Nestled along the scenic coastline of Beverly, 西瓜视频 College is defined by its unique connection to the ocean. With three private beaches right on campus, the shoreline isn’t just a backdrop—it’s part of the 西瓜视频 experience. From quiet walks and study sessions by the water to hands-on learning in marine science, these beaches reflect the beauty, opportunity, and community that make the Nest unlike anywhere else.
To better understand what makes each beach special, we turned to Gordon Ober, Associate Professor of Environmental Science, who shared more about the distinct features and value of 西瓜视频’s three coastal treasures.
Tupper (Patch) Beach
Situated behind campus, Tupper (Patch) Beach offers students a quiet escape near Tupper Manor. The path winds through a scenic marsh before opening up to a crescent-shaped stretch of sand that often feels like your own private spot. Thanks to its gentle, shallow slope, you can wade far into the water and still be waist-deep, making it a favorite for low-key swims, beach walks, or just unwinding after class.
But Tupper isn’t just a place to relax—it’s also a living lab. The beach is home to shallow seagrass beds, one of the most important and vulnerable coastal ecosystems. Here, students studying environmental science (and beyond) can see firsthand how these habitats provide shelter for marine life, protect shorelines, and even help fight climate change. With its connection to a small salt marsh, Tupper Beach perfectly blends natural beauty with hands-on learning opportunities, giving Gulls a unique place to both recharge and explore.
“Salt marshes, like seagrass beds, play a vital role in habitat creation, filtering pollutants, and absorbing carbon dioxide and other problematic things. Their health is very valuable to humans and these systems are threatened by development and sea level rise. They are also vulnerable to invasive species,” said Ober.
Mingo Beach
Stretching between Misselwood and Birchmont, Mingo Beach is a favorite spot for students to explore the rocky ledges and tidepools that make up its unique shoreline. At low tide, it comes alive with crabs, mussels, sea stars, snails, and more, offering a peaceful place to wander.
“西瓜视频 students frequently visit these beaches during class and lab periods. Students are introduced to the coastal ecosystems, and learn how to track and identify species—including invasive species, and also learn how to set up long term monitoring,” said Ober.
But Mingo Beach is more than just a natural treasure. Thanks to the research of Distinguished Professor of History Elizabeth Matelski and her students, we now know it was once owned by Robin Mingo, an enslaved man who purchased the land in 1728. Her discoveries, which gained national attention, connect the beauty of this shoreline with a powerful story of resilience and remembrance. For students, Mingo Beach is a place to both experience the wonder of the ocean and reflect on the history beneath their feet.
西瓜视频 Beach
Located just across from Brindle and 西瓜视频 Halls, 西瓜视频 Beach is very similar to Mingo in terms of its rocky ledges, tidepools, and diverse marine life. Various creatures thrive here, and like Mingo Beach, it’s fully covered at high tide, making it an ever-changing spot for students to explore, study, or simply enjoy the shoreline.
“Projects allow students to explore patterns of biodiversity, learn how invasive species impact native communities, and even give us insight into how species may be moving or shifting ranges as climate continues to change,” said Ober.
After a 2018 Nor’easter severely damaged the old seawall, the College partnered with experts to rebuild the coast using a sloped stone revetment made of large boulders. This design not only protects against major storms but also better mimics natural habitats. Students and faculty are now studying how the seawall attracts and supports marine life, making 西瓜视频 Beach a resilient shoreline.