Belle Isle Marsh Reservation

Belle Isle Marsh Reservation
Metropolitan Park System of Greater Boston
Country United States
State Massachusetts
Region Suffolk County
Municipality Boston
Location Bennington Street
 - coordinates
Area 152 acres (62 ha) [1]
Location of Belle Isle Marsh Reservation
Website: http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/metroboston/belleisle.htm

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

Contents

Description

Belle Isle Marsh Reservation preserves 152 acres (0.62 km2) of the 241-acre (0.98 km2) 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.

Features of the reservation include landscaped pathways, benches, and an observation tower. A portion of the Boston Harborwalk runs through the reservation.

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.

Recreational Opportunities

References

  1. ^ a b 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. ^ "Belle Isle Marsh Reservation". Commonwealth of Massachusetts. http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/metroboston/belleisle.htm. Retrieved 31 December 2009. 
  3. ^ See e.g. File:Middlesex Canal (Massachusetts) map, 1852.jpg
  4. ^ http://www.nps.gov/boha/historyculture/facts-beis.htm

External links

Coastal reservations
River reservations
Woodland reservations
Heritage state parks
Parkways and roads