Our Blog
Brush Fires Plague the Blue Hills–Again
Brush fires continue to wreak havoc on the Blue Hills Reservation's precious habitats, trails, and recreation areas. The latest location to go up in flames made national news and impacts the Houghton's Pond area of the park. This is not even the biggest wildfire in...
2024 DCR Blue Hills Deer Management Program
The following is information from the: Department of Conservation and Recreation on the Blue Hills State Reservation White-Tailed Deer Management Program 2024. The Blue Hills Deer Management Permitted Archery Hunt will take place Mondays through Thursdays only from...
Looking for the Perfect Gift for Someone Who Loves the Blue Hills?
Here are some ideas to make gift-giving easier this holiday season! Give a Gift Membership with newly redesigned T-shirt $50 Give a Gift Membership with newly redesigned hoodie $75 Purchase a T-shirt $30 or Hoodie $50 Sponsor a Trail $35 You will receive a trail map...
Congratulations to the 2024 Photo Contest Winners!
Anyone who has spent even a few moments in the Blue Hills Reservation knows firsthand how captivating it is. In any kind of weather. During all four seasons. Whether you're relaxing alone or with friends. Even while you're breaking a sweat to reach a high point so you...
Donor-Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Invest in the Park’s Future
A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a charitable investment account through a sponsoring organization that allows donors to make an immediate tax-deductible contribution. Once you have contributed to your account, the money is invested while you decide which IRS-qualified...
Now Hiring: Volunteer and Education Manager
The Friends of the Blue Hills (FBH) is a dynamic and growing non-profit organization devoted to preserving, promoting, and protecting the Blue Hills Reservation’s natural beauty, diverse natural habitats, and many recreational opportunities. You are the perfect...
Q&A: Horseback Riding in the Blue Hills Reservation
As a multi-use park, the Blue Hills Reservation welcomes and encourages equestrians to use the trails and enjoy the natural beauty of the reservation. However, practicing proper trail etiquette and safety measures take horseback riding from fun for one to fun for all...
Understanding Wet Bulb Temperature and Its Impact on Outdoor Safety
What is Wet Bulb Temperature? Wet bulb temperature (WBT) is a measure of heat and humidity that reflects the lowest temperature air can be cooled to by the evaporation of water. In layman’s terms, it’s the temperature reading on a thermometer covered by a wet cloth. ...
Welcome Back to Eliot Tower!
The wait is over! Eliot Tower renovations are complete, and visitors are again able to visit this well-loved, historic structure near the top of Great Blue Hill. Over the course of the past year or so, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) invested $1...
Celebrating Summer in Style at Trillium
On Tuesday, July 25, the Friends of the Blue Hills community came together at Trillium Brewing - Canton to celebrate summer. The expansive patio just outside Trillium's doors was the perfect spot to find some shade, have a seat, and enjoy the company of about 50 other...
Embracing Fire Safety: Enjoying the Blue Hills Reservation Responsibly
A wildfire in the Blue Hills Reservation this spring brought attention to the importance of fire safety while enjoying outdoor adventures. As caretakers of these stunning landscapes, it's essential for visitors to understand and follow fire safety guidelines. It's the...
Social Media Intern Opportunity
The Friends of the Blue Hills is looking for a dependable individual to help us connect with people who love the Blue Hills. If you're looking to expand your skillset in a social media management role with a fun and friendly nonprofit, this internship may be for you....
TRAIL ALERT!! St. Moritz Ponds Area of the Park
Hikers, please take notice that due to unprecedented rainfall (10 inches between March and April 2024), the beloved Skyline Trail at St. Moritz Ponds is currently underwater and impassable. We advise all hikers to not enter the trail system at this location until DCR...
Welcoming Jen Klein as Executive Director of Friends of the Blue Hills
Dear Friends of the Blue Hills members and friends, Now that Winterfest is behind us and spring in the Blue Hills is fast approaching, I am writing to share some exciting news with you all. It is with great pleasure that I announce the appointment of Jen Klein PhD as...
How the Forest Tells a Story
Forests are familiar characters in many well-known fairytales and bedtime stories, such as Little Red Hood, The Jungle Book, Bridge to Terabithia and so many more. But how does a forest tell its own story? On Tuesday, January 23, Julia Minot, Volunteer Coordinator...
DCR Blue Hills Deer Management 2023 Program
The following is information from the: Department of Conservation and Recreation on the Blue Hills State Reservation White-Tailed Deer Management Program 2023 The 2023 permitted archery deer hunt will take place over the course of 11 days on Mondays through Thursdays...
Giving Smart: How You Can Optimize Your Giving Strategies for Immediate Impact and Long-Term Legacy
Want to learn to make the biggest impact possible through strategic giving? Do you want to create a lasting legacy? Check out this video, where you’ll learn ways to do both! Many thanks to Martha Payne for lending her expertise and demystifying financial planning....
Important Update from the Friends of the Blue Hills
Milton, MA, September 19, 2023 – The Friends of the Blue Hills, a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation and preservation of the Blue Hills Reservation, today announced that Judy Lehrer Jacobs, their esteemed Executive Director, will move on after an...
Your Chance to ‘Adopt-a-Forest’
As you travel the Blue Hills' trails, you pass through over 7,000 acres that serve as vital habitat for a multitude of wildlife. The habitat that wildlife depend on, however, is degraded by invasive species. Invasive plants, like mile-a-minute vine, grow quickly and...
Volunteer Highlight: Charlie Crosby – a Passion for Conservation
By Lauren Magee Meet Charlie Crosby, a passionate and dedicated individual who embodies the spirit of conservation and community engagement. As an active volunteer and member of the Friends of the Blue Hills, Charlie has become an integral part of the organization's...
Public Hearing: Quincy – Intersection improvements at Willard Street and Ricciuti Drive
In response to advocacy by Quarry Hills Citizen Advocates, and with the help of Councilor-At-Large Ann Mahoney, the Mass. Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has organized a public hearing regarding proposed improvements to the Willard St- Ricciuti Drive...
Why is Eliot Tower Closed?
By Michael Morgan It has stood sentry near the top of Great Blue Hill for some 85 years now, offering stunning, 270- degree views of Boston Harbor, the City of Boston and the South Shore. It has endured snow, rain, ice, burning sun, vandalism, fire and the footsteps...
Farley Sullivan: Enjoying the Blue Hills Today, Investing in Tomorrow
Interview by Michael Morgan Farley Sullivan loves nature – and people – and this is manifested in a variety of ways. The Milton resident spent a week in July helping the residents of Ludlow, VT and the Black River area recover from catastrophic flooding that occurred...
Great News for Our Parks
Good news for the Blue Hills – and for all our parks. Many thanks to our members and supporters who advocated for adequate funding for the Department of Conservation and Recreation. Your voices were heard. Last week, the legislature sent a $56.2 billion Fiscal Year...