The Buzzards Bay Coalition believes everyone who lives in the Buzzards Bay watershed should have access to experience the natural wonders of our coast. Through community engagement, the Coalition is creating a new generation of Bay stewards, who understand their place in the Bay ecosystem and will support its protections for decades to come.
Protecting spaces for public use
Coalition properties are preserved and developed with a focus on how best the community can enjoy a property open for all. In places like the Sawmill (New Bedford) and Marsh Island (Fairhaven), adjacent neighborhoods otherwise would not have had public waterfront access to enjoy.
Guided Activities
We develop opportunities and lead explorations for anyone to enjoy. Bay Adventures are free guided activities that take place using trails, rivers, and beaches across the watershed and include a variety of hands-on, outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, and more.
Centers
The Coalition’s Onset Bay Center offers high-quality on-the-water programming for thousands of kids and adults and families every year. Through a variety of outdoor activities such as sailing, paddling, shellfishing, and shoreline ecology, the center helps community members of all ages build a personal connection with our local environment.
School Programs
Innovative school programs further our community reach. The Schooner Ernestina-SchooMorrisey program brings students face-to-face with science, history, culture and navigation skills while day sailing aboard the historic vessel in partnership with the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. When Coalition staffer Carly Baumann asks the groups how many are on a boat for the very first time, a sea of hands routinely shoot up. In 2026, we will bring the experience to every single sixth grader in the New Bedford school system, roughly 1,000 students.
Community Stories
The Cold Water Plungers! Read Grace & Marese's Story.
Why DJ Gazelle from Fun 107 Swims! Read His Story.
The person behind your Bay Adventures! Read about Vernon.
She swam 1.2 miles in her 80's! Read Rhea's Story.
Have a great story or photos of your explorations to share?
Submit for a chance to be featured on savebuzzardsbay.org, our news and social feeds.
- Favorite moments on or around Buzzards Bay
- Wildlife, scenic views, or tidepool discoveries
- Kayaking, boating, or beach day stories
- Volunteer experiences or cleanup efforts
- Creative work inspired by the Bay (photos, videos, art)