Calendar

Apr
7
Mon
2025
World Health Day Hike @ Houghton's Pond
Apr 7 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
World Health Day Hike @ Houghton's Pond | Milton | Massachusetts | United States

Starting your week with a hike on World Health Day is a great way to set the tone for a healthy week ahead. It’s a simple way to jumpstart your Monday by boosting your physical health—improving your heart, strength, and energy. Mentally, it helps clear your mind and reduce stress, giving you a fresh perspective as you dive into the week. Taking time to connect with nature not only sets a positive mood for the day but also helps you feel more focused and grounded throughout the week. It’s the perfect way to begin your week on the right foot.

Join the Friends of the Blue Hills

  • 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.
Sign up below!
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Apr
12
Sat
2025
Walk with a Doc @ Houghton's Pond Parking Lot A-
Apr 12 @ 8:30 am
Walk with a Doc @ Houghton's Pond Parking Lot A- | Milton | Massachusetts | United States

This walking program is a fun and safe place to take a walk (at your pace), learn health tips from local healthcare professionals, and meet new people. The event is FREE and all are welcome!

Walking is SO GOOD for you!  It is low impact and easier on the joints than running. Walking is safe and helpful for people with orthopedic ailments, heart conditions, and those who are overweight.  Walk with a Doc is a program for everyone interested in taking steps for a healthier lifestyle.  In the first few minutes you will learn about a health topic from a  professional, then spend the rest of the hour enjoying a nice walk in nature and fun conversation. It’s a great way to get out, get active, and enjoy all the benefits that come from walking. You will walk at your own pace and comfortable distance.

Walk Details:

Schedule: Walking on the 2nd Saturday of every month at 8:30 AM

Location: Houghton’s Pond Parking Lot A – 840 Hillside St., Milton, MA 02186 (Meet at a picnic bench with our Walk with a Doc Banner near the Pavilion at Parking Lot A)
This is an easy 1.2 mile walk around the pond.  We go will go twice around and all have  option to leave after once around.  There are a few roots and rocks to navigate.  For light rain we will meet with rain gear.  We will cancel for storms and icy conditions.  Walking  poles are suggested.
Green Up Milton Town-Wide Cleanup @ Houghton's Pond parking area and Headquarters Path
Apr 12 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Green Up Milton Town-Wide Cleanup @ Houghton's Pond parking area and Headquarters Path | Milton | Massachusetts | United States

Join Friends of the Blue Hills as part of Milton’s town-wide clean-up day on Saturday, April 12.

The plan is go around the Houghton’s parking area and along Headquarters Path as far as the State Police station and clean up as we go. We’ll leave the bags for Green Up Milton to pick up at the kiosk near the playground.

Green Up Milton is providing the bags. We just need to provide the people power!

Bring gloves and a grabber tool if you have them. Otherwise, we’ll supply you with what you need.

As always, bringing some water, a snack, bugspray, and even sunscreen are a good idea.

Thank you for being part of our team!

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Apr
14
Mon
2025
Ashes to New Beginnings Hike @ Houghton's Pond Parking Lot
Apr 14 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Ashes to New Beginnings Hike @ Houghton's Pond Parking Lot | Milton | Massachusetts | United States
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: MODERATE
This hike will be approximately 3 miles, with some elevated difficult terrain and rocky obstacles. Wear sturdy footwear. 
This hike will begin at 840 Hillside St, Houghton’s Pond, by the playground. 
Hikes are rain or shine.  We stay together and take a steady but patient pace.  We are patient with everyone and we will go the pace of the slowest hiker.  Stops may be frequent for water, pictures or any other reason.
Appropriate gear includes hiking boots, water, and layers.
Stay together.  Look out for each other. Report issues to hike leader immediately.
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Apr
16
Wed
2025
Hike with Rosa @ Houghton's Pond Recreation Area
Apr 16 @ 9:00 am
Hike with Rosa @ Houghton's Pond Recreation Area | Milton | Massachusetts | United States

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 Hike!  Thank you to Rosa for leading!

  • 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.
  • No children under 12 and no pets, please.

We start as a group and end as a group; nobody is left behind.

Important Reminders:

Commitment: Please do not sign up unless you are certain you can attend, as spaces are limited.

Pace and Duration: The hike is designed to be a leisurely walk, not a race. Expect to spend about 2 hours exploring the trails, with plenty of time to appreciate the scenery.

Sign up below!

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Apr
17
Thu
2025
iNaturalist Walk CNC Zoom Training Session
Apr 17 @ 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm

iNaturalist is an online citizen-science platform that helps identify the wildlife around you while generating data for science and conservation. iNaturalist’s Boston Area City Nature Challenge (CNC), is part of a worldwide collaborative bioblitz in cities across the world to document and identify as much wildlife as possible.

We invite you to participate in the Boston area CNC from April 25-28. Join Ann Schunior on a zoom session on April 17 to learn how to use iNaturalist. Then join Suzanne Mrozak on April 26 at Houghton’s Pond to make observations of wildlife and become part of one of the largest community science events in the world. Help us better understand – and therefore, take care of – nature that lives in and around urban areas.

The two events are independent. You can sign up for either or both.

Not familiar with the iNaturalist app? Don’t worry! We understand that some might be new to the app, which is why we’re offering a LIVE training session before the walk. During this training, Ann will guide participants through the app’s features, showing how to easily upload observations, identify species, and explore the wealth of information it offers. Whether you’re new to the app or just want to become more comfortable with it, this session will make sure you’re ready for the walk and the four days of the City Nature Challenge.

We ask that you download the iNaturalist app prior to the zoom call to help follow along!

A zoom call link for the April 17th iNaturalist app LIVE training session will be sent with 48 hours of signup!

Make sure you check out the Boston Area City Nature Challenge here: Boston CNC

Sign up for the Houghton’s Pond City Nature Challenge walk with Suzanne Mrozak here.

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