kids encyclopedia robot

Belle Isle Marsh Reservation facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Belle Isle Marsh Reservation
BelleIsleMarsh1Alc.JPG
Belle Isle Marsh Reservation is located in Massachusetts
Belle Isle Marsh Reservation
Belle Isle Marsh Reservation
Location in Massachusetts
Location Suffolk, Massachusetts, United States
Area 188 acres (76 ha)
Elevation 0 ft (0 m)
Established 1985
Operator Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
Website Belle Isle Marsh Reservation

Belle Isle Marsh Reservation is an urban nature preserve and public recreation area containing mostly coastal wetlands. The Reservation includes the last remnant within Boston of the salt marshes that were once prevalent along the Massachusetts Bay shoreline. The marsh is home to a wide variety of saltmarsh plants, marine life, and birds. The reservation is managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.

History

Although it is now connected to the mainland, Belle Isle was formerly an actual island. It was granted in 1628 to William Brereton, who named it Susana Island in honor of his daughter. It was later referred to as Hog Island or Hogg Island on maps, before it was purchased by Joseph Russel near the end of the 18th century, who named it Belle Isle. In 1800, it was purchased by John Breed, who lived on the island, which was then referred to as Breed's Island. Part of the island is now developed as Orient Heights; much of the remainder is Belle Isle Marsh.

Activities and amenities

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.



Images for kids

kids search engine
Belle Isle Marsh Reservation Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.