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Do you want to help care for the Blue Hills and have a great time? Then join us for Green Up the Blue Hills, our annual stewardship event that celebrates Spring! This family-friendly event is a great chance to help get a handle (literally!) on one of the most prolific invasive plants in the park — garlic mustard.

This plant is very damaging to other plants in the forest because it releases a poison into the soil so native plants do not survive. Thankfully, it is easy to remove by hand. By pulling as much garlic mustard as possible, you and other volunteers will help keep the forest healthy for the endangered species that live at Ponkapoag Pond — and all the plants and wildlife.

Bring along a post-event picnic–we’ll supply the dessert! You’re welcome to round our your day of giving by picnicking with your fellow volunteers at the AMC Cabins lodge. 

Here’s how to prep for the event:

• Park at the Fisherman’s Cove parking area.
• Check in at the table as you enter Acton Path heading east toward the work site.
• We’ll be working at the AMC Cabins, which is about a 3/4 mile walk in from the lot.
• We’ll provide all the tools and training you’ll need.
• Bring your gardening gloves if you have them.
• Wear close-toed shoes.

Thank you for helping to protect the park!

Event sponsored by:

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This event will be a part of our “Be Kind” series.

Have you ever noticed rocks in the trails that do not look like natural placement? Curious about trail maintenance or how trails are designed. Or are you interested even becoming a volunteer for the Friends of the Blue Hills? This hike is for you! Come hike with a former trail maintenance worker to get the behind the scenes experience of how trails are designed. Oh, and little work done along the way too!

John Harrell who will be leading this hike has over 5 years of experience in trail maintenance with the National Forest Service. He has created trails in Yellowstone National Park and Five National Forests in the states of Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming! We will be doing simple trail maintenance and learning about the structures of trails in the Friends of the Blue Hills. 

Trail work helps preserve natural habitats by managing foot traffic and minimizing impact. Regular maintenance ensures the trail stays clear and enjoyable for hikers, bikers, and others. Well-maintained trails improve outdoor experiences while reducing the risk of injury. Additionally, trail work supports local ecosystems by controlling invasive species and preventing soil erosion.

For your safety and comfort, please wear long pants, sturdy gloves, and closed-toe shoes or boots. Be sure to dress appropriately for outdoor work. After the event, we also recommend checking for ticks as a precaution. We also recommend bringing a water bottle and dressing appropriately for outdoor conditions.

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Join us for a volunteer day dedicated to maintaining and improving the trails at The Friends of the Blue Hills. We’ll focus on essential tasks like brushing back overgrowth, clearing debris, raking paths, picking up trash, and clearing waterbars and drains to keep the trails safe and accessible for all.

For your safety and comfort, please wear long pants, sturdy gloves, and closed-toe shoes or boots. Be sure to dress appropriately for outdoor work. After the event, we also recommend checking for ticks as a precaution. We also recommend bringing a water bottle and dressing appropriately for outdoor conditions.

This is a wonderful way to give back to your community, enjoy the outdoors, and ensure our trails remain in great condition for everyone to enjoy. 

We look forward to seeing you there!

The minimum age for participants is 15 years old per DCR.

Fill out this form and waiver below if you would like to volunteer!

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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, Garlic Mustard, 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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Join us for a volunteer day dedicated to maintaining and improving the trails at The Friends of the Blue Hills. We’ll focus on essential tasks like brushing back overgrowth, clearing debris, raking paths, picking up trash, and clearing waterbars and drains to keep the trails safe and accessible for all.

For your safety and comfort, please wear long pants, sturdy gloves, and closed-toe shoes or boots. Be sure to dress appropriately for outdoor work. After the event, we also recommend checking for ticks as a precaution. We also recommend bringing a water bottle and dressing appropriately for outdoor conditions.

This is a wonderful way to give back to your community, enjoy the outdoors, and ensure our trails remain in great condition for everyone to enjoy. 

We look forward to seeing you there!

The minimum age for participants is 15 years old per DCR.

Fill out this form and waiver below if you would like to volunteer!

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