Green Crabs at the Beach
Green crabs are very common in Massachusetts. If you find a crab shell on the beach in New England, chances are it belonged to a green crab. Green crabs contribute to coastal erosion by burrowing through marsh grass, prey upon shellfish found at the beach, and uproot eelgrass in surrounding bays. However, this species is also a delicacy and eating this delicious crab could help mitigate its environmental impact.
During the summer of 2021, GreenCrab.org, with support from Save the Harbor/ Save the Bay and the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Better Beaches Grant Program, presented six pop-up events on beaches in the Metro Boston area. The pop-up series informed beachgoers about green crabs, an introduced species that causes major problems for local sea life and coastal environments. Pop-ups featured a sculpturally modified tent crafted from repurposed fishing materials by Boston-based public artist Carolyn Lewenberg, and free green crab coloring books created by Boston-based graphic designer Eileen Riestra.
Learn more about these events in our recent Boston Globe Feature.
Download the Green Crabs at the Beach coloring book for free! Created by graphic designer Eileen Riestra, this coloring book explores the impact of introduced green crabs and their relationship to native species such as rock crabs and hermit crabs. This coloring book is available in English and Spanish.
Coloring book author Eileen Riestra at the sculpture tent
Green Crabs at the Beach by Eileen Riestra
Informational sculptures by Carolyn Lewenberg