Rockport Barrier Beach Walk: The Future of These Beaches with Respect to Sea Level Rise

Join us for an interpretive walk along Rockport’s Long, Cape Hedge, and Pebble Beaches to learn about how these beaches have been changing due to sea level rise, and what the future is likely to bring. 

The walk will include learning about dune and salt marsh migration and the associated impacts to municipal infrastructure such as roads and parking lots, as well as private property.  

This walking tour will be led by Eric Hutchins from Rockport, who has over 25 years of professional work experience at NOAA protecting and restoring coastal habitats throughout the Gulf of Maine.  Eric is also on the Board of Cape Ann Trail Stewards.

(Photo of a 2018 storm surge overtaking Penzance Road, along Pebble Beach in Rockport))

This will be a mixed ability walk that includes flat sections of beach but also traversing and walking over a section of the cobble dune at Cape Hedge Beach. 

Ankle-supporting shoes and assessing your ability to walk over the cobble dune are recommended.  Total distance will be around 2 miles, and the estimated time is just under two hours, which will include many stops to discuss coastal processes, habitat restoration and protection, and simply the opportunity to appreciate this beautiful stretch of barrier beaches. 

Walk Limit:  50 persons

Meeting Spot:   Meet at the Cape Hedge Parking lot at the end of Seaview Street in Rockport.  Arrangements will be made for free parking for all registered participants.  

Please arrive a little early.  The walk and talk will start promptly at 12:30 pm…rain or shine.