Boston Harbor Now wishes you a healthy and happy New Year!
“Snowy Owl at Bear Creek Sanctuary, Saugus” By Soheil Zendeh, volunteer naturalist with the National Parks of Boston
Dear Friends,
As we approach the conclusion of another transformative year, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey we’ve shared. On behalf of Boston Harbor Now, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each one of you who has played a part in our remarkable success in 2023!
This year, our community once again showcased unwavering support, boundless generosity, and a collective commitment to the resilience and accessibility of our beloved waterfront and Boston Harbor Islands. The triumphant return of the annual Onboard Awards, featuring special guest Mayor Michelle Wu, stands out. We recognized the City of Boston’s Langone Park/Puopolo Playground and Tishman Speyer at Pier 4 for creating more equitable, resilient, and accessible shoreline public spaces. Your support of this year’s record-breaking $1M Spectacle on Spectacle celebration set a high watermark for our community’s passion, enabling Boston Harbor Now to reach new heights and make lasting impacts on our city and how people experience their Harbor.
Our journey toward equitable access to the waterfront and islands has been nothing short of inspiring. This year, your support empowered us to identify and address barriers, creating spaces where everyone, regardless of background, can find respite, joy, and connection. Over 34,000 visitors experienced free access to Boston Harbor and its Islands through initiatives like the Innovation Islands Mini-Grants, EBT/WIC “Card to Culture,” and our Community Cruises—now celebrating a decade of access, fostering a sense of belonging and community that defines the essence of Boston Harbor Now.
In the realm of coastal climate resilience, your partnership has been instrumental in our efforts to safeguard communities against the challenges posed by a changing climate. Collaborating with both public and private partners, we’ve transformed coastal resilience from gray walls into projects inspired by nature and the sea. Through initiatives like the Stone Living Lab, Boston Harbor Now is not merely confronting challenges; we’re working with lawmakers to update regulatory frameworks, enabling innovative and adaptive approaches to coastal resilience. Together, we’re building a foundation for a more resilient and sustainable future for generations to come, ensuring Boston has access to all tools and resources to address climate challenges.
As we navigate these critical initiatives, we’re reminded that our collective impact is a testament to the power of our community and your support. The Boston Harbor Now family—comprising supporters, partners, and our vibrant local community—is a force for positive change and lasting impact. Over the last half-century of the Harbor’s history, we’ve achieved milestones that once seemed insurmountable, from cleaning up our harbor to reconnecting neighborhoods to their shorelines and Islands, together we’re navigating the way towards a brighter tomorrow.
As we bid farewell to 2023, let us carry the spirit of gratitude and hope into the new year. Our collective efforts have set the stage for even greater accomplishments, and I am confident that the connections we’ve forged will continue to strengthen. The challenges that lie ahead are opportunities for us to innovate, collaborate, and make a meaningful impact on the waterfront, Boston Harbor Islands, and beyond.
Thank you for your support, your faith in our mission, and your dedication to creating a more resilient and accessible Boston Harbor. May the coming year be filled with joy, health, and success as we embark on the next chapter of our journey. Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year!
With gratitude,
