July 18th Full Day Field Trips

A Day in Provincetown

Provincetown, located at the eastern tip of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, encompasses over 30 miles of beaches, with many a part of the Cape Cod National Seashore. The area was the Pilgrims first landing in 1620, and was home to a prominent whaling and fishing community during the 18th and some of the 19th century. Once known as one of the largest art communities in the country, Provincetown remains an artist’s haven with past and current art displayed in galleries and museums throughout town . Voted “America’s Best Beach Town” in the 2016 Travel & Leisure magazine, this field trip to Provincetown during New England’s beloved summer season will make for an unforgettable visit. The trip will include a scenic 90-minute ferry ride to and from downtown Boston. In town, folks will begin at the MacMillian Pier located in Provincetown’s natural deep harbor, with a tour from the town’s Public Pier Corporation. Most of the island is walkable, so folks will have the opportunity to walk around downtown and choose their preferred dining option for lunch. In the second half of the afternoon, we will get to hear from the Center for Coastal Studies about their history and current research initiatives.

Tentative Details:
Date: July 18, 2022
Departure Time from Boston: 8:30 aboard Bay State Cruises Provincetown Fast Ferry
Duration: ~8 hours
Departure Time from Provincetown: 3:30 PM (at ferry terminal)
Cost: $90

New Bedford, Whaling Ciity and Major Fishing Port of America

Located in south east Massachusetts, along the scenic shores of Buzzards Bay, New Bedford was once a famous old whaling port and the wealthiest city in North America. Today, the city continues to earn it’s living from the sea, generating over $10 billion in economic value each year. It is America’s #1 fishing port, ranking No. 1 for the value of seafood landed for 20 consecutive years. This field trip will involve  stops in Fairhaven, the Buzzards Bay Coalition, Marine Commerce Terminal, and an afternoon at the Whaling National Park and Vineyard Wind.

Tentative Details:
Date: July 18th, 2022
Departure time: 8:30 AM
Return time: 5:00 PM
Length: ~8 hours
Number of Attendees: 50
Cost: $20

Island Creek Oysters is one of the only shellfish hatcheries in the northeast. Located on a mudflat in the picturesque Duxbury Bay, Island Creek distributes and sells from over 100 farms to hundreds of chefs across the country, along with retail businesses serving home-shuckers and their local shops in Massachusetts and Maine. This trip will include a tour of the hatchery where you’ll learn how Island Creek creates the optimal conditions for shellfish reproduction and growth. Then, by boat, you’ll be taken out to see the farms on Duxbury Bay while being provided with an endless supply of oysters.

Tentative Details:
Date: July 18th, 2022
Departure time: 8:30 AM
Return time: 4:30-5:00 PM
Length: ~8 hours
Number of Attendees: 12
Cost: $130

Gloucester Fisherman’s Wharf, Marine Geonomics Institute and Salem Port

Gloucester is located on the beautiful Cape Ann peninsula along Massachusetts North Shore. Established in 1623, it is America’s oldest seaport with a rich maritime history. With award-winning beaches and fresh seafood, it has become a favorite summertime spot. This trip will include a visit to the historic waterfront of Fisherman’s Wharf, a wholesale seafood dealer selling to distributors from all over New England. Folks will also get a tour of the Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute which focuses on addressing critical challenges facing oceans, human health, and the environment through scientific research and education. Additionally, the trip includes a trolley tour of Salem Port, which was once one of the sites of the major international trading ports in the colonies.

Tentative Details:
Date: July 18th, 2022
Departure time: 8:30 AM
Return time: 4:30-5:00 PM
Length: ~8 hours
Number of Attendees: TBD
Cost: $50