Calendar

Jun
20
Fri
2025
Summer Solstice Hikes
Jun 20 @ 4:30 am – 9:00 pm
Summer Solstice Hikes @ Milton | Massachusetts | United States

Whether you choose one or both hikes, it’s the perfect way to connect with nature and experience the magic of the solstice from dawn to dusk. But we Challenge you to do both!

Celebrate the summer solstice with two unforgettable hikes, each marking a beautiful moment of the day. Start with a sunrise hike to witness the first light of the longest day, filling the air with peace and new beginnings. Later, return for a sunset hike as the sun sets in a vibrant display, offering a peaceful end to your adventure.

What to wear: Be prepared for cooler morning temperatures with layers that can easily be adjusted as the day warms. A moisture-wicking base layer, lightweight jacket, and sturdy hiking boots are a must for both comfort and support. Don’t forget a hat and sunglasses for the sunset hike.

And bring water! Staying hydrated is key to making the most of your day, so pack enough to keep you refreshed throughout both hikes.

 

 

 

Sign up below!
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Jul
28
Mon
2025
Ashes to New Beginnings Hike @ Houghton's Pond Parking Lot
Jul 28 @ 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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Jul
29
Tue
2025
Book Club with the Friends of the Blue Hills @ Houghton's Pond
Jul 29 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Book Club with the Friends of the Blue Hills @ Houghton's Pond | Milton | Massachusetts | United States

Registration opens July 1st HERE.

Looking for a new way to enjoy the outdoors and connect with fellow readers? This summer, we’re bringing stories to life on the trails with the Book Club with the Friends of the Blue Hills — a unique book club that pairs scenic hikes with thoughtful conversations.

Join us as we take a light, three-mile hike through the beautiful Blue Hills Reservation and pause along the way to chat about the book we’re reading together. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a passionate reader, or just looking for a fun and relaxed way to meet new people, this is the perfect chance to stretch your legs and your mind.

Bring water, wear comfy shoes, and come ready to talk books and enjoy nature!

All are welcome — even if you didn’t finish the book!

If you are interested in the event, please fill out the form and we will email you when the registration is open.

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Aug
9
Sat
2025
Walk with a Doc @ Houghton's Pond Parking Lot A-
Aug 9 @ 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.
iNaturalist Walk @ Houghton’s Pond @ Houghton's Pond
Aug 9 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
iNaturalist Walk @ Houghton's Pond @ Houghton's Pond | Milton | Massachusetts | United States

Join Us for an iNaturalist Hike at Houghton’s Pond with Friends of the Blue Hills!

Discover the hidden wildlife around you with naturalists Ann Schunior and Suzanne Mrozak during a guided iNaturalist hike at Houghton’s Pond!

Whether you’re an experienced nature lover or just starting to explore the outdoors, this walk is a great way to connect with the environment and learn how to use the iNaturalist app, a powerful citizen-science tool that helps identify wildlife and contributes valuable data for conservation efforts.

You’ll help us better understand and protect the amazing biodiversity in and around our urban areas.

Back in April, Ann hosted a Zoom session on how to use iNaturalist. You can watch the video here get familiar with iNaturalist before the hike.

Come explore the natural world in a whole new way with Suzanne and Ann. Let’s discover what’s living in our own backyard!

Click here to learn how to sign up for iNaturalist and to get familiar with iNaturalist as well!

We look forward to seeing you out on the trail!

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Aug
18
Mon
2025
Ashes to New Beginnings Hike @ Houghton's Pond Parking Lot
Aug 18 @ 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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