Boston Harbor Islands Habitats

Thompson Island plays host to several habitats, from grassy meadows and forests to wetlands and saltmarshes. A grassy field leads to an overgrown meadow, with a forested area and the coastline of the island in the distance.

NPS Photo/Lampley

The Boston Harbor hosts a dramatic collection of habitats and ecosystems, ranging from the forested islands in the quiescent interior of the harbor, to the wild, windswept rocky islands with only sparse low-growing grasses and herbs over ten miles out to sea. Follow any of the links on this page to learn more about the many important habitats found here.