Belle Isle Marsh Reservation | |
Metropolitan Park System of Greater Boston | |
Country | United States |
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State | Massachusetts |
County | Suffolk |
Municipality | Boston |
Location | Bennington Street |
- elevation | 0 ft (0 m) |
- coordinates | 42°23′21″N 70°59′21″W / 42.38917°N 70.98917°WCoordinates: 42°23′21″N 70°59′21″W / 42.38917°N 70.98917°W |
Area | 188 acres (76 ha) |
Founded | 1985 |
Management | Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation |
Website: Belle Isle Marsh Reservation | |
Belle Isle Marsh Reservation is an urban nature preserve and public recreation area protecting 188 acres (76 ha) of the 241-acre (98 ha) Belle Isle Marsh, the last remnant within Boston of the salt marshes that were once prevalent along the Massachusetts Bay shoreline. The marsh is home to multiple species of saltmarsh plants, fish, and shellfish, most rare in a metropolitan area. The reservation is managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Formerly an actual island, Belle Isle was also called Hog's Island and later Breeds Island. Part of the island is now Orient Heights.
Features of the reservation include landscaped hiking paths, benches, an observation tower, and handicap access. A portion of the Boston Harborwalk runs through the reservation.