When we emphasize the “change” in climate change, it becomes clear what we’re up against. In the Boston area, the past few weeks have been a whirlwind: sunny and 80 degrees one weekend, followed by a cold, rainy nor’easter the next. Weather that used to follow a pattern now shifts from day to day, and summer is shaping up to be just as unpredictable: hot, humid, and hard to plan for.  

But one thing you can count on is Save the Harbor/Save the Bay providing thousands of children, youth, and families relief from the heat with our free programs along the waterfront and Boston Harbor Islands. With your support, we can continue to offer these opportunities to communities who need them most, no matter the forecast.  

Also changing is the fate of many government programs and funding sources, which in turn has impacted the ability of many of our corporate and foundation partners to issue grants and sponsorships with the same freedom as they have in the past.  

All of this is to say that this Annual Appeal letter you hold in your hand may be the most important request we have sent you since 2020 — if not ever.  

Despite these external uncertainties, Save the Harbor will be out on the water with thousands of kids fishing, swimming, and hiking! We will be hiring 40 local students to work with us and benefit from our leadership training and new Harbor Science Research Project! We will be making sure every beach is clean and open to all residents and visitors, regardless of their race, country of origin, language, or ability!  

Please consider supporting us once again with your contribution — and if it's within your ability, consider adding a few dollars to your traditional donation amount to help make up the difference caused by decreasing grants and support within our network.  

Want to see your impact in action? Join us this summer on our Share the Harbor cruises or check out one of our 200+ free Better Beaches events taking place on Boston’s public beaches from Nahant to Nantasket. Together, we can turn uncertainty into opportunity and make waves for a better, more equitable future.