Charles River Peninsula facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Charles River Peninsula |
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The peninsula in April, looking inland.
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| Location | Needham, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Area | 20 acres (8 ha) |
| Owner | Trustees of Reservations |
The Charles River Peninsula is a special 30-acre (12 ha) nature preserve located in Needham, Massachusetts. It's a place where nature is protected and cared for. This beautiful area is owned and managed by an organization called the Trustees of Reservations.
A peninsula is a piece of land almost completely surrounded by water, but still connected to the mainland on one side. Here, the Charles River makes a big, almost 180-degree turn, which creates this unique peninsula. For about 100 years, a 20-acre (8 ha) field on the peninsula was used for farming. The first part of this land was given to the Trustees in 1960, and more land was added in 1994.
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What is the Charles River Peninsula?
The Charles River Peninsula is a wonderful spot for people to enjoy nature. It's a protected area, which means its natural beauty and wildlife are kept safe. The land is home to different plants and animals, and it offers a peaceful escape from busy city life.
Who protects the peninsula?
The Trustees of Reservations is a non-profit group that works to protect special places in Massachusetts. They own and manage the Charles River Peninsula. Their goal is to keep these lands open and beautiful for everyone to visit and enjoy, now and in the future. They make sure the trails are maintained and the environment is healthy.
How big is the Charles River Peninsula?
The entire nature preserve covers about 30 acres (12 ha) of land. To give you an idea, that's roughly the size of 30 football fields! A large part of this land, about 20 acres (8 ha), used to be a farm field. This field has been farmed for a very long time, showing how the land has been used throughout history.
History of the Charles River Peninsula
The land that makes up the Charles River Peninsula has an interesting past. For many years, it was used for farming. This shows how people have interacted with the land over a long period.
When was the land protected?
The first part of the peninsula was given to the Trustees of Reservations in 1960. This was a big step in making sure this natural area would be protected forever. Later, in 1994, even more land was added to the preserve, making it larger and protecting more of the beautiful riverfront.
Why is it important to protect places like this?
Protecting places like the Charles River Peninsula is very important. It helps to keep natural habitats safe for animals and plants. It also gives people a chance to connect with nature, go for walks, and enjoy the outdoors. These preserves help keep our environment healthy and offer quiet places for everyone to relax and explore.
Images for kids
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View of the river
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Field of milkweed in the fall
