Daily Archives: April 23, 2014

Thursday, May 1, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm – Mated for Life: Boston and the Swan Boats

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Quick: What do Calvin Coolidge, Princess Grace, and Cyndi Lauper have in common? If you’re guessing that they all wanted to have fun, you’re getting warm. Give up? Why, they’ve all ridden on the Swan Boats, of course! So have you, probably. (And if you haven’t, you’re certainly missing out!) Swan Boats have been gliding along the Public Garden lagoon since Victorian days, delighting passengers of all ages and from all walks of life. Befitting the first botanical garden in the United States, the Swan Boats are the only watercraft of their kind in the world. Offering splendid views of the venerable trees and vivid flower beds of the Public Garden and the handsome historic buildings beyond, each jaunt aboard the Swan Boats invites us on a journey in time and tradition.

Join The Boston Landmarks Commission at the storied Taj Boston for our Preservation Month 2014 Keynote Event on Thursday, May 1 at 6 pm. At this historic hotel overlooking the Public Garden,Lyn Paget, the descendant of the original Swan Boat operators, shares with us her fascinating account of this little flotilla, from its earliest launch to date. Lyn will explain how in 1877 her great-grandfather Robert Paget first adapted the now-familiar swan imagery from Wagner’s Lohengrin for his very first paddleboat. The actual birds’ legendary attributes of gracefulness and fidelity seem reflected by the fleet’s continuation and growth, after Robert’s untimely death, by his widow Julia, a pioneering businesswoman. Remaining a Paget family enterprise to this day, the Swan Boats bloom perennially as both a tourist attraction and a source of seasonal employment for the vigorous young people whose deft pedal work keeps them afloat. Now well into their second century, the Swan Boats grow yearly in fame through the ever- popular works of children’s authors Robert McCloskey and E. B. White, attracting generations of new enthusiasts the world over, Bostonians and visitors alike. Come hear Lyn’s interesting facts and anecdotes, learn how the vessels are operated and maintained, and revel in the surprising history of these beloved symbols of Boston itself. Reception to follow.

Free and open to the public. As space is limited, pre-registration is required. Contact tonya.loveday@boston.gov to sign up.

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Saturday, May 10, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm – International Migratory Bird Day

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What is International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD)? IMBD celebrates and brings attention to one of the most important and spectacular events in the Americas – bird migration. Bird Day is celebrated in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Public awareness and concern are crucial components of migratory bird conservation. Citizens who are enthusiastic about birds, informed about threats, and empowered to become involved in addressing those threats, can make a tremendous contribution to maintaining healthy bird populations. By modeling what can be done and involving people, their interest and involvement in stewardship can grow. One of the most successful vehicles for public education on migratory birds is International Migratory Bird Day(IMBD). Across the Americas Bird Day events are providing great ways for people to get involved.

Join the Westport River Watershed Alliance in celebrating International Migratory Bird Day on Saturday, May 10 at the Lloyd Center for the Environment on Potomska Road in South Dartmouth. Learn more about our local birds and be amazed as we explore amazing facts about migration while enjoying a free, fun, family event.

Visitors will be able to learn to identify local birds, observe wild birds in their habitats, interact with live birds of prey, march in our wild bird parade, and participate in an open discussion with entertaining guest speaker Ray Brown as he discusses the “Magic of Migration”.

International Migratory Bird Day is an annual event to celebrate and support migratory bird conservation. The theme for IMBD 2014 is Why Birds Matter. Not everyone is aware of the diversity of birds around the world, the amazing migrations some take, and the phenomenal range of behaviors, plumages, and songs they exhibit. International Migratory Bird Day 2014 shares the many ways in which birds matter to the earth, to ecosystems, and of course, to us.

This event is supported by a grant from Southeastern Environmental Education Alliance. For more information visit www.westportwatershed.org.

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