Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

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CONTENTS

Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

Boston Harbor Islands national park area includes 34 islands situated within the Greater Boston shoreline. The islands are rich in natural and cultural resources. Imagine a place where you can explore tide pools, walk through a Civil War era fort, climb a lighthouse, hike lush trails and salt marshes, camp under the stars, or relax while fishing, picnicking or swimming...all within reach of downtown Boston. The 34 islands are managed by a unique, 13-member Partnership which includes the National Park Service and other public and private organizations. An advisory council provides a mechanism for public involvement. For in-depth visitor and park information visit www.BostonIslands.com

IN DEPTH

History History & Culture Each of the 34 Boston Harbor Islands has a rich human history. The islands vividly illustrate the region’s complex past and the continual effect of natural and...read more

Preservation Education Themes: Science & Technology Water Quality In the 1980s, Boston Harbor was considered one of the most polluted in the country. Since then, however, the Deer...read more

Just For Kids Be A Junior Ranger What is a junior ranger? A junior ranger attends ranger programs, completes activities in a workbook, and promises to take care of Boston Harbor Islands. It is...read more

Sights to See Buildings & Structures Not all structures in the park are available for park use. An important structure that is available is the partially restored Fort Warren, an impressive granite Third...read more

In A Nutshell Frequently Asked Questions Please feel free to call a ranger with detailed questions at 617-223-8666, or refer to www.bostonislands.com Q: Where are the bathrooms? All the boats have adequate bathroom facilities. There...read more

At A Glance Contact Information Park Information: 617-223-8666 Boston Harbor Islands Partnership 408 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 225 Boston MA 02110Our Staff & Offices Management of the Boston Harbor Islands is coordinated by the Boston Harbor Islands Partnership,...read more

Park Regulations & Safety Plan A Field Trip: Permit Applications Permits are required to bring groups to the islands. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) requires all groups with more than 25...read more

Things To Do Native American Youth Summer Institute Honoring Our Past ~ Envisioning Our Future 2007 Native American Youth Summer Institute Northeast Native American communities have a long and rich connection to the Boston Harbor...read more

Natural World Intertidal and Subtidal Zones Boston Harbor Islands national park area, encompasses about 60 km of shoreline on more than 30 islands. The intertidal zone, or the area between the reaches...read more

Plants Marine Plants / Algae The once-plentiful eelgrass is the only type of seagrass now present in Boston Harbor; it is now confined to only four isolated areas, the largest of...read more

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