Friends of the Blue Hills http://friendsofthebluehills.org Sat, 25 May 2013 15:49:48 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 Thank You for Helping the Senate Pass the Amendment to Update the Bottle Bill http://friendsofthebluehills.org/thank-you-for-helping-the-senate-pass-the-amendment-to-update-the-bottle-bill/ http://friendsofthebluehills.org/thank-you-for-helping-the-senate-pass-the-amendment-to-update-the-bottle-bill/#comments Fri, 24 May 2013 17:35:56 +0000 Friends of the Blue Hills http://friendsofthebluehills.org/?p=5986 Many thanks to all of you who contacted your state Senators to support the update of the Bottle Bill.  Thanks to you calls, emails and letters, this week the state Senate approved an amendment to the Senate budget that updates the Bottle Bill to include non-carbonated beverage containers.

We want to thank all the Senators — including South Shore Senators Joyce,  Hedlund and Keenan, Creem– who voted for this important legislation.

Thanks to the below update and action steps from our partner, the Environmental League of Massachusetts.

Next Steps

With approval by the Senate in hand, and with support for [...]]]> Many thanks to all of you who contacted your state Senators to support the update of the Bottle Bill.  Thanks to you calls, emails and letters, this week the state Senate approved an amendment to the Senate budget that updates the Bottle Bill to include non-carbonated beverage containers.

We want to thank all the Senators — including South Shore Senators Joyce,  Hedlund and Keenan, Creem– who voted for this important legislation.

Thanks to the below update and action steps from our partner, the Environmental League of Massachusetts.

Next Steps

With approval by the Senate in hand, and with support for the update by a majority of Representatives in the House, we are excited about our prospects. With a majority of Representatives in favor of the Bottle Bill update, approval will largely depend on whether or not House Speaker Robert DeLeo and his leadership team support it.

In the last legislative session, the Senate approved the Bottle Bill update as an amendment to an economic development bill, only to have the amendment killed in a conference committee stacked with Bottle Bill opponents from the House.

What Can You Do?

Contact your state Representative and urge them to support the Bottle Bill update – and to specifically ask House Speaker Robert DeLeo to support it.It isn’t enough that your Rep. pledges support for the Bottle Bill in general – please ask your Rep. to commit to asking the Speaker to ensure the final budget includes approval of the Bottle Bill update.Quickly find your Representative’s contact information here.

To see the text of the Senate budget amendment to update the Bottle Bill, go here.
Photo credit: Ilani dalfonzo
]]> http://friendsofthebluehills.org/thank-you-for-helping-the-senate-pass-the-amendment-to-update-the-bottle-bill/feed/ 0 Volunteer Spotlight: Pete Tierney http://friendsofthebluehills.org/volunteer-spotlight-pete-tierney/ http://friendsofthebluehills.org/volunteer-spotlight-pete-tierney/#comments Thu, 23 May 2013 18:27:47 +0000 Friends of the Blue Hills http://friendsofthebluehills.org/?p=5983 Name: Pete Tierney Town: West Roxbury Volunteer activities: Trail work FBH member since: 2011 (I should have joined way before) Favorite Hike: Skyline, although as I explore the many other areas of the Blue Hills I am adding a lot of “favorites.” Favorite thing to do in the Blue Hills: I like to hike.  It’s a great way to stay in shape and relieve stress.  It beats any gym. Most Interesting thing that happened at the Blue Hills:  I like talking to the people that I meet on the trail—ranging from families [...]]]>
Name: Pete Tierney
Town: West Roxbury
Volunteer activities: Trail work
FBH member since: 2011 (I should have joined way before)
Favorite Hike: Skyline, although as I explore the many other areas of the Blue Hills I am adding a lot of “favorites.”
Favorite thing to do in the Blue Hills: I like to hike.  It’s a great way to stay in shape and relieve stress.  It beats any gym.
Most Interesting thing that happened at the Blue Hills:  I like talking to the people that I meet on the trail—ranging from families taking their first hike with the kids to the guy that I met who was training to climb Vinson Massif (the highest mountain in Antarctica).
Favorite activities with Friends of the Blue Hills: I like the trail work and the hikes. I also like to sample the beer from the Blue Hills Brewery that appears at the fund-raisers.

 

 

 

 

]]> http://friendsofthebluehills.org/volunteer-spotlight-pete-tierney/feed/ 0 Thanks to Councilor Palmucci for Resolution to Protect Fowl Meadow http://friendsofthebluehills.org/thanks-to-councilor-palmucci-for-resolution-to-protect-fowl-meadow/ http://friendsofthebluehills.org/thanks-to-councilor-palmucci-for-resolution-to-protect-fowl-meadow/#comments Wed, 22 May 2013 19:05:56 +0000 Friends of the Blue Hills http://friendsofthebluehills.org/?p=5981 Many thanks to Quincy City Councilor Brian Palmucci and the Quincy City Council for passing a resolution in support of H.818 and H.819, two bills intended to preserve the portion of the Blue Hills called Fowl Meadow.

The legislation, introduced by Representative Walter Timilty, is intended to protect Fowl Meadow’s sensitive wetland habitat.  Fowl Meadow and the surrounding area are already designated by the state as an ‘Area of Critical Environmental Concern.’  Significant building activity, like a proposed 276-unit development, would threaten the rare and endangered species, disrupt drainage and water purification to the wetland and generally degrade the habitat.

[...]]]> Many thanks to Quincy City Councilor Brian Palmucci and the Quincy City Council for passing a resolution in support of H.818 and H.819, two bills intended to preserve the portion of the Blue Hills called Fowl Meadow.

The legislation, introduced by Representative Walter Timilty, is intended to protect Fowl Meadow’s sensitive wetland habitat.  Fowl Meadow and the surrounding area are already designated by the state as an ‘Area of Critical Environmental Concern.’  Significant building activity, like a proposed 276-unit development, would threaten the rare and endangered species, disrupt drainage and water purification to the wetland and generally degrade the habitat.

We appreciate Councilor Palmucci for introducing the resolution to help protect the Blue Hills.

Click to learn how you can help protect Fowl Meadow.

]]> http://friendsofthebluehills.org/thanks-to-councilor-palmucci-for-resolution-to-protect-fowl-meadow/feed/ 0 The Best Way to Keep Our Forests Healthy: Eat It http://friendsofthebluehills.org/the-best-way-to-keep-our-forests-healthy-eat-it/ http://friendsofthebluehills.org/the-best-way-to-keep-our-forests-healthy-eat-it/#comments Wed, 22 May 2013 12:15:22 +0000 Friends of the Blue Hills http://friendsofthebluehills.org/?p=5978 Join us for  Green Up the Blue Hills to remove garlic mustard on June 2 at Ponkapoag Pond.  Garlic mustard can take over portions of a forest and threaten native species, but it was probably brought over from Europe for food.  Try it in a salad.  Maybe weeding garlic mustard for salads will be the next big thing!

Garlic Mustard Pesto

  • 3 cups Garlic Mustard leaves, washed, patted dry, and packed in a measuring cup
  • 2 large garlic cloves, peeled & chopped
  • 1 cup Walnuts
  • 1 cup Olive Oil
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated [...]]]> Join us for  Green Up the Blue Hills to remove garlic mustard on June 2 at Ponkapoag Pond.  Garlic mustard can take over portions of a forest and threaten native species, but it was probably brought over from Europe for food.  Try it in a salad.  Maybe weeding garlic mustard for salads will be the next big thing!

    Garlic Mustard Pesto

    • 3 cups Garlic Mustard leaves, washed, patted dry, and packed in a measuring cup
    • 2 large garlic cloves, peeled & chopped
    • 1 cup Walnuts
    • 1 cup Olive Oil
    • 1 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
    • 1/4 cup grated Romano Cheese (or more Parmesan)
    • Salt & Pepper to taste

    Combine Garlic Mustard leaves, garlic and walnuts in food processor and chop. Or divide recipe in half and use a blender. With motor running, add olive oil slowly. Shut off motor. Add cheeses, salt & pepper. Process briefly to combine.

    Serve warm over pasta or spread on crackers as an appetizer. It also makes a great topping for baked fish.

    Recipe provided by Monches Farm, LLC in Colgate, Washington

    ]]>     http://friendsofthebluehills.org/the-best-way-to-keep-our-forests-healthy-eat-it/feed/ 0 Looking for Family Activities South Shore? Look no further than Blue Hills! http://friendsofthebluehills.org/looking-for-family-activities-south-shore-look-no-further-than-blue-hills/ http://friendsofthebluehills.org/looking-for-family-activities-south-shore-look-no-further-than-blue-hills/#comments Tue, 21 May 2013 18:13:23 +0000 Friends of the Blue Hills http://friendsofthebluehills.org/?p=5975 If you’re looking for family activities South Shore, the Blue Hills Reservation offers outdoor family activities for all seasons. Located in Milton, MA, Blue Hills is only half an hour from Boston and just minutes from South Shore communities such as Canton, Braintree, Quincy, Dorchester, and Weymouth. Family activities South Shore are as close as the Blue Hills.  Click for a calendar of family activities South Shore.  Click for hiking near Boston and here for the best swimming hole south of Boston.

    Come visit for a full day of family activities South Shore.

    ]]>     If you’re looking for family activities South Shore, the Blue Hills Reservation offers outdoor family activities for all seasons. Located in Milton, MA, Blue Hills is only half an hour from Boston and just minutes from South Shore communities such as Canton, Braintree, Quincy, Dorchester, and Weymouth. Family activities South Shore are as close as the Blue Hills.  Click for a calendar of family activities South Shore.  Click for hiking near Boston and here for the best swimming hole south of Boston.

    Come visit for a full day of family activities South Shore.

    ]]>     http://friendsofthebluehills.org/looking-for-family-activities-south-shore-look-no-further-than-blue-hills/feed/ 0     Come to Blue Hills for the best swimming hole south of Boston! http://friendsofthebluehills.org/come-to-blue-hills-for-the-best-swimming-hole-south-of-boston/ http://friendsofthebluehills.org/come-to-blue-hills-for-the-best-swimming-hole-south-of-boston/#comments Tue, 21 May 2013 18:00:56 +0000 Friends of the Blue Hills http://friendsofthebluehills.org/?p=5973 Houghton’s Pond has everything you want for a day of family fun at the Blue Hills Reservation. The 24-acre, spring-fed kettle pond is surrounded by hiking trails and picnic areas and offers a playground, fishing, concessions, and a bathhouse with restrooms and showers.

    Located in Milton, MA, Houghton’s Pond is just south of Boston, minutes from South Shore communities such as Canton, Braintree, Quincy, Dorchester, and Weymouth. Bring the whole family to enjoy the great outdoors at the best swimming hole south of Boston!

    The pond swimming area is supervised by lifeguards seven days a week in July and August, [...]]]> Houghton’s Pond has everything you want for a day of family fun at the Blue Hills Reservation. The 24-acre, spring-fed kettle pond is surrounded by hiking trails and picnic areas and offers a playground, fishing, concessions, and a bathhouse with restrooms and showers.

    Located in Milton, MA, Houghton’s Pond is just south of Boston, minutes from South Shore communities such as Canton, Braintree, Quincy, Dorchester, and Weymouth. Bring the whole family to enjoy the great outdoors at the best swimming hole south of Boston!

    The pond swimming area is supervised by lifeguards seven days a week in July and August, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

    After visiting Blue Hill’s swimming hold south of Boston, you can check our calendar of event to find more family fun at the Blue Hills Reservation.

    ]]> http://friendsofthebluehills.org/come-to-blue-hills-for-the-best-swimming-hole-south-of-boston/feed/ 0     Tell Your State Senator to vote YES on the Bottle Bill Amendment http://friendsofthebluehills.org/bottlebill/ http://friendsofthebluehills.org/bottlebill/#comments Fri, 17 May 2013 02:42:45 +0000 Friends of the Blue Hills http://friendsofthebluehills.org/?p=5969 The Updated Bottle Bill is now before the State Senate

    In the next few days, the State Senate will be voting on a measure that would update the state’s Bottle bill. In order for this bill to pass, we are asking you to contact your State Senator today and tell them “vote yes on the Bottle Bill Amendment.”

    We’ve included background on the bill (provided by the Sierra Club) and a sample letter below.  If you don’t know your legislator, go to www.wheredoivotema.com.

    Background: The Updated Bottle bill has been filed as an amendment to the State Budget. The amendment [...]]]> The Updated Bottle Bill is now before the State Senate

    In the next few days, the State Senate will be voting on a measure that would update the state’s Bottle bill. In order for this bill to pass, we are asking you to contact your State Senator today and tell them “vote yes on the Bottle Bill Amendment.”

    We’ve included background on the bill (provided by the Sierra Club) and a sample letter below.  If you don’t know your legislator, go to www.wheredoivotema.com.

    Background:
    The Updated Bottle bill has been filed as an amendment to the State Budget. The amendment is scheduled to be discussed on the floor of the Senate in the next few days. If enough Senators support the amendment we could get the Updated Bottle Bill through the Senate. Please call or email now, and share this alert with your friends/networks.

    The Bottle Bill is the state’s most successful recycling and litter prevention program. Since the Bottle Bill’s inception in 1983, over 35 billion containers have been redeemed, contributing to a healthier environment, cleaner and safer communities, and a stronger economy. But to keep up with the times and consumer’s tastes, the bottle bill must be updated. An Updated Bottle Bill would expand our container deposit system to include non-carbonated beverages such as water, iced tea, juice, and sports drinks. It would decrease litter – and increase recycling. An amazing 80% of beverages that are covered by the bottle bill are redeemed/recycled. But sadly, only 22% of non-deposit containers are recycled. The rest become litter, or are thrown in the trash. Updating our bottle bill will boost recycling, save our communities the cost associated with disposal and litter cleanup, and conserve valuable resources.

    Take Action

    Please write or call your legislator today to urge them to vote in support of the Bottle Bill Amendment.   To look up your state Senator, visit www.wheredoivotema.com.

    Sample Letter

     

    Dear     :

    Please help reduce the trash in the Blue Hills and all our parks by voting yes on the Bottle Bill Amendment.

    [personalize the letter with something like how important keeping the Blue Hills clean is to you – anything that shows you care!]

    The Bottle Bill is the state’s most successful recycling and litter prevention program. Since the Bottle Bill’s inception in 1983, over 35 billion containers have been redeemed, contributing to a healthier environment, cleaner and safer communities, and a stronger economy. But to keep up with the times and consumer’s tastes, the bottle bill must be updated. An Updated Bottle Bill would expand our container deposit system to include non-carbonated beverages such as water, iced tea, juice, and sports drinks. It would decrease litter – and increase recycling. An amazing 80% of beverages that are covered by the bottle bill are redeemed/recycled. But sadly, only 22% of non-deposit containers are recycled. The rest become litter, or are thrown in the trash.

    Updating our bottle bill will boost recycling, save our communities the cost associated with disposal and litter cleanup, and conserve valuable resources.

    The Bottle Bill Update is “revenue-positive.” Through voluntarily forfeited deposits, the state can gain the funds necessary to increase and improve recycling as well as clean up the bottle litter that’s plaguing our streets and parks.

    Please let me know how you vote.  Thank you for helping us keep our parks clean.

    Sincerely,

    Your NameAddress

    ]]> http://friendsofthebluehills.org/bottlebill/feed/ 3     In the Blue Hills after the Bombing http://friendsofthebluehills.org/in-the-blue-hills-after-the-bombing/ http://friendsofthebluehills.org/in-the-blue-hills-after-the-bombing/#comments Thu, 16 May 2013 11:22:15 +0000 Friends of the Blue Hills http://friendsofthebluehills.org/?p=5967 A Long View of a Wide Horizon By Daniel Byrnes

    I was just stepping onto the blue trail behind Houghton’s Pond when we first heard the news about the bombing. It was an impossibly beautiful Marathon Monday. For once, the unofficial start of spring in Boston actually felt like spring. With the day off, some of my friends and I decided we should spend it hiking up to Buck Hill. Like most of you, I carry the modern world in my pocket with me wherever I go.  Phones of debatable intelligence buzz and chirp and tweet and [...]]]> A Long View of a Wide Horizon
    By Daniel Byrnes

    I was just stepping onto the blue trail behind Houghton’s Pond when we first heard the news about the bombing. It was an impossibly beautiful Marathon Monday. For once, the unofficial start of spring in Boston actually felt like spring. With the day off, some of my friends and I decided we should spend it hiking up to Buck Hill. Like most of you, I carry the modern world in my pocket with me wherever I go.  Phones of debatable intelligence buzz and chirp and tweet and carry the sorry word of sorrow from every corner of the world. It was no different on the afternoon of April 15th, except it was different. This new tragedy, this further obliteration of innocence had happened here in Boston, in my home.

    The news stopped us in our tracks. Should we go on with our hike, or should we get to a TV and try to make sense out of the frantic bits of information coming in? Where do you go when there is a tragedy and there is nothing you can do? I know something about that; I was a sophomore at NYU eleven and a half years ago. I remember watching rubble covered fire trucks screaming up 3rd Avenue as I watched in mute, impotent horror. It felt like the years between those two days had collapsed as I looked at the trail head. Finally I made the call, “Let’s go on the hike, we’ll have the rest of our lives to know about the bombing.” So we went up the trail. We didn’t talk much, and we hiked faster than we usually do. The sounds of sirens began to withdraw as we went deeper into the woods. The woods were so lovely, the branches a green haze of budding leaves giving a constant confirmation of the rebirth of spring, even as we stole glances at our news feeds as we hiked.

    Soon we reached the crest of Buck Hill. The pace we set had worked up a sweat, and our muscles were sore. When we reached the top of the hill, a cool breeze moved through the scrub brush. It was so clear up there on the hill, the horizon stretched in every direction for miles. It took my breath away. I’ve seen that view countless times before but it felt like I was seeing it for the first time. I could see the whole state of Massachusetts stretched out before me. On the distant Western horizon, I could see the peak of Mount Greylock; the long black snake of the Mass Pike winding across the state; and I could see Boston, my city, and it was still standing. I could see the whole state from that spot on Buck Hill on that terrible day, and I was struck by how beautiful my home is. From this quiet spot in the Blue Hills, I found the strength to go back down the hill and face the world.

    Photo credit: Mark Lotterhand

    ]]> http://friendsofthebluehills.org/in-the-blue-hills-after-the-bombing/feed/ 0     Celebrate National Get Kids to a Park Day! http://friendsofthebluehills.org/dcr-marigold-marsh-ribbon-cutting/ http://friendsofthebluehills.org/dcr-marigold-marsh-ribbon-cutting/#comments Fri, 03 May 2013 19:44:06 +0000 Friends of the Blue Hills http://friendsofthebluehills.org/?p=5959 Saturday, May 18, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Houghton’s Pond, Hillside Road, Milton

    Grab the kids and head to Houghton’s Pond in the DCR Blue Hills Reservation in Milton for a fun-filled day of nature exploration and outdoor adventure. We’ll celebrate the opening of the new Marigold Marsh Nature Boardwalk, an elevated wooden pathway through tree tops and wetland scenery. Join us as we delve into the magical world of Marigold Marsh. Enjoy ponding, hiking, bird-watching, nature exploring, outdoor play and more.

    Free family-friendly activities include:

    • Stroll Marigold Marsh Nature Boardwalk
    • Meet Live Trailside Wildlife (11:30 am-12:30pm)
    • Wetland Wonders: [...]]]> Saturday, May 18, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
      Houghton’s Pond, Hillside Road, Milton

      Grab the kids and head to Houghton’s Pond in the DCR Blue Hills Reservation in Milton for a fun-filled day of nature exploration and outdoor adventure. We’ll celebrate the opening of the new Marigold Marsh Nature Boardwalk, an elevated wooden pathway through tree tops and wetland scenery. Join us as we delve into the magical world of Marigold Marsh. Enjoy ponding, hiking, bird-watching, nature exploring, outdoor play and more.

      Free family-friendly activities include:

      • Stroll Marigold Marsh Nature Boardwalk
      • Meet Live Trailside Wildlife (11:30 am-12:30pm)
      • Wetland Wonders: A Pond Discovery
      • Birdwatching for Beginners
      • Hike a Healthy Heart Trail
      • Games, Races and Playground Fun
      • Make and Take Nature Crafts
      • Pond Poems and Story Walk

      Pack a picnic lunch and get to the park for free family fun! Adventure awaits!

      Call the DCR at 617-698-1802 for more information.

      ]]>       http://friendsofthebluehills.org/dcr-marigold-marsh-ribbon-cutting/feed/ 0 Give a Hand to Help the Trails May 18th http://friendsofthebluehills.org/give-a-hand-to-help-the-trails-may-18th/ http://friendsofthebluehills.org/give-a-hand-to-help-the-trails-may-18th/#comments Fri, 03 May 2013 17:26:34 +0000 Friends of the Blue Hills http://friendsofthebluehills.org/?p=5955 Last Saturday Friends of the Blue Hills partnered with the New England Mountain Bike Association to build a new trail up Buck Hill.  Thirty volunteers from 20 towns cut brush, raked and shoveled dirt to build a new path that’s ideal for mountain biking and hiking.

      Trail maintenance is a great way to give back to the park we all enjoy.  The next trail maintenance event is May 18th.  For details, see our calendar of events in the Blue Hills.

      ]]>       Last Saturday Friends of the Blue Hills partnered with the New England Mountain Bike Association to build a new trail up Buck Hill.  Thirty volunteers from 20 towns cut brush, raked and shoveled dirt to build a new path that’s ideal for mountain biking and hiking.

      Trail maintenance is a great way to give back to the park we all enjoy.  The next trail maintenance event is May 18th.  For details, see our calendar of events in the Blue Hills.

      ]]>       http://friendsofthebluehills.org/give-a-hand-to-help-the-trails-may-18th/feed/ 0