Sand, Sea and Sky Exploration

Growing up with relatives situated in the city of Revere, childhood visits often included walks to the shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean. Swimming and walking along the beach were common. Summertime fun included searching for colorful seashells, clam digging (when it was legal), feeding seagulls french fries, fishing along the piers that once dotted a portion of the city's first public beach. We also enjoyed miniature golf, amusement rides, tried our luck on the midway, playing the games as carnival barkers called out to us. We all had great hopes of winning those special prizes.

Today, treasured memories remain but the city's entertainment of days gone by along the beach has not. Gone are Bluebeard's Castle, The Cyclone, (a wooden roller coater) and various other rides. They have now, for a long while, been replaced by condominiums, apartments and various business ventures.

Still, opportunities for fun exist with many planned Revere Beach activities. These include programs for children and adults. Visitor Services Supervisor, Matthew Nash, DCR (Department of Conservation and Recreation) North Region Coastal District, Revere, is the coordinator of many of the programs. All are FREE.

Matthew Nash prepares to walk the shores along Revere Beach.

Nash begins with a welcome greeting to all those participating in the programs. This year is the the 125th Anniversary of the agency.

On the day of my visit "gulls," were enjoying feasting on crabs. Growing up we always called these birds, "seagulls." Lesson 1 - there are many species of "gulls." We watched a variety of them, including one black backed juvenile gull, dive into the sea for its food. Occasional fights over whose food source was also evident.

Breakfast at the beach for a lone gull.

The crabs were plentiful. As we walked, Nash collected specimens of the crabs for his educational programs in which he imparts his knowledge of the various species of this particular crustacean. Never having thought of a crab in my childhood days as anything but that -a crab, this program, led by Nash, pointed out much more.

Green crab

Spider Crab

Lady Crab

One of the legs (appendages) of a very large crab.

Each program differs. Be prepared for explorations well as shoreline and seaside surprises. One never knows what Mother Nature has in store for you on the dates you choose to participate in these FREE programs. Listed below are various locations of learning from various DCR Park Interpreters. Celebrate the 125th Anniversary of this agency and as the press release states, "by joining with them (DCR Park Interpreters) as you learn about the wonderful natural and cultural history of your state parks. All programs are FREE and pen to the public."

https://www.mass.gov/service-d...

Listed below are a few of July's adventures:

Belle Isle Marsh Reservation
An Oasis for Birds
Saturday, July 7 8:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m.
Discover the abundant birdlife at Belle Isle Marsh Reservation, a restored wildlife sanctuary. We will walk while birding for a distance of a mile on easy level terrain. Some binoculars and a spotting scope will be provided but please bring these items if you have them. Reasonable accommodations available upon request. Suitable for adults and children ages 10 and older accompanied by an adult.
Meet at: On or near the boardwalk to the right of the Bulletin Board, located on Bennington Street, East Boston between address 1236 Bennington St., East Boston and 173 Bennington St., Revere. Parking is on a paved lot and is free of charge. Accessible by public transportation: MBTA Blue line, Beachmont Station. Exit station, turn right, at intersection, cross State Road/Bennington Street, travel right along Bennington Street to park entrance on the left. Visit www.MBTA.com for bus and train information.
Co-sponsored by the Friends of Belle Isle Marsh.
Lynn Shore and Nahant Beach Reservation

Exploration Station at the Ward Bathhouse
Saturday, July 7, 1:30 -3:30 p.m.
Learn from a Park Interpreter about the rich cultural history of Nahant Beach and\or the nature you may encounter at the Reservation at a station with natural objects and activities. You may arrive at any time from 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. on the dates listed. Suitable for all ages.

Meet at: Inside the James J. Ward Bath House located on the Don John Aliferis Memorial Rotary aka Lynnway Rotary, Lynn MA. Daily Parking Fee applies. For a map of the park and information about parking fees visit www.mass.gov/dcr. Please note that the entrance to the parking lot along Nahant Beach is at the South end of the beach.

Revere Beach Reservation
Shorebird Surprises-Afternoon
Tuesday, July 10 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Explore beautiful Revere Beach for birds of the beach and shore. Walk up to 3 miles on the beach, on mud flats and paths. Some binoculars and a spotting scope will be provided but please bring these items if you have them. Suitable for adults and children ages 10 and older accompanied by an adult

Meet at: Revere Beach Reservation, across the street from One Carey Circle on the sidewalk of the semicircular parking lot. Accessible by MBTA Bus # 441 or 442 to Point of Pines stop: Cross street, turn right and walk approximately 0.3 miles to the sidewalk of the semicircular parking lot across the street from One Carey Circle. Visit www.MBTA.com

Winthrop Shores Reservation-Short Beach
What Lies Beneath the Sea-Afternoon
Wednesday, July 11 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Did you know that barnacles are an animal that sweeps its legs through the water to catch its food consisting of tiny floating plants and animals? Discover what animals lay beneath the sea on this tide pool exploration and learn how these animals struggle for survival and satisfy their voracious appetites. Be prepared for walking on rocky and slippery ground and getting your feet wet. Some nets will be provided but bring a net if you have one. Suitable for children ages 5 and older accompanied by an adult.

Meet at: Short Beach section of Winthrop Shores Reservation, Winthrop, MA, (Beachside on the sidewalk near the boundary between Revere Street, Winthrop, MA and Winthrop Parkway, Revere MA). Parking is free of charge but limited on the street and in a small lot across the street. Co-sponsored by the Friends of Belle Isle Marsh.
Co-sponsored by the Friends of Belle Isle Marsh.

Constitution Beach Reservation-East Boston
East Boston Marine Science & Maritime Festival
Saturday, July 14, 2018 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Be part of the 1st East Boston Marine Science & Maritime Festival organized by The Harborkeepers in East Boston! As part of the Harborkeepers mission of fostering coastal community resiliency, we are excited to bring an event on the waterfront to celebrate East Boston's rich maritime history, foster environmental stewardship and ocean conservation, teach marine education and climate resiliency through hands-on activities as well as promote the diverse socio-cultural richness of East Boston and just have a fun day by the waterfront with art, science, music and food! Meet at: Constitution Beach, East Boston.

Sponsors for this event include: The HYM Investment Group (Gold Member Sponsor), The Harborkeepers in East Boston, Boston Centers for Youth and Families Paris Street Community Center, Barr Foundation, Save the Harbor Save the Bay Better Beaches Program. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/east-bostons-1st-marine-science-and-maritime-festival-tickets-46158118174?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Halibut Point State Park
Birding 101
Sunday, July 15 8:00 -10:00 a.m.
Join us on a two-hour walk over easy to
moderate trails in search of seasonal specialties. Beginners are encouraged to
attend. Boots are advisable. Please bring your binoculars and if you are able
to a spotting scope to share. For more information, contact Peter@caliper.com.

Meet at:
Halibut Point State Park, Parking lot, on Gott Avenue in Rockport.
Daily Parking Fee applies. For a map
of the park and information about parking fees visit www.mass.gov/dcr.
Co-sponsored by the Brookline Bird Club

"Find yourself in a DCR State Park East Boston\Revere\Nahant\Winthrop\Rockport–"

North Region Coastal District
Department of Conservation and Recreation
One Eliot Circle Contact: Matthew Nash
Revere, MA 02151
781-656-1485