For World Wetlands Day, discover Boston’s inland wetlands

Wetlands are highly complex natural systems that are an important part of climate resiliency. They provide water filtration, aid drainage, and protect from stormwater and flooding. While wetlands are often overlooked, they can be places for outdoor recreation, exploration, and beauty, and a valuable habitat for wildlife, birds, and fish.

World Wetlands Day, celebrated on February 2, 2021, commemorates the 50th anniversary of the International Convention on Wetlands, a treaty recognizing the ecological, economic, cultural, scientific, and recreational value of wetlands. Locally, neighborhood residents are working to restore Boston’s often overlooked wetlands and are encouraging other neighbors to discover Boston’s inland wetlands by taking a self-guided hike during February.

Among them are:

• Canterbury Brook in Roslindale/Mattapan: Accessible in the Boston Nature Center and Mount Hope Cemetery.
• Roslindale Wetlands Urban Wild: Enter at the corner of Selwyn and Robken Road and walk the perimeter trail.
• Sherrin Woods Urban Wild, Hyde Park: Enter from Austin Street. The southern part of the site includes many filled-in stream channels and wetlands.
• Allandale Woods, West Roxbury: Enter from the Annunciation Church at the corner of Centre Street and VFW Parkway.
• Mattahunt Woods, Mattapan: From the Itasca Street trail head, explore secluded, forested wetlands.
• Gladeside, Mattapan: Ridges of oaks encircle a densely vegetated swamp. One trail stretches from Lorna Road to Gladeside Avenue.

Exploring local wetlands is a fun activity for school vacation week. Don’t forget to wear sturdy shoes, put on a mask, and socially distance.

The fliers below have more information about the Roslindale Wetlands, Canterbury Brook, and Sherrin Woods.