Vertex Volunteers Help Save the Harbor Get Dorchester Beaches Ready For Fall

On Friday, Sept 30, Cameron Moody of Lexington and 75 volunteers from Vertex Pharmaceuticals joined Save the Harbor/Save the Bay and the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation for a blustery day of corporate citizenship on two area beaches. The stormy weather didn’t affect productivity as the energetic "Vertexians" removed truckloads of weeds and overgrowth, stained benches, and cleared trash along DCR’s Tenean Beach and DCR’s Malibu/Savin Hill Beach in Dorchester.

In the morning, the first team of “Vertex Volunteers” cut weeds along the seawall, shoveled sand back onto the beach, removed trash and debris from the parking lot and sidewalks, and stained benches with Australian Timber Oil.

The second team of “Vertex Volunteers” turned their attention to Malibu and Savin Hill Beach in the afternoon. While some cleared weeds along the boardwalk and seawall, others cleaned up the boat ramp and beach on the other side of Morrissey Boulevard, removing tons of trash.

By the end of the day, the crew had donated over 400 hours of service, filling three 1-ton truckloads of debris with over 80 bags of trash.

“Making these beaches inviting and accessible for everyone to enjoy is rewarding and important,” said Save the Harbor Vice President Susan Woods. “Save the Harbor, DCR and the residents of Dorchester who use these beaches all year round really appreciate our hard work.”

“Effective stewardship of our state parks requires a partnership between the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and its friends and volunteer groups, who consistently bring their spirited approach to all park functions, including important clean-up efforts,” said DCR Commissioner Leo Roy. “I thank Save the Harbor/Save the Bay and Vertex Pharmaceuticals for once again joining us to improve Dorchester’s beaches so its many visitors may continue to enjoy this beautiful natural resource all year round.”

Bruce Berman, Director of Strategy, Communications and Programs at Save the Harbor, echoed Roy’s sentiments. “These beaches are important recreational assets for the region’s residents, especially those in Dorchester,” Berman said. “Thanks to our partners at Vertex and the terrific staff at DCR for getting them in shape for the fall.”

Save the Harbor is a non-profit, public interest harbor advocacy organization made up of thousands of citizens as well as civic, corporate, cultural and community leaders and scientists whose shared mission is to restore and protect Boston Harbor, Massachusetts Bay, and the marine environment and share them with the public for all to enjoy.

To find out more about Save the Harbor/Save the Bay and the work they do to restore and protect Boston Harbor, the Boston Harbor Islands and the region’s public beaches from Nahant to Nantasket, visit their website at savetheharbor.org and follow savetheharbor on Facebook and Twitter.