Langlee Island facts for kids
Langlee Island, also known as Langley Island, is a small island located in Hingham Bay. This bay is part of the amazing Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. It's a special place where nature and history come together.
Contents
Discover Langlee Island
Langlee Island is about 4 acres (16,000 square meters) in size. It also has an extra 3 acres (12,000 square meters) of land that appears and disappears with the tides. This area is called the intertidal zone.
What Makes Langlee Island Special?
The island is mostly made of a unique rock called Roxbury puddingstone. This rock looks like a mix of pebbles and sand stuck together, similar to a pudding with raisins! This strong rock forms steep cliffs on the northern side of the island. These cliffs rise about 40 feet (12 meters) above the sea level.
On the eastern side of the island, you can find several small sandy beaches. There is also a tidal mudflat, which is a flat area of muddy land that is covered by water at high tide and exposed at low tide.
Plants and Trees on the Island
The middle of Langlee Island has soil left behind by glaciers long ago. This soil helps many trees and shrubs grow. You can see large oak and maple trees, as well as juniper and birch trees.
Other plants like huckleberry and viburnum grow naturally. You might also spot common greenbriar, dewberry, sumac, and even poison ivy.
Who Owned Langlee Island?
The island has a long history of private owners. In 1689, a person named John Langlee bought the island. Over many years, it was bought and sold by different people.
Eventually, the last private owner gave the island to the town of Hingham. Today, the town of Hingham still manages Langlee Island. It is an important part of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area.
How to Visit Langlee Island
Langlee Island is a natural treasure. Because it is an island, you can only reach it by private boat. This helps to protect its unique environment and wildlife.
