      |
Suffolk County
Host’s Name(s): Spectacle Island, Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area Location: Spectacle Island is located in Boston Harbor and the ferry departs from 66 Long Wharf, Boston, MA 02110 |
 |
Description of site:
Spectacle Island, one of 34 islands and peninsulas in the Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area, is the heart of recycling and renewable energy in Boston Harbor. Once a landfill for the city of Boston during the mid 1900s, Spectacle Island was converted into a natural scenic park in 1990s when over 3 million cubic yards of sand, gravel, and clay excavated from the Big Dig’s Central Artery/Tunnel Project was reused to cap the landfill on Spectacle and reshape the island. Spectacle Island now has a Visitor’s Center featuring photovoltaic solar panels which produce electric energy for the vehicles on the island. The restrooms in the Visitor’s Center also contain foam flush composting toilets, which conserves water. Also visible from Spectacle Island are the wastewater treatment plant on Deer Island, and the wind turbine at Pemberton Point in Hull, nearby sites using renewable energy.
Availability for visits:
Spectacle Island is open daily for public visitation from May 3 to October 13, and weekends from October 18 to November 2. Ferries to the island run hourly throughout the day. Call 617-223-8666 or visit www.bostonislands.com for the detailed ferry schedule.
Considerations and opportunities noted by host:
The ferry for Spectacle Island is wheelchair accessible and the visitors center is right by the end of the dock, but due to the nature of the trails the rest of the island has limited accessibility. There is a sand-roving wheelchair designed for visiting the beach on the island and a “people-mover” is available to shuttle people up the trails if they are unable to go up on their own.
Georges, Peddocks, Lovells, Bumpkin, and Grape Islands are also open for public visitation throughout the summer months. When visiting the islands, dress appropriately for the weather, bring plenty of water, and wear sunscreen. A snack bar is available on Georges and Spectacle Islands for visitors to purchase lunch, but you are welcome to bring your own picnic lunch. When bringing your own lunch, please respect the carry-on, carry-off policy and bring all of your trash with you to dispose of at home.
For teachers who would like to access curriculum materials, please visit www.nps.gov/boha and click on the link “For Teachers.”
To arrange a visit and interview:
(617) 223-8666 daily from 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. or e-mail at BOHA_Information@nps.gov
Directions: The Harbor Express Island Ferry departs from Long Wharf in downtown Boston by the Marriott Hotel and Christopher Columbus Park. The closest stop on the MBTA is the Aquarium on the Blue Line. Parking is also available at the International Place Garage for $9, or $7 on weekends and evenings after getting your parking ticket validated at the ticket booth.
Note: When making arrangements, be sure to double check directions with the host.
Host’s Name(s): WGBH Location:Boston, MA 1 Guest Street
|
 |
Description of site:
Go behind the scenes for a 45 minute tour of WGBH’s new all digital “green studios.” Your one of a kind tour will include visits to WGBH’s TV and radio production studios, performance spaces and monster control suite, as well as an overview of renewable energy technologies.
Besides the Clean Green Power patch, Girl and Boy Scouts should inquire about other badge requirements, such as TV badge, that may be met through this tour.
WGBH is the nation's largest public broadcasting station and the WGBH Educational Foundation is a nonprofit furthering the general education of the public by offering TV, radio and other telecommunications that inform, inspire and entertain.
This is designed for high school age and mature students.
There is a Children’s Tour coming soon!
Availability for visits: Please check the web site at www.wgbh.org/studiotours for tour availability.
Considerations and opportunities noted by host: The site is ADA accessible. There is a Papa Ginos across the street and Stockyard. The studio is about 0.5 miles from Brighton Center.
To arrange a visit and interview:
Contact Joanna Rothman at 617-300-4211 or studiotours@wgbh.org
Directions: See the web site.
Note: When making arrangements, be sure to double check directions with the host.
Host’s Name(s): Andrew Motta Location:Boston, MA 100 West 2nd Street
|
 |
Description of site:
Artists for Humanity is a non-profit organization that employees teens to create and sell their art. In our Epicenter, which is one of the most environmentally responsible buildings in the country, we have an educational tour of the green features of the building. We have solar panels on our roof and a large open gallery of youth created art. We have a program to introduce young people to issues of sustainability and green construction. Our building was created for the young artists we work with.
Availability for visits:
Available Monday- Friday 9am-7pm and on Saturdays & Sundays by arrangement.
Considerations and opportunities noted by host:
The Boston Children's Museum and the New England Aquarium are close by.
To arrange a visit and interview:
Call Andrew Motta, 9:30 am-6:30 pm Monday to Friday at (617) 268-7620 or email andrewmotta@afhboston.com.
Directions:
Call or visit www.afhboston.com
Note: When making arrangements, be sure to double check directions with the host.
Host's Name(s): Joe Ranahan Location: |
 |
Description of site:
Here at Northeastern University we have solar panels on the roof of our Curry Student Center to help generate electricity.
Availability for visits:
Weekends are best but please contact me ahead of time.
Considerations and opportunities noted by host:
People will have to walk up steep steps in order to view the solar panels. Also people should dress weather appropriate as the panels are outside. We are very close to some nice sites such as the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Student Center. Also there are restaurants near by such as Wendy's and D'Angelos.
To arrange a visit and interview:
Email Joe at j.ranahan@neu.edu
Directions:
From the north (via Route I-93 or Route 1):
Take the Storrow Drive exit, and proceed to the Fenway exit. Follow signs for Boylston Street inbound, and bear right onto Westland Avenue. Turn right onto Massachusetts Avenue, proceed to the third traffic light, and turn right onto Columbus Avenue. The Renaissance Parking Garage is at 835 Columbus Ave.
From the west (via Route 90, Massachusetts Turnpike):
Take Exit 22 (Copley Square), and bear right. Proceed to the first traffic light, and turn right onto Dartmouth Street. Take the next right onto Columbus Avenue. The Renaissance Parking Garage is at 835 Columbus Ave.
From the west (via Route 9):
Proceed east on Route 9; it will become Huntington Avenue. Turn right onto Ruggles Street. At the fourth traffic light, turn left onto Tremont Street. At the second set of lights, turn left onto Melnea Cass Boulevard, and then turn left onto Columbus Avenue. The Renaissance Parking Garage is at 835 Columbus Ave.
From the south (via Route 3, Southeast Expressway):
Take Exit 18 (Massachusetts Avenue), and proceed onto Melnea Cass Boulevard. Continue for approximately two miles, and turn left onto Columbus Avenue. The Renaissance Parking Garage is at 835 Columbus Ave.
Via public transportation:
Northeastern is accessible by subway via the Green Line of the MBTA. From downtown Boston, take an "E" train outbound to the Northeastern stop, the first stop above ground. The campus can also be reached from downtown via the Orange Line by taking any train going outbound to Forest Hills and getting off at Ruggles Station. Commuter rail lines connect with the Orange Line at Back Bay Station and North Station.
Note: When making arrangements, be sure to double check directions with the host.
Host’s Name(s): Lawrence Sparrow Location: Midrise A
|
 |
Description of site:
Maverick Gardens is home for 119 families. The building has solar panels on the roof that make electricity, a gas fired generator that makes electricity and hot water, and high efficiency boilers for the building's heating, cooling and hot water. The building also has fantastic views of Boston Harbor and the downtown buildings.
Availability for visits:
I would prefer visits during the hours 8am- 5pm Monday thru Friday, though flexibility is possible.
Considerations and opportunities noted by host:
Visit our website at www.masstech.org/landing/index.html
Attractions include Piers Park, this is a premiere park in East Boston and a great place for a box lunch. This building is home for many people and visitors would be expected to be polite and orderly.
To arrange a visit and interview:
Email Lawrence at lsparrow@trinityfinancial.com or call during the day at (617) 720-8400.
Directions:
Visitors should meet in the center courtyard of 44 Border Street. Street parking is available. Convenient to the Maverick Blue Line Station.
Note: When making arrangements, be sure to double check directions with the host.
Host’s Name(s): Julie Brandlen Location:
|
 |
Description of site:
The George Robert White Environmental Conservation Center is Boston Nature Center's visitor center and offices. It is the City of Boston’s first green building and has solar hot water, and photovoltaic roof shingles. We are using the sun's energy to make electricity and heat our water for hand and dish washing. Pipes for the geothermal system carry water that is heated or cooled by the constant temperature below ground. This water is used to heat and cool the building. We also have used wood from sustainable-harvested forests where only some trees are cut each year. Our wood beams are made from waste wood particles. This building helps preserve and protect the land and animals that make the Boston Nature Center such a special place. We hope that you will visit us to see this environmentally friendly building. We also have 2.5 miles of trails and boardwalks through 67 acres of an urban sanctuary. We have an extensive bird and butterfly list as well as an in-house exhibit about some of the wonder of nature you will discover at the Boston Nature Center.
Availability for visits:
If you would like a tour, please call us directly to schedule an appointment. If you would like to see the building, we are open: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM -5:00 PM and Saturday, Sunday and Monday Holidays 10:00 AM -4:00 PM.
Considerations and opportunities noted by host:
For more information visit our website at: www.massaudubon.org/boston
We are within walking distance of the historic Forest Hills Cemetery, the Olmsted Green designed Franklin Park (including Zoo New England) and several restaurants including Wendy's, Simco's and Primavera.
To arrange a visit and interview:
Call Julie at work at (617) 983-8500 Ext. 6901 or email her at
Directions:
NOTE: Boston Nature Center is located on the grounds of the old Boston State Hospital, bounded by Morton Street (Route 203), American Legion Highway, Walk Hill Street, and Harvard Street. Many road maps and bus route maps still identify "Boston State Hospital" or "State Hospital."
From the Mass Pike:
Take I-90 towards Boston/NH/Maine. Follow I-90 East until I-95/Route 128 Exit, Exit #14. Merge onto I-95 South. Take the Route 9 East exit towards Boston/ Brookline, Exit #20 A. Follow the directions immediately below "From the West."
From the West:
Take Route 9 East to Route 1 South, the Jamaica Way.
Follow the Jamaica Way (past Jamaica Pond) then follow Route 203 past Arnold Arboretum, keep to the left over an overpass, straight through a rotary (Route 203 becomes Morton Street). Continue to follow Morton Street/Route 203 pass Shattuck Hospital on your left and past Forest Hills cemetery on your right.
Continue under an underpass (American Legion Hwy), and turn right at the next light onto the state hospital grounds. Turn right at the Massachusetts Audubon sign and follow the short road to 500 Walk Hill Street, the George Robert White Environmental Conservation Center (a large yellow building sitting back from the road).
From the North:
Route 93 South (across Boston) until you see the South Bay Mall on your right. Look for "Columbia Road/JFK" exit. Take right turn at bottom of ramp onto Columbia Road. Columbia Road will bear to the left at the intersections of Mass Ave and Boston Street. Follow Columbia Road until it intersects with Blue Hill Avenue. (Franklin Park Zoo will be across the street.) Make left turn on Blue Hill Ave; get into right hand lane follow to intersection of American Legion Hwy (at Mobil Station); bear right onto American Legion Highway. Take first left turn (just past the Boston Police VFW Post), go straight across that connector road. Morton Street is at end of that short street. Make right turn onto Morton Street.
Turn right at the Massachusetts Audubon sign and follow the short road to 500 Walk Hill Street, the George Robert White Environmental Conservation Center (a large yellow building sitting back from the road).
From the South:
Off Route 128, take Milton Exit (138 North) follow to Mattapan Square, following Blue Hill until you come to Morton Street. Turn left onto Morton Street/Route 203. Immediately after crossing Harvard Street, take a left between the two set of lights light into the Boston State Hospital grounds and follow the sign to 500 Walk Hill Street, the George Robert White Environmental Conservation Center (a large yellow building sitting back from the road).
Note: Due to construction on the Walk Hill Street entrance, please enter grounds from Morton Street side. If you get lost, call 617-983-8500.
Within Boston, you are encouraged to use the MBTA public bus system.
Note: When making arrangements, be sure to double check directions with the host.
Host’s Name(s): I.B.E.W. Local 103 Location:
|
 |
Description of site:
Apprenticeship training facility with a 100 kW wind turbine and 5.4 kW solar installation.
This is a suitable site for high school age and mature students.
Availability for visits:
May be limited due to a busy schedule. Call to inquire.
Considerations and opportunities noted by host:
To arrange a visit and interview:
Contact Marty Aiken at 617-436-3710 x5
Directions:
Provided upon arranging interview.
Note: When making arrangements, be sure to double check directions with the host.
Home | Power Project | Sites | Materials Fund | Glossaries | Contacts
Developed by the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association. Funded by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative's Renewable Energy Trust. |
|
Organized by:  |
Sponsored by:  |