morning, all I could think was “Where is Northern Avenue?” I wandered around for about an hour, passing ocean front restaurants and the World Trade Center building decorated with flags from across the globe. I eventually did find Northern Avenue, but 212 – or any numbers in the two hundreds for that matter, was nowhere in sight. The salt water aroma was unmistakable as I walked past the Fish Pier and a sign that read “Fish Tenants only”; I assumed that no office buildings would be there. To my surprise, the very building I had been searching for all morning was right on the pier – about as close to Boston’s illustrious harbor as you can get.

My first assignment as a Communications Intern was to familiarize myself with the Save the Harbor website and what our mission is. I found this blog and read through some old postings to get an idea of what exactly I’ll be doing this summer. Pictures from past events especially caught my eye, particularly the “Cupid Splash” into the freezing February harbor, the bright smiles on children’s faces holding fish they caught, and the sandcastle contest on the beach. As an avid beach lover myself ( I’m Long Island born and raised) I felt like I had made the right choice in accepting the internship.

After playing around with the Save the Harbor Facebook page and publications, the other interns and I were called into the office to meet our bosses and have our first meeting. I was still a little unsure of what all of my responsibilities would be, but my boss Bruce explained it in simple way that seemed to answer it all: “Communications is everything.” And it really is – to keep up the success that Save the Harbor has had with cleaning Boston’s beaches we need to spread the word to as many people as possible.

When the meeting was over, two of the interns and I were told to explore the area to find pictures and other inspiration for the blog we’ll be writing all summer. We were allowed to take pictures of anything we wanted, and yet I found that almost all of mine were of the tall ships in town for the Expo. Although I’ve lived in Boston for the past two years, I never had the chance to spend a sunny day by the harbor, and I’ve never seen anything like the one particular white sailboat that became the star of my photo shoot.

Finally, we were told to start putting together our blog. Overall, my mind is filled with all of the possibilities this summer holds; experience and skills for resume building, meeting new people and making new friends, and hosting fun events on the beach. I can’t wait to see how all of our hard work will teach thousands of Bostonians why we must continue to keep our harbors clean and sparkling blue.

Wonderful Trip on Boston Harbor

I was so excited on April 30^th as I was going to assist a marine mammal trip with so many cute kids in Boston Harbor. It was a big free event held by Save the Harbor/Save the Bay. Actually I had never seen seals and porpoises on the sea but I did it this time. On that day, my professor—Bruce served as our tour guide on the boat, teaching us how to observe marine animals.

It was great fun to travel with tens of funny and excited children. They kept talking about the sea and running everywhere to catch sea animals. They were curious about everything.They simply kept the boat active and interesting. I loved the big smile on their faces when they were discovering marine mammals unexpectedly. When I was taking pictures for the warm families, I felt how happy they were to enjoy such a happy trip with each other. It made me think of my families.
Thanks to the nice weather, everything looked perfect. I enjoyed the sea wind flowing through my hairs. I enjoyed the seals hopping in front of my eyes. I enjoyed the airplanes flying so low just like on the top of my head. I enjoyed watching the beautiful islands and scenery. I enjoyed myself and everything else during the trip! What’s more, I was so grateful for people who donated in my donation box.

Best,

Junyue Pang

Final Week :(

My name is Kristina Acevedo and I was an intern from Fenway High School. Part of my graduation requirement was to complete a six week internship. I struggled searching for an internship, but my teacher had told me Save the Harbor/Save the Bay were looking for one. I took the chance to meet with Michelle Palermino one day to get more insight on what kinds of task I would be doing. I remember seeing Michelle with a huge smile on her face when I walked into a room set up for my interview at school. Our conversation started off great. I felt comfortable speaking to Michelle and she showed so much excitement! She sounded so passionate when she spoke about Save the Harbor/Save the Bay. I decided to take the internship. It sounded like fun, and especially hearing about the event they were hosting the Cupid Splash.

My first day there I met the staff. I remember meeting Caitlin first and how much she loves peanut butter! The vibe I got from the office was perfect. I knew I was going to have fun. I was going to be surrounded by a staff of passionate, humorous and dedicated people. I was kept busy throughout the six weeks, and was able to gain a wonderful workplace experience. My first week there, I had to develop and speak at the staff meeting. I felt involved with everything that was being done in the office.

I am greatful that the staff trusted in me when it came to projects. I was able to complete two collages for collaborative material, help organize an event and draft a welcome intern packet. When I compared my experience with my fellow classmates I noticed that I must have gave a great impression and showed dedication just like the staff because I was given the opportunity to help with important task. My classmates filed paperwork and organized papers at their internship; meanwhile, I was treated like staff and given assignments that would have been done by the staff.

Apart from working indoors for the six weeks, I was able to work outside at the Harbor with families from different areas of Boston for the Marine Mammal Safari. I was able to network with hundreds of people, and enjoy the search for Harbor Seals and porpoises with my family.
Overall I gained a lot of experience here at Save the Harbor/Save the Bay, and if it was not for my spending my summer vacation in Puerto Rico I would have loved to work more with them.

Sadly this Friday is my last day at Save the Harbor/Save the Bay. :( I just want to thank Michelle Palermino and Patty Foley for allowing me to intern here for the six weeks. If it was not for them accepting me into the office I would have not gained the same experience anywhere else. I am blessed to have met, worked, laughed and talked with such a passionate staff including the other interns. I would definitely recommend looking for an internship at Save the Harbor/Save the Bay for the experience and skills that would be gained.

Now I maybe done with internship, but I will stay in contact with you all! :)

Fenway High School Intern
Kristina Acevedo

Marine Mammals in Boston Harbor!

This past Saturday, we at Save the Harbor / Save the Bay held our favorite Springtime tradition: the Marine Mammal Safari! Families from all over Massachusetts (and a few visitors from across the country and world!) joined us for one of three exciting boat trips in search of harbor seals and porpoises.

We packed the boats with families and community groups are we were off! Our Baywatcher Bruce Berman instructed everyone on how to keep their eyes peeled for signs of seals and porpoises in the water around us. Two hundred sets of eyes peered over the railings of the “Freedom” for signs of dark seal noses bobbing in the water or for the exciting sight of a porpoises’ back and fin breaking the surface. Everyone got so excited each time there was a sighting, rushing to the best part of the boat to view the seals. It was so fun to see the kids so involved in the search, calling out to everyone else when they thought they saw something! And even if we hadn’t seen any seals or porpoises, it was a gorgeous day on its own; and I know everyone docked with more knowledge about the Harbor and the Boston Harbor Islands too!

I was thrilled to be a part of a free and fun event that could bring families together in the context of the magnificent resource that is our Harbor. My favorite part of my job is helping to connect new people to the Harbor and giving them an opportunity to share it with their families. And I love whenever I’m there to see it in action, and see the smiles on all the kid’s faces as they fall in love with being on the water.

I’ll see you around the Harbor this year! It’s our 25^th Anniversary, which means we have 25 years of hard work, passion, and success to celebrate, and, as a result, clean water to enjoy. I don’t think the events and the parties around the Harbor this year are going to disappoint, and I really hope to see you there!

Michelle Palermino

Save the Harbor / Save the Bay

Up for a Harbor Adventure?

This past Saturday, Save the Harbor/Save the Bay hosted the Marine Mammal Safari. It was the first event I attended after interning here for four weeks, and it was my second time out on a boat. It was great seeing all the energy families had early in the morning, and how families from communities all over Boston were up for an adventure to find Harbor Seals and porpoises. As the children waited patiently in line they guessed what a porpoise was and what it might look like. It was not until Bruce began to give us tips on how to spot them and Harbor Seals when the kids finally knew what a porpoise was. Bruce had given us a preview of what a porpoise sounds like and it went like this "...(SILENCE)..." Everyone laughed and smiled and it was so great to see that they were enjoying themselves.Everyone participated in the search for Harbor Seals and porpoises. Some used Binoculars while others were able to use their great eye sight. We were able to spot a few Harbor Seal on rocks, but the porpoises were shy. I found it amazing how Bruce would announce a Harbor Seal sighting on one side of the boat and everyone would run with smiles to take a look. When finally spotting it, faces would glow and eyes would shine. It was great to see all the joy it brought to people, and I was glad to experience this event with my family and to show them the passionate people I work with at Save the Harbor/Save the Bay.

- Kristina Acevedo :)

Marine Mammal Safari

This past Saturday, I, along with the rest of the Save the Harbor / Save the Bay staff, hosted the Marine Mammal Safari on the Boston Harbor on what seemed like a perfect sunny morning for a cruise around the Harbor. I found it to be a great experience. This was my first time that I really got a chance to enjoy the Harbor, even though I have been in Boston for almost four years. Also, learning about the animals that are living in the Harbor was great because I know that they now have a safer environment to live in than they did about 20 years ago. Lastly, the looks and reactions on the children's faces priceless!

I wish I was staying with Save the Harbor / Save the Bay longer to take part in another one of these amazing cruises! :)

Denise Wilson

Communication & Events Intern

Peace and Purity on the Harbor

Sherry Zhang joined Save the Harbor / Save the Bay this semester as an intern from the Capital University of Economics and Business in Beijing, China. Below, you can read her beautiful reaction to her very first Marine Mammal Safari this past Saturday…

The second trip of Save the Harbor’s Annual Marine Mammal Safari started at 1:45p.m. in April 30^th. Everybody felt so excited while getting on the boat. Big smiles came up on everyone’s face.

In the beginning, layers and layers of clouds were pressing to the sky and made it look heavy. However, when the sun came out an hour later, everything became nice and calm.

I saw this man resting on the deck, reclined, lifted his head towards the sun without saying a word; this girl wearing a cute pink jacket stepped up on the chair and gazed at the spray from the stern. There was a couple holding each other, watching the light house on a small green island. Children were playing with each other with laughter rolling around. The sun was so bright, it lit up their face with a natural flush.

It was always a mystery of this original intimacy between human and the sea, like a basic instinct so deeply rooted inside our hearts. People can easily find the peace and purity of their soul near the water. It was a kind of connection, a call from the earth. Take a deep breath, you can smell it, the scent of home. Life was born in this blue. As long as we are living, we do everything to defend our home. 

Sherry Zhang

Marine Mammal Safari

April 30th was a great day for the Marine Mammal Safari boat trip hosted by Save the Harbor/Save the Bay. As part of our free family events this spring and summer, over the course of the day we brought more than 600 people to the Boston Harbor Islands National Park to see the seals and porpoises that visit the Harbor and the Bay each spring. I assisted on all three boats for the whole day as part of my internship. I woke up quite early that day and went to the Rowes Wharf to meet our staff, ready to work to make sure that all our guests had a good time on our first great boat trip. The weather was kind of chilly and cloudy in the morning, which made us concerned that the weather may affect the trip. Fortunately, it turned out to be sunny right before our first departure, which was great!

Bruce was there narrating about all the Boston Harbor, the islands and marine mammals along the way Everybody on the boat enjoyed the trip so much; all the kids were especially so exited when they found harbor seals swimming around our boat. The porpoises were kind of shy that day and we didn’t find a lot of them. However, it didn’t affect the whole trip a lot and everyone had a good time on the boat trips including all of our staff! We took so many pictures of families from around Boston and even some from all around the world. In those pictures, the smiles and laughs really make us proud of what we are doing as a team at Save the Harbor/Save the Bay.

After the whole day’s work I felt a little bit tired, but I spent quite a wonderful day and had tons of fun there. It was such a great experience having interned at Save the Harbor/Save the Bay, which is filled with a lot of fun events and passionate people in our team. Now we are getting ready to host more awesome events this summer as part of Save the Harbor's 25th Anniversary, and we hope more and more people and families can join us and enjoy our great harbor together!

Best,

Fred Zhao