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Announcing The Great Marsh Symposium: Discover a Coastal Treasure in our Backyard

Here's an opportunity for all who love the Great Marsh to jump-start their own fair weather explorations of the area. Plan to attend the Great Marsh Symposium: Discover a coastal treasure in our backyard. On April 11, 2009 an outstanding roster of experts will give short presentations on a variety of Great Marsh topics ranging from "History of the Great Marsh Region" to "Coastal Geology of Plum Island" to "Photographing Birds to "Changes in Wildlife Populations" to "Youth Volunteer Projects" and more. Hosted by the Great Marsh Coalition with support from EBSCO, the Symposium will be held at the Parker River National Wildlife Headquarters in Newburyport from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. Four optional field trips are offered from 3-4pm. Information on the field trips will be included with your registration confirmation, and you may sign up for one of them on the day of the Symposium.

Pre-registration is required as space is limited. A $15 registration fee covers refreshments and the cost of a program guide including synopses of talks. To register by phone using a credit card, call Mass Audubon's Joppa Flats Education Center, 978-462-9998 or download the registration form (PDF 199K).

Lunch is not included in the cost of registration. You may bring your own lunch or you may pre-order lunch from the Carry Out Cafe Newburyport and it will be delivered to the Symposium. Please see registration form (PDF 199K) for details.

If you have any questions contact Kathy Leahy at Mass Audubon: North Shore, 978-927-1122 x 2700 or kleahy@massaudubon.org.

Environment	Salt marsh grasslands, tidal creeks, and estuaries make up one of the richest habitats on earth. The Great Marsh, the largest salt marsh in New England, contains an astonishing diversity of plants and animals.Over 25,000 acres of the Great Marsh were designated by the state as the Great Marsh ACEC.
Economy	The Great Marsh is famous for shellfish and recreational activities that benefit the local economy. The marsh also ensures against costly flood and storm damage, and naturally filters pollutants that contaminate coastal waters.
Recreation	The network of waterways, parks, beaches, and wildlife refuges in the Great Marsh make it an attractive place to enjoy boating, fishing, bird watching, hiking, and beach activities.
History and Culture	The Great Marsh has been an important part of daily life for North Shore residents since Native Americans fished and hunted in the grasslands and waterways. Salt marsh haying, farming, fishing, shipbuilding, and the arts are important parts of our more recent history and culture.
News and Events Updated	Download and read the long awaited Status of River Herring on the North Shore of Massachusetts by Tim Purinton, Frances Doyle and Dr. Robert Stevenson. As reported by the Boston Sunday Globe, download and read the recently issued report, Economic Benefits of the Great Marsh by Wei-Shiuen Ng.
Stewardship	What you can do to help protect the Great Marsh.
Bibilography	Complete list of sources of information on the Great Marsh updated Oct, 2001.