Calendar

Mar
19
Tue
2024
Be Kind! Spring Equinox Hike @ Houghton's Pond Parking Lot
Mar 19 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: MODERATE

4-mile hike with moderate hills, rocky terrain and some larger obstacles.

This hike will be meeting in the Houghton’s Pond parking lot by the children’s playground.

Join the Friends of the Blue Hills on a “Be Kind!” hike with board member, Jean Beebe.

  • If there is snow or ice, please wear microspikes/crampons
  • If you have hiking poles, please bring them.
  • Sturdy walking shoes required.
  • Dress in layers for the weather.
  • Inclement weather will cancel.
  • Bring at least 1 liter of water and a snack.
The change of season in Boston is always something to celebrate, especially coming out of winter. And what better way to bring in spring than hit the trails together! Join us for this Spring Equinox hike to learn what it means to “Be Kind!” on the park’s beloved trails just as plant-life and animal residents are waking from a cold, wet winter in the park.
Sign up below!
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Apr
7
Sun
2024
Boots N’ Brews with the Widow Walkers! @ Widowmaker Brewing
Apr 7 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Boots N' Brews with the Widow Walkers! @ Widowmaker Brewing | Braintree | Massachusetts | United States

EVEL OF DIFFICULTY: EASY/MODERATE

3-mile hike with moderate hills, rocky terrain and some larger obstacles. 325ft elevation gain in total. 

This hike will be meeting at Widowmaker Brewing on 220 Wood Rd. in Braintree.

Join the Friends of the Blue Hills and the Widow Walkers for the kickoff of our monthly hikes!

  • Sturdy walking shoes required. No open toed shoes. 
  • Bring at least 1 liter of water and a snack.
  • Bring bug spray and sunscreen or apply beforehand.
  • Inclement weather will cancel.

If you would like to explore the Blue Hills Reservation, meet new people, and sample some delicious beers, please join us! The hike will be about two hours, moderately paced, covering about 3 miles. Participants who are 21 years and older will have the opportunity to visit Widowmaker Brewing to enjoy some cold ones after the hike. Beer may be purchased at the brewery.

This event will be part of an ongoing series in collaboration with Widowmaker Brewing in Braintree! 

Sign up below!

If the event is full, please comment to be added to a waitlist that will be contacted in the case of cancellations. 

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Apr
17
Wed
2024
Charles Eliot: Founder of the Blue Hills Reservation with DCR Ranger Dan Byrnes @ Thomas Crane Public Library
Apr 17 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Charles Eliot: Founder of the Blue Hills Reservation with DCR Ranger Dan Byrnes @ Thomas Crane Public Library | Quincy | Massachusetts | United States

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

Apr
21
Sun
2024
Green Up the Blue Hills 2024
Apr 21 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Green Up the Blue Hills 2024 @ Canton | Massachusetts | United States

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.

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