Waterfront Ambassadors Return for Summer 2023
The 2023 Waterfront Ambassadors season is underway. Throughout the summer, ten teens employed by The Trustees Boston Waterfront Initiative program will learn about waterfront issues in and around their neighborhoods and communities, and work with local non-profits and environmental organizations in Greater Boston.
In 2023 the program once again runs for seven weeks in July and August and incorporates a variety of job-readiness and other enrichment sessions in addition to community projects.
The Ambassadors spent the first four weeks of the program focused on community engagement, history and museums, coastal ecology and art. Each week involved a dedicated set of programs and experiences with experts, partner organizations, and community members in and around the Boston area.
History & Museums
The first full week of the program immersed the Ambassadors in the history of the community that Piers Park III will be built in, developing their understanding of East Boston. Visits to the Boston Archives and Museum of African American History provided lessons on archaeology, development of East Boston parks, indigenous history, and the communities that are integral to the fabric of Boston. These trips were supplemented by opportunities for direct community engagement, at the East Boston Farmer’s Market. Ambassadors practiced newly learned outreach skills by asking for feedback on the development of Piers Park III.
Cecilia, one of the Ambassadors, reflected on her experience during the first two weeks of the program: “From meeting new people, to exploring and learning about Boston, and creating the happiest of memories, I thoroughly enjoyed these first weeks of the Waterfront Ambassador program. Working at the farmers market, allowed me to implement and improve my community outreach and public speaking skills.”
Coastal Ecology
The following week, Ambassadors dove into the details of coastal ecology, a key aspect in the development of Piers Park III and the Boston Waterfront Initiative. The group visited Crane Beach in Ipswich; a Trustees property regarded for the work being done to preserve important coastal ecosystems. Utilizing the knowledge shared by Trustees staff members and information from the prior week’s research on Boston history, Ambassadors offered a lesson on climate change to youth at the Piers Park Sailing Center, creating age-appropriate plans to teach both older and younger children. The lessons were followed by an opportunity to get on the water and sail in Boston Harbor, launching from Piers Park. A visit to the Stone Living Lab provided an opportunity for Ambassadors to be acquainted with iNaturalist, an app used for wildlife identification. They spent time collecting insects in vials, snapping pictures of plants, and learning about wildlife native to the Mystic River.
They rounded out the week with their first Trustees event at Piers Park III, Sabores de Nuestra Cultura, our annual Family Festival. The festival celebrates the many cultures of East Boston residents, through food, family, and fun. Ambassadors once again practiced their community outreach and engagement by speaking with community members about Piers Park III , requesting input and feedback on its development, as the community continues to shape the future of the project.
Art
Week four of the program provided Ambassadors with the opportunity to explore artistic expression in its many forms throughout the community. The group worked on painting the Mary Ellen Welch Greenway, an important recreational greenspace in East Boston connecting Jeffries Point to Constitution Beach and beyond. To continue their learning, they visited deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum in Lincoln, a Trustees property, and the Museum of Science. At each museum, they deepend their knowledge of the importance of green space, and how art and technology can impact work being done in natural spaces.
“The first four weeks of our program have allowed our Ambassadors to jump right into our work in East Boston, while deepening their knowledge of their community, climate change, and coastal resiliency. I am excited to continue to see each Ambassador continue to learn and grow in their role. Each brings something special to the program and are making important contributions to our work on Piers Park III and in the East Boston community,” shared Maddie Evans, Waterfront Ambassador Program Manager.
Ambassadors look forward to continuing to refine their knowledge of the East Boston community and Piers Park III project and deepening their relationships within the local community. Below, find their favorite photos from their experience so far, and be on the lookout for their end of program reflections in the weeks to come.
Below are the Ambassadors' favorite photos from the first half of the program:
