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TBHA Home > Resources > Harbor News |  |
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Harbor News
Harbor News is designed by The Boston Harbor Association to keep the general public current on a number of new and ongoing activities and initiatives around Boston Harbor. Click on any of the topics below for more information.
 New Year’s Eve fireworks, Boston Harbor, 2010 Celebrate New Year’s Eve on Boston Harbor with family and friends at the following free events sponsored by The Boston Harbor Association in conjunction with First Night Boston. Special thanks to Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino and the Boston Redevelopment Authority for providing funding support for these events. First Night 2012 buttons can be purchased at a number of locations, including Shaw's, Au Bon Pain, Tedeschi's, Boston Children's Museum, and the New England Aquarium. Please note that refreshments and art supplies are available on a first-come, first served basis. Fort Point Channel Information: Norman B. Leventhal Boston Harbor Map Collection: Made in Fort Point: Boston Harbor and the Environment: Clam Chowder: Boston’s Working Port: First Night on the Rose Kennedy Greenway: Maritime History: View the fireworks on Boston Harbor
(open to First Night button holders and the general public): Arts and Culture along the Waterfront:
Getting around the Waterfront:
The Boston Harbor Association (TBHA) announced on September 6, 2011 the hire of Julie Wormser as Executive Director of the organization. Wormser joins President Vivien Li, who was promoted to President in March after serving as Executive Director for 20 years.
“The combination of Julie Wormser and Vivien Li creates a very strong senior team for TBHA,” said Brian Dacey, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. “Between Vivien’s unmatched knowledge of Boston Harbor issues and Julie’s extensive background in environmental policy and capacity building, our new team has the skills and resources to enable TBHA to grow our advocacy and programming efforts.” Wormser has had an impressive career at several environmental organizations. Most recently, she served as New England Regional Director of the Oceans Program for the Environmental Defense Fund. Previously, she managed regional policy programs for the Appalachian Mountain Club and The Wilderness Society. “Julie was the unanimous choice of our Board of Directors after an extensive search process identified a number of strong candidates,” said Dacey. “Julie is joining us at an important time in our organization’s history,” said Vivien Li, “With the near-completion of both the harbor cleanup and the 47-mile Harbor Walk, Boston Harbor is once again a vibrant, world-class resource for residents and visitors alike. Yet with the rise in the sea level threatening this historic port, we have yeoman’s work ahead of us to protect the city’s harbor front businesses and infrastructure from the impacts of climate change.” “I have long been a fan of Vivien’s and of TBHA,” said Wormser. “I look forward to working together with her and with a wide range of partners to address the emerging threats and to leverage opportunities to Boston Harbor and the communities that surround it.” “It is an exciting time,” agreed Li. “We’ve accomplished a great deal over the first three decades of this organization’s existence. I’m looking forward to even greater success in the years to come.”
In recognition of 25 years of extraordinary accomplishments by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) and the MWRA Advisory Board, more than 150 guests, elected officials, and MWRA and Advisory Board staffs toured the revitalized Boston Harbor on 18 August 2011. TBHA’s Vivien Li served as narrator, pointing out the recreational users along the waterfront (swimmers at Spectacle Island, recreational fishermen at Castle Island, and boaters) as well as the activities of the Working Port.
Among the highlights were close ups of two cruise ships docked in the Harbor, views of a cargo ship coming into Massport’s Conley Terminal, time to explore Spectacle Island, a former landfill transformed into a park with a beach area as part of the environmental mitigation for the “Big Dig” project, as well as the opportunity to watch MWRA staff doing water quality testing off of Spectacle Island. At Deer Island, many of the participants toured the treatment facility and learned about the island’s renewable energy sources.
Earlier in the week, TBHA Young Professionals enjoyed the opportunity to network on board the M/V Majesty, courtesy of Boston Harbor Cruises. Following the reception, guests were treated to a thrill ride on the company’s Codzilla, which zips through the harbor at 40 mph while blasting adrenaline-pumping music.
On 11 August, more than 140 members of the general public visited Georges Island, courtesy of The Boston Harbor Association. Forty-six youths from a Dorchester summer program joined the group, and enjoyed their first harbor cruise ever on Boston Harbor.
August ended with the “Red Bull Cliff Dive” off of the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA). More than 23,000 people watched along the South Boston waterfront near the ICA as professional divers dove 80 feet into Boston Harbor.
 Boston Line & Service crew removing debris from Boston Harbor On June 30, The Boston Harbor Association kicked off the 2011 season of the Boston Harbor Marine Debris Cleanup program. The program, run in partnership with the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA), Massport, the City of Boston, and Eastern Salt Company, has been successful in maintaining a clean Boston Harbor for a number of swimming seasons. During the past eleven summers, more than 240 tons of debris have been removed from Boston Harbor and its tributaries. Beverage and plastic bottles, which represent more than 20% of the total debris collected, will be recycled by Save That Stuff, Inc.  “Grading the HarborWalk” Day, 88 Black Falcon Avenue, South Boston
Afterwards,
participants enjoyed refreshments provided by the Boston Harbor
Hotel while viewing the Poster Session in Foster’s Rotunda.
14 June “A Clean Boston Harbor: What Next?”
A second panel focused on Visions for the Future included: Dan Adams of Landing Studio who
showed the use of light and art on salt piles in Chelsea, as well as plans for seasonal open space along Chelsea Creek; Andrew Jay, MA Oyster Project for Clean Water who talked about the restoration of water cleansing oysters to Boston Harbor and to the Fort Point Channel; and Mimi Love, who described the process for design of the Boston Harbor Islands Pavilion on the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway.
On Wednesday, May 25, young professionals, students, and members of the public joined The Boston Harbor Association for a morning of harbor education and community service on Deer Island. While the young professionals were hard at work, a group of Robotics and AP Physics students from the John D. O’Bryant School of Math and Science, along with their teacher, Dan Smalley, toured Deer Island’s wastewater treatment facility and saw some of the island’s renewable energy sources (wind and solar) as part of TBHA’s Harbor Bound program. The students were impressed with the knowledge and dedication of the MWRA staff, including Tom Lindberg, who spoke on how to pursue a career in environmental engineering; Jackie Floyd, who helped the students with hands-on experience in water quality testing; and Nadia Caines and Richard Dalton, who gave a great tour of the facility. “We are thrilled with the growth of The Boston Harbor Association and the leadership and advocacy that Vivien has provided,” said Brian Dacey, Chairman, TBHA Board of Trustees. Li has served as the Executive Director of the organization since 1991 and has played an instrumental role in the planning of the Boston Harbor Project, in the establishment of a 39 mile HarborWalk along Boston Harbor, securing funding for and helping to implement the $30 million “Back to the Beaches” program, initiating a harbor education program for urban high school students, developing a Working Port Advocacy Program promoting maritime and water-dependent jobs and uses, and initiating a “Green Boston Harbor” environmental sustainability program. As President, Li will work with the Association’s Executive Committee and Board of Trustees on special initiatives and projects including the upcoming “A Clean Boston Harbor: What Next” Forum convened by TBHA June 14th and 15th and follow up to the first-ever “Boston Harbor Sea Level Rise Forum” organized by TBHA last November. In addition, Li will continue to serve as the primary spokesperson for the organization on issues relating to waterfront development and participate in the ongoing fundraising activities. “Vivien’s selection as a prestigious Barr Foundation Fellow helped set the stage for this promotion. After completing our strategic plan and reviewing the important role that TBHA has played in shaping both development and public access to the waterfront, as well as setting policy to ensure a clean Boston Harbor, the Board of Trustees voted to promote Vivien and create this new position to ensure that the organization has the necessary staff to continue to grow our advocacy and programming. This additional position will allow the Association to more effectively address the important issues that face Boston Harbor in the coming years such as the role of the working port, water transportation, and the waterfront economy in addition to climate change and the threat of rising sea levels,” said
Dacey. Li, who was in the inaugural class of Barr Foundation Fellows representing Boston’s most prominent not-for-profit leaders, said, “I look forward to this new position and continuing my advocacy work on behalf of TBHA. It is an exciting time, as I continue my work with TBHA’s Board of Trustees and our new Executive Director, in providing leadership on issues such as climate change and sea level rise, as well as on what’s next for Boston Harbor.” Founded in 1973, The Boston Harbor Association is the leading non-profit, public interest organization working to promote a clean, alive and accessible Boston Harbor, and is committed to providing free programming for the general public and students to learn about Boston Harbor and the waterfront. Weigh in on improving Boston’s HarborWalk in the
first-ever, citywide “Grading the HarborWalk Day” effort
organized by The Boston Harbor Association. Citizens and
community groups are asked to help evaluate every segment of
the 39-mile HarborWalk public access system. This is your chance to provide suggestions on improvements
to the HarborWalk system. To sign up to as an individual or
organizational participant, please contact mail@tbha.org,
with subject line: Grading the HarborWalk Day. In the twenty-five years since Federal Judge David Mazzone issued his findings which resulted in the Boston Harbor Project, significant progress has been made in both the clean up of Boston Harbor and in access to and development of the waterfront. The opening of the Boston Harbor Islands Pavilion on the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway and the completion of the combined sewer overflow project in South Boston during summer 2011 speak to the vast improvements which have occurred on Boston Harbor, and the tremendous opportunities now available to enjoy, work, and live along the waterfront. The Boston Harbor Association’s Harbor Bound education program, done in partnership with the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, is off to a great start. On 4 May 2011, 36 students from the Horace Mann School for the Deaf in Allston had an opportunity to do water quality testing and to tour the Deer Island treatment facility. The students were among the first to see close-up the operation of the new Flo Design Wind Turbine, with its turbo-style blade similar to that of a jet engine, which debuted 29 April 2011. Renewable energy sources, such as hydro, wind, and solar power, generate about 28% of the power needed to operate the Deer Island treatment plant, making the plant a national leader in environmental sustainability. Partnering with Waterfront Destinations The new Jerry Remy's Seaport restaurant at Liberty Wharf is taking a unique spin on the Red Sox's traditional winning anthem, "Dirty Watah" by the Standells. Partnering with TBHA, Jerry Remy's is now offering a "Dirty Watah" cocktail, with a portion of the proceeds donated to TBHA to help support our free harbor education programs, HarborWalk programs, and educational boat tours. The new Jerry Remy's joins Legal Sea Foods' new Legal Harborside Restaurant, as well as Temazcal Tequila Cantina and Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse as part of the new complex at Liberty Wharf. Each restaurant will feature outdoor seating, expansive HarborWalk open to the public, and access to 24 slips for use by diners at the restaurants. Through October 2011, The Boston Harbor Association will be the beneficiary of The Barking Crab Restaurant's "Round Up for Charity." Barking Crab diners will be able to "round up" their bill to the next highest dollar amount; the difference will be donated to TBHA to help support our free harbor advocacy programs. The Barking Crab Restaurant is located on the Fort Point Channel next to the
HarborWalk; boaters can tie up for free behind the restaurant while dining. More than 325 friends and supporters attended The Boston Harbor Association’s 18th Annual Harbor Auction and Celebration, held on 12 April 2011 in the beautiful Wharf Room of the Boston Harbor Hotel. The event raised nearly $190,000, which will be used to support TBHA’s harbor advocacy efforts, work on climate change and potential sea level rise, and free harbor education programs and cruises for the general public. The Boston Harbor Association sponsored a well-attended lunchtime presentation on Low-Impact Development, including discussion of "green roofs," on Wednesday, 23 March 2011. The luncheon complements TBHA's "Boston Harbor Sea Level Rise Forum" held last November with support from the Barr Foundation. A panel of prominent speakers, including Sandra Brock, Chief Engineer at Nitsch Engineering; Martin Pillsbury, Manager of Environmental Planning at the Metropolitan Area Planning Council; and Bob Uhlig, President of Halvorson Design, spoke of innovative means for low-impact development, citing examples throughout New England. This presentation will be posted on TBHA's
website in May 2011. Come join The Boston Harbor Association at its 18th annual Boston Harbor Celebration and Auction on 12 April 2011, 5 – 8:30 p.m. at the Boston Harbor Hotel’s spectacular Wharf Room. Proceeds from this fundraiser will support TBHA’s harbor education programs, including free programs for Boston-area youths at Spectacle, Georges, and Deer Islands, TBHA’s advocacy for increased public amenities along Boston’s HarborWalk, and TBHA’s work with waterfront property owners on sustainable development. Guests will enjoy a buffet donated by Legal Sea Foods and a
silent and live auction featuring many one-of-a-kind items
such as a private harbor cruise for up to 350 guests, the
opportunity to escort a tanker into Boston Harbor with the
Boston Pilots, a high-speed thrill ride aboard Codzilla for up
to 110 friends, as well as a charter Duck Tour, weekend
getaways, and tickets to sports events. More than 40 participants, including students enrolled at the John Marshall School in Dorchester, children and parents from Greater Boston, joined The Boston Harbor Association’s Executive Director Vivien Li for TBHA’s Boston Harbor Family Activities Day on 22 February 2011. Sitting in the new ground floor facility of public accommodation at 470 Atlantic Avenue, Independence Wharf, next to the Fort Point Channel, the children enjoyed listening to educational stories related to a clean harbor and environment, such as Lucy Cousins’ Hooray for Fish!, Jean Marzollo’s I Am Water, and Dr. Suess’ The
Lorax. Li also spoke briefly about climate change and what citizens can do to mitigate the impacts of sea level rise, and everyone enjoyed complimentary cookies and refreshments provided courtesy of Independence Wharf and Cushman & Wakefield. Also this week, FableVision, an educational media developer and publisher on the Fort Point Channel, debuted its bilingual book, The Curious Adventures of Sydney and Symon in: Water Wonders. The book, in English and Spanish, introduces young people to water cycle and other science concepts, and includes a number of science activities.
The new public space at Atlantic Wharf (formerly known as Russia Wharf) is well on its way to completion, and will nicely complement a series of amenities along the Fort Point Channel already provided by Independence Wharf at 470 Atlantic Avenue and by the InterContinental Hotel and Residences next door. Representatives from Boston Properties, owners of Atlantic Wharf, say to expect performances, art and architecture, and restaurants spilling onto the waterfront plaza soon. Boston Properties shares the vision of Boston’s Mayor Thomas Menino and the Boston Redevelopment Authority as articulated in the Fort Point Channel Watersheet Activation Plan: to transform the Fort Point Channel into a contemporary waterfront with residences, restaurants, boat tours, and cultural institutions. With support from the Boston Redevelopment Authority, The Boston Harbor Association hosted two waterfront events to celebrate the start of 2011. On New Year's Eve day, more than 600 members of the general public toured the Boston Harbor Pilot Association's CHELSEA and the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Boston's 45-feet response boat docked at the John Joseph Moakley Courthouse dock. Both vessels are routinely in Boston Harbor, and are among the newest boats in the harbor (TBHA's Vivien Li christened the CHELSEA).
The
Boston Harbor Association's "Boston Harbor Sea
Level Rise Forum" and related community meetings More
than 450 people participated on 9 - 10 November 2010 at The
Boston Harbor Association's "Boston Harbor Sea Level Rise
Forum". Highlights of the Forum included keynote addresses by Gina McCarthy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Assistant Administrator, and Princeton University's Guy Nordenson. Participants viewed specially-prepared maps by Ellen Douglas and Chris Watson of UMass Boston and Paul Kirshen of the Battelle Institute showing the potential impacts of sea level rise and climate change on Boston Harbor and local neighborhoods. Open mike sessions allowed for insightful comments and questions from the public. The Boston Harbor Association thanks the Barr Foundation for their generous support of the Forum and follow up meetings. Please check
TBHA’s event calendar for a list of new, free luncheons beginning in March, including a Low Impact Development Luncheon on 23 March. The Boston Harbor Association was a leading advocate for the passage of the Fort Point Channel Harbor Line Exemption bill, signed into law by Governor Deval Patrick on 3 August 2010. Celebrating the signing of the Fort Point Channel Harbor Line Exemption bill, On June 3, 2010, The Boston Harbor Association, with Rowes Wharf Water Transit, Massport, the MA Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, and The Boston Harbor Hotel, launched the first completely electric, zero-emissions water taxi in Boston Harbor. The taxi can carry a maximum of 12 people for up to thirteen hours on a single night’s charge. Like other water taxi services, the electric vessel offers passengers traffic-free access to Logan Airport and thirty other popular locations around the Boston Harbor, but unique to the electric water taxi is a nearly silent, eco-friendly ride. Sixteen six-volt batteries power the vessel at a speed nearly equal to that of traditional water taxis, making the trip from Rowes Wharf to Logan Airport in only ten minutes. June 3, 2010 ribbon cutting ceremony for With
summer just around the corner, now is the time to enjoy Boston Harbor with The Boston Harbor Association (TBHA). Thanks to the support of our generous members and sponsors, all of TBHA’s HarborWalk tours, cruises, and activities are free of charge and open to the public. Be sure also to check out our new activities for young professionals (limited to those ages 21-35 years old, please). Click here for
TBHA events.
The section of the HarborWalk that spans the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum now offers visitors increased opportunity to take in the spectacular view of the downtown skyline and connects to the long stretch of HarborWalk along the UMass Boston campus.
Thanks to the advocacy of the Charlestown Waterfront Coalition, an improved section of the HarborWalk opened at the Schrafft Center in spring, 2010. The HarborWalk is next to the existing ball field, and is another link connecting Charlestown to a growing network of pedestrians and bicycle pathways in Somerville and surrounding communities. The walkway extends along the shoreline adjacent to the Mystic River, with a viewing area and benches where the waterfront path ends and connects to Medford Street. A boat ramp is also on the site.
Visitors walking along the Fort Point Channel in late April, 2010 may have noticed the new interpretive markers along the HarborWalk installed by the InterContinental Boston Hotel. The new markers tell the story of the Boston Tea Party, Fort Point Channel, and the InterContinental Hotel. Immediately next door, the facility of public accommodation at 470 Atlantic Avenue has been completed. The indoor space, which is open to the public daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., provides a quiet respite on the HarborWalk. A seating area is available for families and visitors, together with educational displays about Independence Wharf (site of the Boston Tea Party) as well as a television monitor tuned to CNN news. Visitors can also enjoy the free 14th floor observation deck in the building, with views of Boston Harbor, the Harbor Islands, and the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway (free telescope available). The Boston Harbor Association successfully advocated for these public amenities during permitting and enforcement proceedings of the building. On the Fan Pier along the South Boston waterfront, Louis
Boutique moved into a two-story building in late April. The building has a small second-floor lookout for visitors.
Boston’s newest waterfront restaurant, Sam’s, has opened on the second floor of Louis Boston.
The newest waterfront park along Boston Harbor opened next door at One Marina Park Drive. Along with a dramatic harbor vista, the Public Green offers something totally unexpected- music that is played 24/7. Don’t be surprised to see the public walking with a slight bounce to their step or dancing along the HarborWalk while enjoying the music that is programmed to change intermittently. A public rest room and small sitting area are available to the public in the lobby of the One Marina Park Drive building. The Boston Harbor Association launched its 2010 Harbor Bound education program on 29 April with a field trip to Deer Island for middle school students from the Timilty School in Roxbury. Staff from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority had visited the school earlier in the year to provide an orientation for the students about the Boston Harbor Project. The students were excited to visit Deer Island to see first-hand the waste water treatment plant which has helped to make Boston Harbor one of the cleanest urban waterways in the country. As the boat got closer to Deer Island, the students marveled at the two wind turbines which are providing energy on the island and learned about the environmental sustainability measures which have been implemented by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority at its facilities. The Boston Harbor Association gratefully acknowledges the generosity of the following corporate sponsors for their support of TBHA’s 17th Annual Boston Harbor Celebration and Auction held on 13 April 2010. This support allows The Boston Harbor Association to provide free harbor education programs and field trips for Boston youth, promote a robust water transportation network in Boston Harbor, increase public access and public amenities along the HarborWalk, and work towards an environmentally sustainable Boston Harbor. BENEFACTORS Au Bon Pain SPONSORS A Better City PATRONS Atlantic Beer Garden SUPPORTERS Aggregate Industries Northeast 22 April 2010
marked the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. You can make a
difference on Boston Harbor Earth Day and everyday by following these
simple practices:
1. Reduce water consumption by repairing leaky faucets and running 2. Dispose of trash, including cigarette butts, in trash receptacles 3. On boats, store trash securely and dispose of it when you return 4. Purchase products with minimal packaging.
5. Separate recyclable materials from regular trash.
6. Water lawns only as necessary.
7. Minimize the use of chemicals on lawns and gardens.
8. Do not dump chemicals or other products down storm drains.
9. Always use pump out facilities for boats.
10. Whenever possible, purchase locally-grown produce and products.
The new lobby at one Marina Park Drive. On 13 January 2010, TBHA together with WalkBoston led a tour of the newest sites on the HarborWalk between the ICA and the New England Aquarium. At One Marina Park Drive, TBHA Executive Director Vivien Li led attendees into the finished ground floor which one of Newbury Street's most popular stores, Louis Boston, will briefly occupy in early spring 2010. The attendees' attention was directed to the luxurious detail of the lobby, which includes an elaborate floor of imported marble and specially designed ceiling lighting. Louis Boston will move from the lobby to The store will stay in the ground floor of the
building until construction is completed of a new low-rise
building later this year . The building is part of an effort
towards generating more activity in the area, and will house several new restaurants and stores in the coming year. The tour also visited the new public green on the Fan Pier, another part of the Fan Pier development project, and viewed an interpretive display of the old rail terminal at the Fan Pier. The last stop on the HarborWalk was the new Marine Mammal Facility at the New England Aquarium, where attendees looked in through the glass walls to see the fur seals. Thousands greeted the 2010 New Year on Boston's waterfront. The The celebration began on 31 December at 11:45 a.m. with a dramatic water-display by Massport's fireboat and ended after 12:30 a.m.
on New Year's Day when the last passengers disembarked from a special
midnight cruise to view the fireworks over Boston Harbor. From 12 noon to 4 p.m., the public had a rare opportunity to board
the Boston Pilot Association's CHELSEA boat and to tour the U.S. Coast
Guard's newest response boat, both of which were docked at the John
Joseph Moakley Courthouse. Dozens went out for a mid-day
cruise on Boston Harbor, while others enjoyed the newest facility of
public accommodation at Independence Wharf, and children participated
in free craft activities at the Fort Point Arts Community Store. Visitors marveled at ice sculptures at the New England Aquarium, and
took advantage of "First Night" discounts at the Aquarium, ICA Museum,
Boston Children's Museum, as well as at waterfront hotels including
the Boston Harbor Hotel, Fairmont Battery Wharf, InterContinental
Boston, Marriott Long Wharf, Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel,
Seaport Hotel, and Westin Boston Waterfront. Old Town Trolley Tours
shuttled First Night button holders around the waterfront, thanks to
support from the Boston Redevelopment Authority, while City Water Taxi
brought the public from East Boston to Long Wharf/Quincy Market. |
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The Boston Harbor Association - 374 Congress Street, Suite 307 - Boston, MA 02210 - 617-482-1722 (P) - 617-482-9750 (F) - mail@tbha.org |
On May 21, 2011, more than two dozen residents participated in The Boston Harbor Association’s first-ever “Grading the HarborWalk” Day. Using forms provided by TBHA, individuals and groups completed detailed evaluations of HarborWalk segments along Charlestown, Downtown, Dorchester, East Boston, North End, and South Boston. The volunteers focused on existing conditions and maintenance, ADA accessibility, signage, public seating, public art, open spaces and parks, and public amenities like public restrooms and facilities of public accommodation.
Of the responses received, most were pleased by the progress in completion of the HarborWalk public access system. A number of places were flagged for needing additional maintenance, and participants noted the need for more and consistent HarborWalk signage. 
The Boston Harbor Association (TBHA) announced on 4 May 2011 the promotion of Vivien Li to President, a new position, and also announced the search for a new Executive Director for the organization. 
On 21 May, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., volunteers will have the
opportunity to grade the HarborWalk on such aspects as
existing conditions and maintenance, ADA accessibility,
signage, public benches and seating, public art, open spaces,
and public amenities like public restrooms and facilities of
public accommodation, as well as mutt mitt stations to prevent
animal waste from entering Boston Harbor. Citizens and
community organizations’ reports on HarborWalk segments in Charlestown, Dorchester, Downtown,
East Boston, North End, and South Boston will be compiled into
a report to be shared with waterfront property owners and
public officials.
TBHA's Executive Director Vivien Li marked Earth Day 2011 as a participant of the Third Annual MIT Sustainability Summit held on 22 April at Microsoft's New England R&D (NERD) Center in Cambridge. This year's Summit focused on "Bridging Thought and Action: Creating a Sustainable Organization". Li spoke about integrating transportation planning with land use and building design.
For more information, please go to
Stepping outside, a number of the children and adults were thrilled with the appearance of a swan, which has recently been making frequent appearances in the Fort Point Channel. 
On 27 July 2010, members of the public joined The Boston Harbor Association for a free cruise to Georges Island. The participants were some of the first to visit the new $8 million Visitor's Center, which was inaugurated by Governor Deval
Patrick in July and features exhibits about the island's history during the Civil War, environmentally sustainable features, and Jasper White’s Summer Shack with a roofed seating area attached. 
The Visitor’s Center was opened thanks to the collaboration of the
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and Boston Harbor Island Alliance. The Harbor Alliance’s President Tom Powers predicted that the Visitor’s Center would dramatically improve visitor services on Georges at the time of inauguration; Boston's Best Cruises, the ferry boat operator to the islands, notes that ferry ridership is up almost 30% from the same period last year. Solar panels on a nearby new maintenance facility will reduce energy consumption on the island by two-thirds. Food service has also been upgraded, with an all-new concessions area to be operated by the well-known Boston-area restaurant Summer Shack.
On 29 April, The Boston Harbor Association provided members of the general public with free water transportation to Deer Island, which has nearly five miles of trails and paths for the public to enjoy. All on the trip were first-time visitors, and were surprised by the wonderful views from the island. Interpretative signage was available at key spots on the walking paths, and visitors could see the state-of-the-art treatment facility. 
Many paused at the memorial for Federal Judge David Mazzone, who oversaw the clean up of Boston Harbor, as well as benches dedicated to workers who died during the construction of the Boston Harbor project.
