Oysters Reintroduced to Boston Harbor in 2008!

The Charles River used to be teeming with oysters.  Up until the 20^th century, oysters could be harvested in the Charles that were up to a foot long!  These amazing bivalves are filter feeders and can process and filter up to 30 gallons of water a day and undergo nitrogen fixation.

However, due to loss of habitat through river fill, pollution, and over harvesting, oysters have not been present in the river for decades.  Thanks to a group called the Massachusetts Oyster Project, oysters were reintroduced in the Boston Harbor in 2008!  They placed 150,000 oysters at the mouth of the Charles River.  Due to the dam placed at the Museum of Science in the early 1900’s, the Charles River is no longer an ideal habitat for oysters.  The brackish water- or mix of salt and freshwater at the mouth of the Charles is the perfect spot for oysters.  The spot is also ideal because it's an area where it's difficult for people to harvest them.  This is especially important for oysters that also filter and process sewage- they could be carriers of salmonella or other harmful bacteria.

Each year the Massachusetts Oyster Project places more oysters that have been lost due to predation or mortality from too much silt.  To see more about this cool project, or perhaps to volunteer to help seed the Boston Harbor with oysters, please visit www.massoyster.org

Have you been to Herter Park?

Before I began working at the Conservancy I had never set foot in Herter Park, nor had I heard of this area of the parklands that is located along the riverbank in Allston, but the more I’ve learned, the more I am surprised that it’s remained under-wraps for so long.  Not only does Herter Park have a fascinating history, but it is the largest section of open parkland in the Basin.  In a city as busy as Boston, that’s definitely something to brag about!

Herter Park is worth a trip.  With two community gardens, the recently renovated Artesani Playground, a huge open lawn that draws volleyball players and picnickers, and a Charles River Canoe & Kayak rental kiosk, this area of the parkland has something for everyone. 

 

Like me, you probably didn't know that this section of the park used to be home to a speedway.  It’s true!  The Charles River Speedway was constructed in 1899 to serve as a racing track and promenade for horse-drawn vehicles.  For many years the Speedway was an active venue for horseshoes, horse racing, and carriages.  But by the late 1950s the automobile had become king, and, as buggies and carriages fell out of fashion, the land was turned over to general recreational use.   Herter Park is now the finish line for two of the biggest water sports in the nation – the Head of the Charles Regatta and the Run of the Charles canoe and kayak race.

Snow Scene by Frank Costantino

With winter upon us and snow in the near future, Herter Park is a great place to cross-country ski and snowshoe, and ample free public parking is available.  The snow is coming but that's no reason to stay indoors.  Get out and have fun in the Charles River Parklands! 

N. Twigg

Associate Director

Charles River Conservancy