Finding it – Milton Landing and Riverwalk are at the bottom of Wharf Street, off Adams Street in Milton Village and overlook the Neponset River Estuary. Free on-street and municipal lot parking is plentiful. Milton Village MBTA Trolley stop is nearby as are DCR recreational trails.
Description – Neponset River Estuary is at the mouth of Neponset River where fresh water meets salt water entering tidally from Boston Harbor. Colonies of Phragmites australis, or common reed, and Japanese knotweed line the shoreline. This invasive vegetation crowds out native plant species and offers little food for wildlife, however, it is important for flood control and for filtering pollutants from runoff. Milton Yacht Club takes advantage of the protected Milton Landing harbor. The area has been handsomely landscaped and “hardscaped” with benches, accessible walkways, monuments, and historic markers.
Stewardship opportunities – This area is an active recreational harbor. Powered boat owners are reminded to handle hazardous materials (oil, solvents, antifreeze, paints) carefully, and to store and dispose of them legally. Sewage waste can only be pumped out at state-approved locations. Boat maintenance chores (power washing and scraping) should always be done in designated areas and not on the river or shoreline. Good habits protect the Neponset River and Estuary from contamination by chemicals, bacteria, and alien aquatic organisms.
History – In pre-colonial times, Native Americans summered in the Neponset Estuary, a rich source of food, especially migratory fish. In the 1600’s, Milton Landing saw an active maritime tradition of small boat-building. Milton Yacht Club was founded in 1902 “to promote yachting sports… the study of nautical sciences,” and to maintain navigability of the estuary.
Activities – This busy area offers many opportunities for active and passive recreation. Come in early morning or at twilight for the best bird-watching at the Neponset River Estuary. Bald eagles, osprey, heron, egrets, ducks, Canada geese and many more birds have been seen here. Milton Farmers Market sets up Thursday afternoons in summer and early autumn. The principal harbor activity is boating. Milton Yacht Club serves larger vessels but canoes, kayaks, and other small boats have river access from a well-marked public boat launch. Neponset Rowing Club uses the wharf for Milton H.S. Crew. Stripers and smelts attract fishermen.
Revealing the Neponset 