Charles Eliot, a visionary landscape architect born in 1859, stands as the founding force behind the Blue Hills Reservation. Instrumental in the late 19th century, Eliot played a pivotal role in shaping America’s approach to public spaces. As the landscape architect for the Metropolitan Park Commission, he advocated for the creation of the Blue Hills Reservation. Eliot’s commitment to preserving and accessible natural beauty endures in the legacy of the Blue Hills, a testament to his enduring influence on landscape conservation.
Embark on a captivating journey through his history at Thomas Crane Library in Quincy on April 17th! Discover the fascinating tales behind this natural gem, spanning over 7,000 acres across Milton, Quincy, Braintree, Canton, and Dedham.
Join us at 7pm from 7pm to 8pm on April 17th at the Thomas Crane Public Library in Quincy. This program will be taking place in the Community Room in the Main Library. No sign up prior to the event is required. This program is free and open to all ages. Thank you to DCR Park Ranger Dan Byrnes for speaking. We hope to see you there!
Photo by: Scott Hughes
The Friends of the Blue Hills is happy to be partnering with the Department of Conservation and Recreation to keep the park clean! Be sure to join us!
Get some fresh air and exercise… and give back to an amazing park that serves tens of thousands of visitors each year. You will be helping to care for the trails by improving erosion structures, raking and digging out the ditches next to trails or cutting brush. Your work will keep the trails from eroding and make sure people can explore the park. Please wear sturdy shoes (no sandals) and long pants. If you have a favorite pair of gardening gloves, please bring them. Please bring at least a liter of water as well. We will provide all the tools and training you’ll need. No experience necessary.
If this event is full, please leave a comment to be added to the waitlist.
Sign up here.
[gravityform id="4" title="true" description="true"]
Do you want to help care for the Blue Hills and have a great time? Then join us for Green Up the Blue Hills, our annual stewardship event that celebrates Spring! This family-friendly event is a great chance to help get a handle (literally!) on one of the most prolific invasive plants in the park — garlic mustard.
This plant is very damaging to other plants in the forest because it releases a poison into the soil so native plants do not survive. Thankfully, it is easy to remove by hand. By pulling as much garlic mustard as possible, you and other volunteers will help keep the forest healthy for the endangered species that live at Ponkapoag Pond — and all the plants and wildlife.
It won’t be all work and no play, though! You’ll also enjoy complimentary refreshments, crafts, face-painting, and a scavenger hunt — not to mention the camaraderie that comes from working together outside in the fresh air.
Here’s how to prep for the event:
- Park at the Fisherman’s Cove parking area.
- We’ll be working (and playing!) at the AMC Cabins, which is about a 3/4 mile walk.
- We’ll provide all the tools and training you’ll need.
- Bring your gardening gloves if you have them.
- Wear close-toed shoes.
Thank you to our sponsors listed below!
[gravityform id="20" title="true" description="false"]
Get some fresh air and exercise… and give back to an amazing park that serves tens of thousands of visitors each year. You will be removing trash from trailheads and parking areas at various locations in the Blue Hills. Please wear sturdy shoes (no sandals) and long pants. Please bring at least a liter of water as well. We will provide all the tools and training you’ll need. No experience necessary. When you sign up, we’ll let you know the start location at least a day in advance.
Steady rain cancels this event.
Sign up here.
[gravityform id="4" title="true" description="true"]
If you want to help care for the forest, join us for ‘Invasive Plant Removal with Charlie!’
On the fourth Friday of the month, you can help protect the forest by removing invasive species in the park. Your work will protect endangered species in the park.
When you sign up, we’ll let you know the location about a week in advance. Please wear sturdy shoes (no sandals) and long pants. Please bring plenty of water and if you have a favorite pair of gardening gloves, please bring them. We’ll provide gloves, if you don’t have them, and all the tools required. No experience necessary. Thanks to Charlie for leading this event.
Are you curious about how you can lead an event? Contact us at info@friendsofthebluehills.org. We’d love to talk to you!
[gravityform id="4" title="true" description="true"]
This group will be meeting at Houghton’s Pond Recreation Area.
Get some fresh air and exercise… and give back to an amazing park that serves tens of thousands of visitors each year.
You will be helping to care for the trails by improving erosion structures, raking and digging out the ditches next to trails or cutting brush. Your work will keep the trails from eroding and make sure people can explore the park.
Please wear sturdy shoes (no sandals) and long pants. If you have a favorite pair of gardening gloves, please bring them. Please bring at least a liter of water as well. We will provide all the tools and training you’ll need. No experience necessary.
[gravityform id="4" title="true" description="true"]