Belle Isle Marsh Reservation

Bennington Street, East Boston
617-727-5350

Open year-round, 9:00 a.m. to dusk. Belle Isle Marsh Reservation preserves 152 acres of the 241-acre Belle Isle Marsh, Boston's last remaining salt marsh. A unique place to explore, the reservation exemplifies the type of wetlands that once lined the Massachusetts Bay shore. Centuries of flourishing plant life have made the marsh more fertile than the richest farm land. Its protected waters are nurseries to fish and shellfish and are critical habitat to many saltmarsh plants and wildlife rare to the metropolitan area. In addition to the preservation of the natural areas of the marsh, the DCR manages 28 acres of landscaped park with pathways, benches and an observation tower.

Special Programs:
Guided walks explain the natural and cultural history of Belle Isle. Topics covered include saltmarsh ecology and the history of man's use of and the impact on the marsh. Special programs for community and school groups can also be arranged by contacting the reservation.

Directions:
MBTA: Blue Line to Suffolk Downs Station, exit onto Bennington Street, turn left, the entrance is 500 yards on the right.

By Car: From the south take Rt. 93 north through the Callahan Tunnel onto Rt. 1A, take the second exit (Winthrop/Chelsea) onto Bennington Street. Continue 1.5 miles to the main entrance on the right. From the north take Rt. 1A south, left at the Ramada Inn sign in East Boston and follow Boardman Street to Bennington Street. Take a left onto Bennington, continue for 1/2 mile, entrance is on the right.