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Announcing The Great Marsh Symposium: Discover a Coastal Treasure in our Backyard

TOUR THE GREAT MARSH BY BOAT. JUNE 26, 2010 9:00AM – 1:00PM

Discover a Coastal Treasure in Our Own Backyard

The 2010 Great Marsh Symposium offers a unique outdoor opportunity to view the Great Marsh from a new perspective. Board a comfortable, shaded pontoon boat and head out the winding Rowley River into Plum Island Sound. On this high-tide trip, you will gaze over acres of newly green salt marsh and bright blue waters from our craft, captained by the experts from Essex River Cruises. The boat’s shallow-draft enables us to explore seldom-travelled creeks and rivers, look for birds and other wildlife and perhaps even make a stop to explore the marsh on foot. On board tour leaders include a Great Marsh historian, natural history experts and scientists who will share their knowledge of the region and current conservation activities.

TRIP INFORMATION

Cost: Adult: $20.00; Ages 12 and under: $10.00. Pre-registration is required. Space is limited!

Registration: To register by phone, call Mass Audubon’s Joppa Flats Education Center at 978-462-9998. You can download a mail-in registration form (PDF 116K). Questions? Contact Kathy Leahy at (978) 927-1122 x2700 or kleahy@massaudubon.org.

Weather: Cruise will take place rain or shine. The boat is covered and can be enclosed with transparent curtains. There is no rain date. Wear waterproof shoes as we may have a chance to explore the marsh on foot.

Launch site and Parking: Parking is at the Rowley Commuter Rail Station on Railroad Ave. in Rowley, MA. The launch site, Batchelder’s Landing, is a 5-minute walk towards the river. Signs will be posted.

Food and Restrooms: Snacks are available to purchase on board, and the boat has a restroom for your convenience.

The Great Marsh Coalition supports a coordinated approach to education, research, protection, and management to promote preservation, restoration, and stewardship of the Great Marsh. Current Coalition members include (but are not limited to): Eight Towns and the Bay Committee, Essex County Greenbelt Association, Essex National Heritage Commission, Massachusetts Audubon Society, Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Area of Critical Environmental Concern Program, Parker River Clean Water Association, The Essex County Forum, and The Trustees of Reservations.

Environment	Salt marsh grasslands, tidal creeks, and estuaries make up one of the richest habitats on earth. The Great Marsh, the largest salt marsh in New England, contains an astonishing diversity of plants and animals.Over 25,000 acres of the Great Marsh were designated by the state as the Great Marsh ACEC.
Economy	The Great Marsh is famous for shellfish and recreational activities that benefit the local economy. The marsh also ensures against costly flood and storm damage, and naturally filters pollutants that contaminate coastal waters.
Recreation	The network of waterways, parks, beaches, and wildlife refuges in the Great Marsh make it an attractive place to enjoy boating, fishing, bird watching, hiking, and beach activities.
History and Culture	The Great Marsh has been an important part of daily life for North Shore residents since Native Americans fished and hunted in the grasslands and waterways. Salt marsh haying, farming, fishing, shipbuilding, and the arts are important parts of our more recent history and culture.
News and Events Updated	Download and read the long awaited Status of River Herring on the North Shore of Massachusetts by Tim Purinton, Frances Doyle and Dr. Robert Stevenson. As reported by the Boston Sunday Globe, download and read the recently issued report, Economic Benefits of the Great Marsh by Wei-Shiuen Ng.
Stewardship	What you can do to help protect the Great Marsh.
Bibilography	Complete list of sources of information on the Great Marsh updated Oct, 2001.