{"id":316,"date":"2012-06-30T18:06:15","date_gmt":"2012-06-30T18:06:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.websitefix.net\/clients\/Generic\/?page_id=316"},"modified":"2022-02-02T16:23:44","modified_gmt":"2022-02-02T16:23:44","slug":"parks-nature","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Massachusetts3\/Raveis\/?page_id=316","title":{"rendered":"Parks & Nature"},"content":{"rendered":"

SPORTS & RECREATION \/ PARKS & NATURE
\n<\/strong>
\nFrom scenic beaches, picturesque marinas, and lush parks to exceptional urban recreational facilities, newcomers will discover a world of natural and quality amenities for an active lifestyle. For every imaginable outdoor activity, Massachusetts provides a scenic backdrop and outstanding facilities. Panoramic bike trails, horseback riding paths, miles of hiking trails, camping sites, delightful nature centers, exquisite gardens, and environmental education centers are never far from home. Hikers, walkers, and nature lovers will discover the perfect places to enjoy New England’s natural beauty. During the summer months, many residents look forward to visiting Cape Cod getaways.<\/p>\n

Massachusetts State Parks & Forests
\n<\/strong>617-626-1250
\nhttps:\/\/www.mass.gov\/visit-massachusetts-state-parks<\/a><\/p>\n


\nRegional State Parks<\/p>\n

Ames Nowell State Park
\n<\/strong>Abington
\n781-857-1336<\/p>\n

Ashland State Park
\n<\/strong>Ashland
\n508-435-4303<\/p>\n

Borderland State Park
\n<\/strong>North Easton
\n508-238-6566<\/p>\n

Boston Harbor Islands State Park
\n<\/strong>Boston
\n781-740-1605<\/p>\n

Bradley Palmer State Park
\n<\/strong>Topsfield
\n978-887-5931<\/p>\n

Callahan State Park
\n<\/strong>Framingham
\n508-653-9641<\/p>\n

C.M. Gardner State Park
\n<\/strong>Huntington
\n413-354-6347<\/p>\n

Cochituate State Park
\n<\/strong>Natick
\n508-653-9641<\/p>\n

Great Brook Farm State Park
\n<\/strong>Carlisle
\n978-369-6312<\/p>\n

Halibut Point State Park
\n<\/strong>Rockport
\n978-546-2997<\/p>\n

Harold Parker State Forest
\n<\/strong>Andover
\n978-686-3391<\/p>\n

Hopkinton State Park
\n<\/strong>Hopkinton
\n508-435-4303<\/p>\n

Maudslay State Park
\n<\/strong>Newburyport
\n978-465-7223<\/p>\n

Moore State Park
\n<\/strong>Paxton
\n508-792-3969<\/p>\n

Pearl Hill State Park
\n<\/strong>West Townsend
\n978-597-8802<\/p>\n

Salisbury Beach State Reservation
\n<\/strong>Salisbury
\n978-462-4481<\/p>\n

Sandy Point State Reservation
\n<\/strong>Ipswich
\n978-462-4481<\/p>\n

Walden Pond State Reservation
\n<\/strong>Concord
\n978-369-3254<\/p>\n

Webb Memorial State Park
\n<\/strong>North Weymouth
\n781-925-1777<\/p>\n

Whitehall State Park
\n<\/strong>Hopkinton
\n508-435-4303<\/p>\n

Wompatuck State Park
\n<\/strong>Hingham
\n781-749-7160<\/p>\n

Massachusetts State Forests<\/p>\n

Beartown State Forest
\n<\/strong>Monterey
\n413-528-0904<\/p>\n

Boxford State Forest
\n<\/strong>Boxford
\n617-626-1250<\/p>\n

Chester-Blandford State Forest
\n<\/strong>Chester
\n413-354-6347<\/p>\n

DAR State Forest
\n<\/strong>Goshen
\n413-268-7098<\/p>\n

Douglas State Forest
\n<\/strong>Douglas
\n508-476-7872<\/p>\n

F. Gilbert Hills State Forest
\n<\/strong>Foxboro
\n508-543-9084<\/p>\n

Freetown-Fall River State Forest
\n<\/strong>Assonet
\n508-644-5522<\/p>\n

Georgetown-Rowley State Forest
\n<\/strong>Georgetown
\n978-887-5931<\/p>\n

Granville State Forest
\n<\/strong>Granville
\n413-357-6611<\/p>\n

Kenneth Dubuque Memorial State Forest
\n<\/strong>Hawley
\n413-339-5504<\/p>\n

Leominster State Forest
\n<\/strong>Westminster
\n978-874-2303<\/p>\n

Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsboro State Forest
\n<\/strong>Lowell
\n978-369-6312<\/p>\n

Manuel F. Correllus State Forest
\n<\/strong>Martha’s Vineyard
\n508-693-2540<\/p>\n

Mohawk Trail State Forest
\n<\/strong>Charlemont
\n413-339-5504<\/p>\n

Monroe State Forest
\n<\/strong>Monroe
\n413-339-5504<\/p>\n

Mt. Washington State Forest
\n<\/strong>Mt. Washington
\n413-528-0330<\/p>\n

Myles Standish State Forest
\n<\/strong>Carver
\n508-866-2526<\/p>\n

October Mountain State Forest
\n<\/strong>Lee
\n413-243-1778<\/p>\n

Pittsfield State Forest
\n<\/strong>Pittsfield
\n413-442-8992<\/p>\n

Sandisfield State Forest
\n<\/strong>Monterey
\n413-229-8212<\/p>\n

Savoy Mountain State Forest
\n<\/strong>Florida
\n413-663-8469<\/p>\n

Shawme-Crowell State Forest
\n<\/strong>Sandwich
\n508-888-0351<\/p>\n

Spencer State Forest
\n<\/strong>Spencer
\n508-886-6333<\/p>\n

Tolland State Forest
\n<\/strong>East Otis
\n413-269-6002<\/p>\n

Upton State Forest
\n<\/strong>Upton
\n508-278-6486<\/p>\n

Willard Brook State Forest
\n<\/strong>Townsend
\n978-597-8802<\/p>\n

Willowdale State Forest
\n<\/strong>Ipswich
\n978-887-5931<\/p>\n

Windsor State Forest
\n<\/strong>Windsor
\n413-339-5504<\/p>\n

Nature Preserves
\n<\/strong>
\nAshumet Holly Wildlife Sanctuary
\n<\/strong>East Falmouth 508-362-7475
\nhttps:\/\/www.massaudubon.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Boston Nature Center & Wildlife Sanctuary
\n<\/strong>Mattapan 617-983-8500
\nhttps:\/\/www.massaudubon.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary
\n<\/strong>Natick 508-655-2296
\nhttps:\/\/www.massaudubon.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Cape Cod National Seashore
\n<\/strong>Wellfleet 508-255-3421
\nhttps:\/\/www.nps.gov\/caco\/index.htm<\/a><\/p>\n

Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary
\n<\/strong>Lincoln 781-259-2200
\nhttps:\/\/www.massaudubon.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary
\n<\/strong>Edgartown 508-627-4850
\nhttps:\/\/www.massaudubon.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Habitat Education Center & Wildlife Sanctuary
\n<\/strong>Belmont 617-489-5050
\nhttps:\/\/www.massaudubon.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Ipswitch River Wildlife Sanctuary
\n<\/strong>Topsfield 978-887-9264
\nhttps:\/\/www.massaudubon.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary
\n<\/strong>Sharon 781-784-5691
\nhttps:\/\/www.massaudubon.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Museum of American Bird Art
\n<\/strong>Canton 781-821-8853
\nhttps:\/\/www.massaudubon.org<\/a><\/p>\n

North Hill Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary
\n<\/strong>Duxbury 781-837-9400
\nhttps:\/\/www.massaudubon.org<\/a><\/p>\n

North River Wildlife Sanctuary
\n<\/strong>Marshfield 781-837-9400
\nhttps:\/\/www.massaudubon.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Oak Knoll Wildlife Sanctuary
\n<\/strong>Attleboro 508-223-3060
\nhttps:\/\/www.massaudubon.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
\n<\/strong>Norfolk 508-528-3140
\nhttps:\/\/www.massaudubon.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Whitney and Thayer Woods
\n<\/strong>Cohasset 781-740-7233
\nhttps:\/\/www.thetrustees.org<\/a><\/p>\n

World\u2019s End
\n<\/strong>Hingham 781-740-6665
\nhttps:\/\/www.thetrustees.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Boston Highlights
\n<\/strong>
\nArnold Arboretum
\n<\/strong>Jamaica Plain 617-524-1718
\nhttps:\/\/www.arboretum.harvard.edu<\/a>
\nAdministered by Harvard University, this exceptional 265-acre arboretum features thousands of varieties of blooms, shrubs, and trees. Established in the late 1800s, the arboretum provides a tranquil and beautiful retreat in the middle of a bustling urban environment. Some of the most spectacular scenes are full bloom seasons for rhododendrons, lilacs, magnolias, and fruit trees or the fiery display of autumn.<\/p>\n

Boston Common
\n<\/strong>Boston 617-635-4505
\nhttps:\/\/www.boston.gov\/departments\/parks-and-recreation<\/a>
\nCelebrated as the oldest public park in the nation, the Boston Common is considered to be one of the largest and certainly the most famous of New England’s many town commons. Dating as far back as the 1600s, the park shares its rich historic heritage with the surrounding city and once served as ground for cattle. Although modern residents still exercise their right of freedom of speech at this site, most visitors just enjoy relaxing, picnicking, walking, and enjoying the natural beauty of the public gardens and green space.<\/p>\n

Boston Public Gardens
\n<\/strong>Boston 617-635-4505
\nhttps:\/\/www.boston.gov\/departments\/parks-and-recreation<\/a>
\nLocated at Charles, Beacon, Boylston, and Arlington streets, these lovely gardens are distinguished as the nation’s oldest botanical garden. Dating from the early 1800s, they showcase some of the finest formal plantings in central Boston. Occupying former salt marshes on the edge of the common, the walkways are lined with large beds that are replanted for spring and summer to ensure maximum color and beauty. May displays showcase a wide variety of stunningly colorful tulips.<\/p>\n

Cape Cod’s Natural Splendor
\n<\/strong>Stretching nearly 44,000 acres of upland landscape features and shimmering shoreline, the Cape Cod National Seashore claims a 40-mile stretch of pristine sandy beach. Dozens of clear, deep, freshwater kettle ponds add to the water-rich landscape, punctuating a terrain with upland scenes that reflect the way people have utilized the land. A wide variety of colorful and charming historic structures lie within the boundaries of the national seashore, including wonderful lighthouses, a lifesaving station, and numerous Cape Cod homes. The seashore offers six swimming beaches, nearly a dozen self-guiding nature trails, serene picnic areas, and breathtaking scenic overlooks. For more information as you plan a getaway or vacation to the Cape Cod area, contact:
\n
\nCape Cod National Seashore
\n<\/strong>Wellfleet 508-255-3421
\nhttps:\/\/www.nps.gov\/caco<\/a><\/p>\n

The Emerald Necklace
\n<\/strong>Frederick Law Olmsted, the nation’s first landscape architect, designed a chain of semi-rustic parks called the Emerald Necklace that stretch from the Back Bay to Arnold Arboretum and Franklin Park. These lush parks ring Boston with green space from downtown to Forest Hills. The Boston Park Rangers offer tours that focus on urban ecology, architecture, history, botany, wildlife and sailing.<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Franklin Park: Golf course with rural setting and zoo in a 500-acre park
\n*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Arnold Arboretum: World-renowned, international collection of plants and shrubs
\n*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Jamaica Park: 60-acre pond with fishing, rowing
\n*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Olmsted Park: Green space for bicycling, walking, jogging, and nature study
\n*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Riverway Park: Narrowest of the parks, easily accessible via public transportation
\n*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Back Bay Fens: Nearest park to downtown Boston showcases brilliant blooms<\/p>\n

For more information on each park in the Emerald Necklace system and available activities, contact:<\/p>\n

The Emerald Necklace Conservancy
\n<\/strong>Boston 617-522-2700
\nhttps:\/\/www.emeraldnecklace.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Beaches & Water Sports
\n<\/strong>
\nThe Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation maintains a separate division for urban parks and recreation. More than 18 miles of beaches are located within the Greater Boston area alone\u2014all accessible by public transportation. Local parks and recreation commissions maintain the suburban beaches. For complete details, contact:<\/p>\n

Division of Urban Parks & Recreation
\n<\/strong>617-727-9547
\nhttps:\/\/www.mass.gov\/topics\/parks-recreation<\/a><\/p>\n

Metropolitan Beaches
\n<\/strong>
\nConstitution Beach
\n<\/strong>East Boston (Orient Heights)<\/p>\n

Lovells Island
\n<\/strong>Boston Harbor<\/p>\n

Malibu Beach, Savin Hill Beach, Tenean Beach
\n<\/strong>Morrissey Boulevard, Dorchester<\/p>\n

Carson Beach, Castle Island Beach, City Point Beach, Pleasure Bay Beach, \u201cM\u201d Street Beach
\nDay Boulevard,<\/strong> South Boston<\/p>\n

Suburban Beaches
\n<\/strong>
\nSmith Beach, Sunset Lake
\n<\/strong>Braintree<\/p>\n

Wingaersheek Beach
\n<\/strong>Gloucester<\/p>\n

Nahant Beach, Revere Beach, Winthrop Beach, Nantasket Beach
\nHull
\n<\/strong>
\nCrane\u2019s Beach
\n<\/strong>Ipswich<\/p>\n

King\u2019s Beach, Lynn Beach
\n<\/strong>Lynn<\/p>\n

Avalon Beach, Baker Beach, Manet Beach, Mound Street Beach, Nickerson Beach, Perry Beach, Wollaston Beach
\n<\/strong>Quincy<\/p>\n

Egypt Beach, Humarock Beach, Minot Beach, North Scituate Beach, Peggotty Beach, Sand Hills Beach
\n<\/strong>Scituate<\/p>\n

Lane Beach, Lake Street Beach, Wessagusset Beach
\n<\/strong>Weymouth<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

SPORTS & RECREATION \/ PARKS & NATURE From scenic beaches, picturesque marinas, and lush parks to exceptional urban recreational facilities, newcomers will discover a world of natural and quality amenities for an active lifestyle. For every imaginable outdoor activity, Massachusetts provides a scenic backdrop and outstanding facilities. Panoramic bike trails, horseback riding paths, miles of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Massachusetts3\/Raveis\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/316"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Massachusetts3\/Raveis\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Massachusetts3\/Raveis\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Massachusetts3\/Raveis\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Massachusetts3\/Raveis\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=316"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Massachusetts3\/Raveis\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/316\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":768,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Massachusetts3\/Raveis\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/316\/revisions\/768"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Massachusetts3\/Raveis\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=316"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}