
Meet DCR Ranger Dan B. at Houghton’s Pond Visitor Center at 9:20 to get started on time!
Forest fires have impacted these hills for as long as humans have lived here. Discover the history of fires in the Blue Hills, what was done right and wrong to fight them, and what impact climate change has for fighting fires in Massachusetts in the future. A gentle, all–ages 2-mile walk.

Meet DCR Ranger Dan B. at the Houghton’s Pond Visitor Center at 12:50 to make sure you are on time for the Hike!
Looking to get outdoors and take a gentle, guided hike in the beautiful Blue Hills? Join us for our weekly series of leisurely paced nature hikes (1.5-3 miles long). Learn about nature at your own pace and make some friends along the way.

Beginners’ Hike with Bruce
Event Details:
– When: Sunday, June 8th 10:00 am-12:00 pm
– Meeting Point: Playground at Houghton’s Pond
– Leaders:Â Bruce Dezube
– Sign-Up: Guests must sign up in advance
Hike Description:
Join Bruce for a relaxing and scenic beginners’ hike through the beautiful Blue Hills Reservation. This hiking event is perfect for those new to hiking, offering a gentle pace suitable for novices. The hike covers a variety of terrain, including some gravel and rocky paths, allowing you to experience the diverse natural habitats of the Blue Hills without the challenge of a strenuous hike. Don’t miss out on this chance to enjoy a peaceful morning in nature.
– Water: Staying hydrated is crucial, so please bring plenty of water.
– Snacks: Pack some light snacks to keep your energy up.
– Clothing: Wear moisture-wicking clothing to stay comfortable.
– No Dogs: To maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all hikers, pets are not allowed on this hike.
– 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.We look forward to seeing you on the trail!
Join the Friends of the Blue Hills along with our partners Widowmaker Brewing and ARC’TERYX at the 2025 Widow Walkers Hike Series. All hikes will meet at Widowmaker Brewing, 200 Wood Road Braintree and the group will walk to the Blue Hills trailhead.
The registration cost is $10 per person which includes a free beverage after the hike and a donation to the Friends of the Blue Hills.
The hikes will vary month to month but most are 2-4 miles and geared towards a slower social pace – nothing strenuous.

Volunteer Event: Invasive Species Removal at Friends of the Blue Hills
Join us for a hands-on volunteer event aimed at removing harmful invasive species, Mile-A-Minute, from our beautiful local park. These plants disrupt native ecosystems, outcompeting native species and threatening local wildlife. By removing them, we help restore balance and support the health of our environment.
Please wear long pants and sturdy gloves to protect yourself from plants and possible scratches. We also recommend wearing closed-toe shoes or boots for comfort and safety. After the event, be sure to check for ticks as a precaution.
This is a great opportunity to give back to the environment, connect with fellow volunteers, and make a real difference in preserving our local park’s natural beauty.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Fill out this form and waiver below if you would like to volunteer!
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Get ready to go on a bug hunt, where we will become bug detectives searching for tiny creatures hiding in the grass, under rocks, and in trees. We’ll provide everything you need, so all you have to bring is your curiosity. As we explore, we’ll look closely at beetles, ants, butterflies, and other crawly critters, and learn what makes them special. Bugs are cool as they have amazing colors, super strength, and some even help plants grow! We won’t keep the bugs, just take a close look and gently let them go back to their homes. It’s going to be a fun adventure full of surprises! And when the bug hunt is over, you can keep the adventure going by searching for bugs around your home or neighborhood.
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