Belle Isle Marsh Reservation

Belle Isle Marsh Reservation
Metropolitan Park System of Greater Boston
Country United States
State Massachusetts
County Suffolk
Municipality Boston
Location Bennington Street
 - elevation 0 ft (0 m)
 - coordinates 42°23′20″N 70°59′26″W / 42.38889°N 70.99056°W / 42.38889; -70.99056Coordinates: 42°23′20″N 70°59′26″W / 42.38889°N 70.99056°W / 42.38889; -70.99056
Area 152 acres (62 ha) [1]
Founded 1985
Management Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
Location of Belle Isle Marsh Reservation
Website: Belle Isle Marsh Reservation
U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Belle Isle Marsh Reservation
Belle Isle Marsh, East Boston

Belle Isle Marsh Reservation is a Massachusetts state park located in East Boston. The park is managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Description

Belle Isle Marsh Reservation preserves 152 acres (62 ha) of the 241-acre (98 ha) Belle Isle Marsh. This is the last remaining salt marsh within Boston.[1][2] These marshes once used to be prevalent along the Massachusetts Bay shoreline.

The marsh is home to multiple species of saltmarsh plants, fish, and shellfish, most rare in a metropolitan area.

History

Formerly an actual island,[3] Belle Isle was also called Hog's Island and later Breeds Island.[4] Part of the island is now Orient Heights.

Activities and amenities

Features of the reservation include landscaped pathways, benches, and an observation tower. The park has handicap access.[2] A portion of the Boston Harborwalk runs through the reservation.

References

  1. 1 2 Protected and recreational open space datalayer, Office of Geographic and Environmental Information (MassGIS), Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs - http://www.mass.gov/mgis/dd-over.htm
  2. 1 2 "Belle Isle Marsh Reservation". MassParks. Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved August 22, 2013.
  3. See, e.g., Middlesex Canal map, 1852.
  4. "Island Facts: Belle Isle". Boston Harbor Islands. National Park Service.
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