{"id":9611,"date":"2017-08-14T13:51:12","date_gmt":"2017-08-14T17:51:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/?p=9611"},"modified":"2017-08-16T11:05:46","modified_gmt":"2017-08-16T15:05:46","slug":"a-long-winding-boardwalk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/a-long-winding-boardwalk\/","title":{"rendered":"A Long & Winding Boardwalk"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve ever been to Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary<\/a><\/strong> and the Bristol Blake State Reservation<\/a><\/strong> in Norfolk, you\u2019ve most likely walked the 525-foot-long boardwalk. When this iconic feature, which takes you to Beech Island, was first installed more than 40 years ago it immediately captured the devotion and enthusiasm of people fascinated by the beauty of the wetlands and the diversity of life that could observe from it.<\/p>\n

Over the years the boardwalk has been improved in many ways. Railings on both sides were installed, rotten planks were replaced, and pilings were stabilized. In 2010, Mass Audubon partnered with the Department of Conservation (DCR) and the Student Conservation Association (SCA) to do a major overhaul on the boardwalk with improvements being made along its entire length.<\/p>\n

Even with all this attention, winter weather ultimately took its toll and an engineering inspection in March 2016 determined that the boardwalk was too dangerous to remain open. DCR closed the boardwalk.<\/p>\n

But it wouldn\u2019t be for long. DCR knew the benefits outweighed the cost of replacement and immediately set out to replace the boardwalk. Their strategy was to not only make it safer for people, but also for the wetlands it traverses. By raising it higher off the water and replacing all of the pilings with smaller helical anchors that provide a stronger support, the impact of the boardwalk will be reduced dramatically. An added benefit: visitors get a higher vantage point to view the wetlands.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Aerial view of the boardwalk renovation. Photo: Andy Bakinowski<\/p><\/div>\n

For months, we anxiously watched and waited. Fast forward to August 7, 2017. After a final visit, State Inspectors gave their thumbs and tore the caution tape down. The boardwalk is now officially open and we are planning a brief ceremony on Saturday, August 26, at 11 am<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Thanks to everyone for your support, patience, and encouragement. Bristol Blake State Reservation and Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary are open daily from sunrise to sunset. We look forward to seeing you out on the boardwalk soon!<\/p>\n

\"\"

Stony Brook’s campers celebrate the opening of the boardwalk.<\/p><\/div>\n

\u2014 Guest post by Doug Williams, Stony Brook’s Sanctuary Director<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019ve ever been to Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary and the Bristol Blake State Reservation in Norfolk, you\u2019ve most likely walked the 525-foot-long boardwalk. When this iconic feature, which takes you to Beech Island, was first installed more than 40 years ago it immediately captured the devotion and enthusiasm of people fascinated by the beauty […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9640,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9611","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-project-updates"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2017\/08\/Andy-Bakinowski-DJI_0003_600.jpg","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p3t87A-2v1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":16505,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/take-5-boardwalk-trails\/","url_meta":{"origin":9611,"position":0},"title":"Take 5: Boardwalk Trails","author":"Kelly R.","date":"November 1, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"We're shining a light on the joys of hiking all month long and encouraging everyone to join us outside for Hike-a-thon, November 26-28. To get ready, tune in online for Hiking 101 & Hiking 101 for Families, at a free guided hike the last weekend of November, or make your\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Get Outdoors"","block_context":{"text":"Get Outdoors","link":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/category\/get-outdoors\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Wellfleet Bay","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2021\/11\/DSC_2665-750x500-925f61e0-4169-4df9-8110-5db5b471cd28.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2021\/11\/DSC_2665-750x500-925f61e0-4169-4df9-8110-5db5b471cd28.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2021\/11\/DSC_2665-750x500-925f61e0-4169-4df9-8110-5db5b471cd28.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2021\/11\/DSC_2665-750x500-925f61e0-4169-4df9-8110-5db5b471cd28.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":10235,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/2017-by-the-numbers\/","url_meta":{"origin":9611,"position":1},"title":"2017 By the Numbers","author":"Hillary T.","date":"December 19, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Over the past year, the number of nature heroes who, in big and small ways, made lasting, positive impact on the natural world is nothing short of remarkable. Mass Audubon's 2017 Annual Report shares just some of their stories. Read the entire report and take a look at just some\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Get Involved"","block_context":{"text":"Get Involved","link":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/category\/get-involved\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2017\/12\/ipswichnatureplay600.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2017\/12\/ipswichnatureplay600.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2017\/12\/ipswichnatureplay600.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6531,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/take-5-broadmoor\/","url_meta":{"origin":9611,"position":2},"title":"Take 5: Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary","author":"Rosemary","date":"November 16, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary in Natick covers 624 acres of woodland, marshland, and more along Indian Brook and the Charles River.\u00a0An accessible boardwalk\u00a0brings visitors of all ages and abilities right into the habitats of aquatic plants and wildlife, with interpretation including seasonal audio tours. Beyond the boardwalk, you will discover\u00a0beaver dams,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Take 5"","block_context":{"text":"Take 5","link":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/category\/take-5\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2015\/11\/YehudaInbar2013.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2015\/11\/YehudaInbar2013.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2015\/11\/YehudaInbar2013.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":17308,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/10-fall-hikes-in-massachusetts\/","url_meta":{"origin":9611,"position":3},"title":"10 Fall Hikes in Massachusetts","author":"Kaylin D.","date":"November 15, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"In the distance, a Red-bellied Woodpecker drums on a tree for food while a plump squirrel scampers through the browning leaf litter on the forest floor. A Broad-winged Hawk shrieks somewhere in the grasslands beyond the tree line, and a small garter snake slithers quietly through the commotion. What other\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "General"","block_context":{"text":"General","link":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/category\/general\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"The corner of a wooden dock, overlooking a pond. Plant poke out of the water, and the pond is surrounded by green trees.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2022\/11\/bm.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2022\/11\/bm.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2022\/11\/bm.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2022\/11\/bm.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6386,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/take-five-stony-brook-wildlife-sanctuary\/","url_meta":{"origin":9611,"position":4},"title":"Take 5: Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary","author":"Hillary T.","date":"October 19, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Known for its extensive boardwalk system that goes through forest, fields, and wetlands, Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary in Norfolk offers up-close views of wildlife above and under the water. Check out five photographs\u00a0of this sanctuary captured\u00a0by past participants in our Photo Contest\u00a0and come visit to\u00a0see it for yourself.","rel":"","context":"In "Take 5"","block_context":{"text":"Take 5","link":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/category\/take-5\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2015\/10\/Kristine-Moore-20141.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2015\/10\/Kristine-Moore-20141.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2015\/10\/Kristine-Moore-20141.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":4368,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/take-5-beautiful-boardwalks\/","url_meta":{"origin":9611,"position":5},"title":"Take 5: Beautiful Boardwalks","author":"Rosemary","date":"November 17, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Boardwalks are a favorite subject of our Photo Contest entrants. It's not surprising\u2014these special trails let us safely explore challenging habitats such as salt marshes, and their parallel lines are pleasing to the eye. Here are some of our favorite boardwalk captures. Check back soon for the results of our\u00a02014\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Take 5"","block_context":{"text":"Take 5","link":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/category\/take-5\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2014\/11\/2434ScottBump8587-2013.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2014\/11\/2434ScottBump8587-2013.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2014\/11\/2434ScottBump8587-2013.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9611","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9611"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9611\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9650,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9611\/revisions\/9650"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9640"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9611"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9611"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9611"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}